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In our country and in Nigeria, radicals burn Christian churches because they hate followers of Christ. Jesus told his disciples to expect persecution of all kinds after he left them. The book of Acts records several painful incidents, one in chapters 4 and 5. The leaders warned the apostles to stop telling people that Jesus had risen from the dead. They refused to stop. SO once again, we read, “They brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. “Didn’t we tell you never again to teach in this man’s name?” he demanded. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!” But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. When they heard this, the high council was furious and decided to kill them. But one member, a Pharisee named Gamaliel [kept them from carrying out their plan] Still, They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus and they let them go. The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.” They rejoiced because they knew that persecution and trials can refine character and bring us closer to our Lord.
