Get ready to start a journey…a journey through the pages of the Bible and the pages of your life.
Tough times call for strong leadership. Many can lead well when things are going well—when business is thriving, everything is good at home, and the church is growing. But when the bottom falls out of the economy, family dynamics are challenging, and the church is filled with worriers instead of worshipers, real leaders step forward to inspire and set the course.
One by one, they died. James, the brother of John, was beheaded. Thomas was killed in India. Simon was crucified in Egypt. Mark, the first bishop of Alexandria, was burned and buried in Egypt as well. Bartholomew was beaten, crucified, and beheaded. Andrew, Peter’s brother, was crucified in Rome. Matthew was killed with a spear. Phillip was stoned and then hanged on a cross. James, the brother of Jesus, survived being thrown from the temple. Then he was beaten to death.
I can hardly imagine the emotions of believers who are persecuted. While countless believers have been put to death throughout the ages, and many are dying for their faith throughout the world, American Christians don’t give persecution a second thought. But Peter is writing to those who may well die for their faith. Take in his solemn instruction.
Our passage today reminds me of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Let’s read the verse and review his story.
1 Peter 4:14
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
The apostle Peter was no stranger to suffering. His time with Jesus opened his eyes to the painful trials that followers of Jesus must endure. He knew what the inside of a Roman prison looked like. He also knew that Roman jailors did not have this job because of their kindheartedness. In today’s passage, Peter tells believers to not be surprised by “fiery trials.”