DECEMBER 4, Acts 4:1-4, 18-21

Shortly after Christ ascended to heaven, the strongest enemy of the Gospel started to attack. Satan masterminded the first persecution by making use of the Sadducees. They objected to the teaching of the resurrection of Christ. They were supposed to be religious teachers of the Jews, yet they themselves could not discern that Jesus was the Son of God. When they knew that Peter and John were preaching the Gospel of Jesus, they were very angry and had both of them locked up in a jail overnight.

More persecution awaited the apostles. After the one-night imprisonment, they had to face the Sanhedrin (a group of supposedly wise men who decide on matters as would a judge in today’s court of law) who would decide what to do to them. Would they lose their lives? Would their families be persecuted too? Would they be tortured? Praise be to God that none of these happened. They were spared but were warned against preaching about Christ.

Has anyone opposed you before for your faith? Perhaps parents disallowed you from going to church or Bible study class. Maybe your grandmother had wanted you to go to the temple with her. Or have you lost some friends because you shared Christ with them or you gave them tracts. Can you think of some obstacles you have experienced?

Why do people persecute Christians?

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                                                                           ( John 15:20-21)

Thought: Read Acts 4:4. God did an amazing thing. What was it?

Write the answer here. __________________________________

Prayer: Heavenly Father, when people go against me due to my faith in You, please help me, and give me strength so I will not waver in my faith. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.