CHRISTIAN WITNESSING
WITNESSING IN THE FACE OF OPPOSITION
Reasons for persecution of the apostles Peter and John (Acts 3: 1-26)
The apostles became popular as a result of healing the lame man.
The apostles were blamed for assuming the authority of the religious leaders and teachers.
Their preaching about the resurrection angered the Sadducees, who did not believe in life after death.
The reactions
The apostles showed respect to the Jewish leaders and recognized that these leaders had been given the job of judging in religious matters.
They were unafraid and boldly preached the gospel to the leaders. They committed the whole problem to God in prayer.
Persecution of Stephen and Paul
a) Stephen (Acts 6:8- 15, 7: 1-8:1)
Stephen was persecuted because the Jews could not with stand the wisdom which the Holy Spirit gave him in his answers when they tried to argue publicly with him.
Stephen used Jewish history to show how the Jewish how the Jews had been rebelling against God in the past, just as they were now.
Stephen however showed an attitude of love and forgiveness towards his persecutors in spite of what they were doing to him.
He first of all calmly explained what he had preached.
b) Saul (Acts 9: 23-30)
After becoming a Christian himself, Saul or Paul as he was later known, was persecuted.
He never allowed himself to be discouraged by persecution.
Opposition at Phillip (Acts 16: 16-30)
A young woman possessed by a demon followed Paul and Silas. The demon in her knew who these men were.
This was an effort of Satan to oppose the work of God. vPaul and Silas cast out the demon of the younger woman.
They dragged Paul and Silas to the market place were the local magistrate presided. The Magistrate was persuaded by the crowd without looking into the matter.
Paul and Silas were beaten with rods on their backs.
Reactions of the Apostles
When first opposed by the demon possessed woman, they just ignored. Paul never went out looking for people with demons in order to cast them. In prison, the apostles prayed and rejoiced, and sang songs of praise.
The earthquake which followed, and the conversion of the jailer, brings out the truth that God was with them.
Opposition at Lystra (Acts 14: 8-12)
The people of Lystra misunderstood the Gospel and mistook Paul and Barnabas for heathen gods.
The Jews influenced the Gentiles in Lystra until in their fury, they stoned Paul. Paul and Barnabas left the city the next day, not wanting to force people to receive the Gospel
VARIOUS PRSECUTIONS FACED BY THE APOSTLES
a) Persecution by Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12: 1-24)
The Jews hated Herod appointed by the Romans. He was always looking for ways and means to please them so that he could rule the Jews easily.
When he realized that the Jews also hated Christians, he arrested James and had him beheaded.
Reactions of the apostles
The Christian reaction to this persecution was to use was to use the greatest weapon of all – prayer.
God struck Herod down in public and he died an agonizing death.
b) Opposition from Jewish Magician (Acts 13:4-11)
Elymas was a Jewish magician and a force prophet who pretended to lead people in God’s ways.
Because Satan controlled him, and possibly because he thought he might lose his position and influence if the proconsul became a Christian, he opposed Paul and Barnabas.
PAUL’S REACTIONS:
· Paul rebuked him publicly and exposed him of what he really was-not a ‘’son of Jesus’’ but a ‘’son of the devil.’’
· Publicly exposing a person for what he really is was a commonly used in Acts to fight opposition. ( Acts 8 22, 5: 4)
CHRISTIANS REACTION TO PERSECUTION TODAY ·
Ignore the persecutors
· Pray for the persecutors
· Pray for guidance and strength from God · Rejoice
· Calmly explain the situation.
REACTIONS TO PERSECUTION IN OTHER RELIGIONS
HINDUISM
Hinduism is based on love, tolerance and forgiveness. To a true Hindu persecution is not a real defeat.
ISLAM
Islam is a very militant religion. Any opposition is dealt in a violet way. The non-violate reaction can be looked upon as a weakness, and also as being unfaithful to their religion.
The Quran encourages revenge after persecution.
The Muslim believes that his life, property and everything else belong to God and Allah decrees every thing that happens even persecution.
Religious Comparison on Persecution
a) Christianity Vs Islam
Similarities:
Both react to persecutions.
Differences:
Christianity- Ignore the persecutors.
Islam- The Quran encourages revenge.
Christianity- Pray for the persecutors.
Islam- Any persecution is dealt with in a violent way.
Christianity-Pray for guidance and strength from God rejoice and calmly explain the situation
Christianity Vs Zambian Traditional Religion
Similarities:
Both have a discussion on the issue in order to arrive at a lasting solution.
Both get the consensus of the parties involved in conflict so as to reach an agreeable solution.
Differences:
Christianity-They refer to Scripture for the teaching concerning the situation.
Z.T.R- There is a go between so as to assist the parties concerned to find a way of resolving the conflicts.
Christianity- There is always Scriptural counselling to help people in conflict to find the spiritual solution to the problem.
Z.T.R- Those found guilty are made to apologize or pay damages to the other party with whom they were in conflict.
Christianity Vs Z.T.R
Similarities:
Both expect everyone to work Both work to feed their families
Both believe that neglect of work leads to lack of food and shelter.
Differences:
Christianity-This should be of integrity, diligence, co- operation, punctuality, reliability and honest.
Z.T.R: Everyone was expected to work from childhood to adulthood with supervision and teaching.
Christianity Vs Hinduism
Similarity:
Both have an opportunity of a leisure time.
Both spend time relaxing and resting
Both spend their time visiting friends.
Differences:
Christianity- The day is observed as a day of rest and relaxation, and has a religious significance.
Hinduism- Leisure opportunity has no religious significance.
