0134. Antioch Was a Church Born Out of Persecution

Antioch Was a Church Born Out of Persecution

"And at that time there was a great persecution * * and they were all scattered abroad" (Act_8:1-4).

"Now they which were scattered abroad * * travelled as far as * * Antioch" (Act_11:19).

It has been said that "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church." That is true.

1. When the persecution came upon the saints in Jerusalem, Peter and the Apostles stayed by the work; they doubtless felt that they could not leave Jerusalem, at so crucial a time. However the saints were generally driven from the city and they went in all directions, preaching Christ as they went.

So it was that the Gospel was preached in Antioch, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.

God used both the wrath of Satan and of men to praise Him. Instead of scattering the saints to their undoing, every saint became a missionary of the Cross, and the story of the blessed Gospel increased with leaps and bounds.

2. Another result of the persecution was this: The persecuted saints had iron put into their blood. They were made strong by persecution. They learned to lean the more heavily upon the Lord, and He became more and more real to them. They loved not their lives unto the death.

There is nothing that draws us closer to our Lord than trial: There is nothing that develops our faithfulness more than severe testings.

3. Another result of persecution is that it draws saints together in closest fellowship. Persecuted saints are driven to their Lord, and as they get close up to Him, they get closer to each other. They have much in common; their heart-strings vibrate to the same key; they have need of the same help.

As saints come together in heart and prayer they become more and more powerful as witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Illustration: It is said that there is a bridge in Cincinnati which has marked upon it, the following superscription: "Processions in crossing this bridge must break step."

Satan thought to scatter the saints by this persecution, to break their step and to break the power of their united effort. He did scatter them, but at the same time he threw them into closer fellowship. They went forth with one heart and with one mind, and with irresistible power.

4. Persecution is utterly helpless when it attempts to stay the testimony of saved souls. Those who love the Lord refuse to count their lives as dear. They are willing not only to go to Jerusalem, but also to die there for His Name. They know that in the hour of their greatest trial, the hand of God will wonderfully sustain them. They know also the glory of a martyr’s crown.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR