persecution Archives

Paul's Defense before Festus and Agrippa (Acts 25-26)

When Festus proposes a trial in Jerusalem, Paul instead uses his rights as a Roman citizen to appeal his case to Caesar. We consider the teaching and examples of Jesus and the apostles on how to interact with governments under difficult circumstances. This can prepare us for times of persecution. We also look at the

Paul's Defense before Festus and Agrippa (Acts 25-26) View Lesson

Paul's Second Missionary Journey: Into Europe (Acts 15:36-16:40)

Paul’s second missionary trip is filled with adventures, and lessons for us. How do we handle disagreements between spiritual leaders? What can we learn from Timothy undergoing circumcision, "becoming all things to all men", to reach out to Jews? Here we see God using an unjust prison stay to bring a jailer and his family

Paul's Second Missionary Journey: Into Europe (Acts 15:36-16:40) View Lesson

Do Not Think It Strange (1 Peter 4:12-19)

Peter says we should not think it strange when we are tested. We explore the significance and range of this word in Scripture, also translated "to try" (or even "to tempt" when Satan is involved). While the Lord tests us for good, we must never put God to the test. In view of the various

Do Not Think It Strange (1 Peter 4:12-19) View Lesson

Jesus Before Pilate (John 18:28-19:16)

The Jewish leader Caiaphas hands Jesus over to Pilate to be questioned, tortured and murdered. When we consider that Jesus' life was characterized by kindness to the poor, healing the sick, and a message of love for all mankind, why was it that so many people wanted to kill him? This lesson seeks to answer

Jesus Before Pilate (John 18:28-19:16) View Lesson

The World Will Hate You (John 15:18-16:04)

In John 15, Jesus promises that the world will hate His followers. In this lesson we look at what Jesus had to say about persecution, including why the world will hate His disciples. We also look at examples of martyrdom and accounts of Christian persecution in the early Church. May Jesus' teaching on persecution and

The World Will Hate You (John 15:18-16:04) View Lesson

I Was Blind, Now I See (John 9:1-41)

In John 9 Jesus performs an extraordinary miracle, giving sight (in an unusual way) to a young man born blind. Through this one event, Jesus answers the question of who sinned (the man or his parents), fulfills prophecy, reveals his divinity and identity as the Son of God, and comforts the afflicted. This lesson encourages

I Was Blind, Now I See (John 9:1-41) View Lesson

Before Abraham Was (John 8:51-59)

At the end of John 8 Jesus makes several remarkable statements for which the Jews take up stones to kill him. In addition to calling the Jews liars, Jesus says "if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death," that "Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad" and

Before Abraham Was (John 8:51-59) View Lesson

The World Hates Me (John 7:1-13)

If Jesus came into the world to demonstrate God’s love and grace, why would He be hated? Jesus says He was hated by the world, "Because I testify of it that its works are evil." If we grasp this aspect of Jesus’ character and ministry, it will have profound implications for our own lives and

The World Hates Me (John 7:1-13) View Lesson

The Son of Man Must Be Lifted Up (John 3:13-36)

This passage of Scripture contains perhaps the most famous verse in the Bible: John 3:16. We look at this verse in its context, which not only shows how badly the verse is twisted and misunderstood by so many today but also reveals a message and means of salvation that will be hated by the world.

The Son of Man Must Be Lifted Up (John 3:13-36) View Lesson

Lessons from Enoch (Genesis 4:17-5:27)

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. - Hebrews 11:6 When we engage in expository preaching, working through a book of the Bible, we sometimes stumble upon wisdom that

Lessons from Enoch (Genesis 4:17-5:27) View Lesson