The Early Church: Joy in Persecution

Joy is easy when life is simple. True joy, however, is discovered when faithfulness in hardship leads us to trust Christ more deeply. The early Church models joyful endurance in Christ even when persecution threatened their lives. Their faith, unity, generosity, and boldness testify that joy is not found in circumstances, but in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Introduction

Persecution is not a word any of us enjoy hearing. It brings to mind images of hardship, suffering, and pressure. Yet throughout Scripture and church history, persecution has often produced the greatest spiritual strength, deepest unity, and most compelling witness for the gospel. In the book of Acts, we find the early Church facing threats, arrests, beatings, and social pressure. Instead of shrinking back, they responded with joy, boldness, and overflowing gratitude to God.

As we continue our Advent teaching series, Faithful and Grateful: Hope in the Midst of Hardship, we look at the example of the early believers and learn how they found joy when their faith cost them something. Their joy did not come from ease, comfort, or approval. Their joy came from Christ Himself, through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.

The early Church shows us that joy is not the absence of persecution; joy is the presence of Christ during persecution. When we understand this, we begin to see hardship differently. We begin to see opposition not as a barrier, but as an opportunity for God to demonstrate His power through our lives.

Let us look at Acts chapters 4 and 5 and see how the early Christians lived out joyful endurance in Christ.

Bold Witness in the Face of Threats

The first major wave of persecution in Acts came after Peter and John healed a man at the temple gate. The miracle drew crowds, and Peter boldly proclaimed the gospel. The religious leaders were not pleased. They had hoped Jesus’ death would silence His movement, but now His followers were performing miracles in His name.

Peter and John were arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin, the same council that had condemned Jesus. The leaders demanded that they stop preaching about Jesus. Their threats were serious. The apostles had seen what these leaders were capable of, yet they stood firm.

We read in Acts 4:18-20:

Acts 4:18-20

(18)  Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.  (19)  But Peter and John replied, "Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges!  (20)  As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."

This is courageous faith. This is faithfulness in hardship.

The apostles did not compromise under pressure. They did not soften the message to avoid conflict. They responded with boldness because, as they said, they could not help speaking about Jesus. Their lives had been transformed, and nothing, not even threats, could silence their testimony.

After their release, they returned to the believers, and instead of praying for safety, they prayed for greater boldness. Their prayer ended with this remarkable request in Acts 4:29, “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.”

They did not ask God to remove the opposition. They asked for courage to continue the mission.

Here is the lesson for us: When we choose bold obedience, God supplies bold courage.

Comment below with a moment when you felt God give you courage to speak or act for Him even when it was difficult.

Joyful Unity and Generosity in Hardship

One of the most inspiring qualities of the early Church was its unity. Persecution did not scatter them; it brought them closer together. Hardship drew their hearts toward one another and toward God.

Acts 4:32 describes this unity beautifully:

Acts 4:32

(32)  All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.

They shared everything they had. No one claimed personal ownership over their possessions. Those who had extra sold property or belongings and gave the proceeds to the apostles to be distributed to anyone in need.

This was not communism, nor was it forced generosity. It was the natural expression of love and joy among believers who had experienced the grace of Jesus. They understood that everything they possessed belonged to God, and they were eager to use it to serve others.

Their unity produced joy. Their generosity produced joy. Their commitment to one another became a demonstration of God’s love to the world.

Joy in persecution is not simply an individual experience. It is a community experience.
Christians endure hardship with joy when they support one another, pray for one another, and carry each other’s burdens.

As we approach Christmas, we are reminded that Jesus came to bring unity among believers and to form a community marked by love, gratitude, and generosity.

In the comments below, share a way that Christian community has encouraged you during a difficult season.

Rejoicing After Suffering for Christ

In Acts chapter 5, persecution intensifies. The apostles were arrested again, this time by the high priest and his associates, who were filled with jealousy. They were thrown into jail, but during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors and set them free, commanding them to continue preaching in the temple courts.

The next day, the apostles were brought before the Sanhedrin again. The leaders were furious and wanted to put them to death, but a respected Pharisee named Gamaliel persuaded them not to act hastily. Instead, the apostles were flogged and ordered once more not to speak in the name of Jesus.

A flogging was brutal. Their backs would have been torn and bleeding. They suffered physically because of their faithfulness.

Yet Acts 5:41-42 tells us something astonishing:

Acts 5:41

(41)  The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

They rejoiced:

• Not because it felt good.
• Not because the persecution ended.
• Not because they earned admiration.

They rejoiced because their suffering identified them with Jesus.

This is joyful endurance in Christ.

Their joy was rooted in their identity as followers of Jesus and in the presence of the Holy Spirit who strengthened them. Their suffering became a testimony, and their joy became a powerful witness to the watching world.

Acts 5:42 says:

Acts 5:42

(42)  Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Persecution did not silence them. Pain did not stop them. Threats did not frighten them. Their joy empowered their witness.

Here is the chief point of this teaching: Joy is not the absence of suffering; joy is the presence of Jesus in suffering.

Comment below with an example of how God has helped you remain joyful or hopeful during a painful or uncertain season.

Conclusion

The early Church teaches us that faithfulness in hardship is possible, and joyful endurance in Christ is real. Their boldness in witness, unity in community, generosity in love, and joy in suffering all point to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

• They faced persecution not with fear, but with courage.
• They faced suffering not with despair, but with joy.
• They faced opposition not with silence, but with proclamation.

Their lives remind us that the same Spirit who empowered them empowers us today. Joy is not something we must manufacture. Joy is a gift of God’s presence, even in the hardest moments.

This Week

Pray each day this week for God to fill you with the joy of the Holy Spirit, especially in any area where you feel pressure, hardship, or discouragement. Ask Him to help you respond with courage, unity, generosity, and gratitude, just as the early believers did.

Next week we look at Mary and Joseph, who responded to God’s calling with humble obedience in the midst of great uncertainty. Their trust, courage, and faithfulness set the stage for the birth of Jesus. Their story invites us to say yes to God even when we cannot see the whole picture. Do not miss next week’s message, “Mary and Joseph: Faithful Obedience in Uncertainty.”

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• The Joy of The Lord
• Unity in Christ: Living Beyond Division