Christian Witness

Examples of Non-Violent Reactions to Persecution

• Many people have been persecuted for their beliefs. For example:
• Former President Kaunda
• Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe
• Charles Lwanga (Uganda)

These people reacted in a non-violent way, trusting in God.

Persecution of the Apostles Peter and John (Acts 3:1-26)

Reasons for Persecution

• The Apostles became popular after healing a lame man. This caused crowds to gather, which angered the religious leaders.
• The Apostles were blamed for acting like religious teachers, which was a role reserved for the scribes.
• They preached about the resurrection, which upset the Sadducees who didn’t believe in life after death.

The Reactions of the Apostles (Acts 4:1-3)

• The Apostles respected the Jewish leaders, but they could not stop preaching the Gospel.
• They showed courage and boldness in sharing God’s message.
• Instead of praying for an end to persecution, they prayed for strength and courage to face it.

Persecution of Stephen and Saul

Stephen’s Persecution (Acts 6:8-15; 7:1-8:1)

• Stephen was persecuted because his wisdom, given by the Holy Spirit, made the Jews look foolish when they tried to argue with him.
• Instead of changing their minds, they decided to destroy him.
• While being stoned, Stephen prayed to God for their forgiveness. (Acts 9:23-30; Acts 8:1)

Saul’s Persecution (Acts 9:23-30)

• After becoming a Christian, Saul (later known as Paul) was persecuted. He rejoiced in his suffering because it showed God's power.
• He refused to be discouraged by opposition.

Opposition at Philippi (Acts 16:16-30)

• A demon-possessed woman followed Paul and Silas, trying to disrupt their message.
• Paul cast out the demon, which led to false accusations against them.
• They were beaten, imprisoned, and treated as criminals.

Reactions of the Apostles

• Initially, Paul and Silas ignored the demon-possessed woman, but when her behavior continued, they cast the demon out.
• They didn’t seek out people to cast out demons, but did so to protect the Gospel message.
• In prison, they prayed and sang songs, trusting that God would use their suffering for good. (Romans 8:28, 2 Cor. 4:17-18)
• After an earthquake, the jailer was converted, showing how God can turn opposition into an opportunity.

Opposition at Lystra (Acts 14:8-21)

• The people of Lystra misunderstood the Gospel, thinking Paul and Barnabas were gods.
• When the Jews from Antioch and Iconium influenced the people, they stoned Paul, thinking he was dead.
• Paul rose up, and the next day, they left the city, not because they were afraid, but to avoid forcing people to accept the Gospel.

Persecution by Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:1-24)

• Herod, a Roman-appointed ruler, wanted to please the Jews. When he saw that persecuting Christians made the Jews happy, he arrested and beheaded James.
• He planned to kill Peter as well but was thwarted by God’s intervention.

The Apostles’ Reaction

• Christians responded with prayer, knowing that God was in control.
• God answered their prayers, and Peter was miraculously freed from prison.

Opposition from a Samaritan Sorcerer (Acts 8:9-24)

• Simon was a magician in Samaria, amazed by the miracles of God performed by Philip.
• He tried to buy the power to give people the Holy Spirit but was rebuked by Peter. (Mark 10:43-44)

Opposition from a Jewish Magician (Acts 13:4-11)

• Elymas, a false prophet, opposed Paul and Barnabas.
• Paul rebuked him, and God temporarily blinded Elymas, showing that his opposition would not succeed.

How Christians Should React to Persecution

• Ignore the persecutors.
• Pray for those who persecute you.
• Ask

  Topic 2.4 – Reaction to Persecution in Other Religions

  Hinduism

  • Mahatma Gandhi: A Hindu from India, Gandhi suffered racial persecution in South Africa. He was impressed by Jesus’ teachings on non-violence, especially in Matthew 5:38-42.
  • Gandhi couldn’t understand why Christians didn’t always live by these teachings, which is why he didn’t become Christian.
  • Hinduism teaches love, tolerance, and forgiveness. For true Hindus, persecution is not a real defeat.

  Islam

  • Islam is a militant religion where opposition is met with violence, following the principle of "an eye for an eye."
  • Some Muslims see Christians’ non-violent response as weakness and unfaithfulness to their religion.
  • Islam teaches that everything belongs to God, and persecution is part of His will. Muslims are ready to sacrifice everything to please Allah.