Those of us who live in America have not experienced the severe persecution that our Christian brothers and sisters endure across the globe.
Our American culture has changed over the years. Christianity is the target for atheists and some politicians.
But we have not yet gotten to the point of beheading, hanging, burning, and other forms of torture simply because of our belief in the Lord.
Millions are persecuted each year because of their loyalty to Jesus.
Those converting to Christianity from Islam are rejected by their families, imprisoned, and sometimes executed. Believers held captive by communism never know from day to day the threats that await them.
Tradition tells us about the suffering some of the disciples of Jesus went through as they witnessed to people.
It is said that Peter was crucified upside down, John boiled in oil, and Bartholomew skinned alive. James was the first disciple killed by the sword.
Hebrews lists the hall of faith which includes some of the saints who left this earth in violent ways.
There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated—the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. (Hebrews 11:35b–38 NIV)
And we, of course, can’t forget all the afflictions Paul the Apostle underwent because of his change of heart toward Christ. When writing to the Corinthian church, he listed the sufferings he still endured for the sake of the gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23–27).
Foxe’s Book of Martyrs shares stories of other saints who suffered so much for their belief in God’s Son. The accounts in books such as these have at times brought fear to me, but also questions.
What would I do in this situation? I don’t want to live in fear. I want to be true to my Lord.
I extend honor and respect to all victims of persecution. Their allegiance to God is an example to every believer.
One ancient martyr who stands out in my mind is Polycarp. This man with a strange-sounding name bore unbelievable agony, but he never recanted his commitment to Christ.
Polycarp was a disciple of the Apostle John and a Greek bishop of the church in Smyrna in the second century. He survived to the age of 86 before the government of Rome killed him.
Persecuting Christians was a national sport in this pagan society. Elevating godlike status to anyone other than Caesar brought violent opposition against the Lord’s followers.
Wild beasts ripped their bodies apart as the crowd cheered and called for the flow of more blood.
Here are four ways martyrs remain strong during persecution and how we can follow their example:
1. They Saw the Real Enemy as Satan, Not the People He Uses
Once the guards came to arrest Polycarp, they were amazed at this man’s age. The day was late and Polycarp set a table before them to eat and drink as much as they desired.
He prayed for two hours before they took him away. The power of his prayer caused some of them to be sorry they had to deliver him to death.
We should direct our prayers toward defeating our real enemy. When our emotions get involved, anger can rise and our attention can be drawn to people instead of the spirit behind wrong behavior. Abiding in Christ and living in His identity can help us target our prayers to defeat evil.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12)
2. They Looked Forward to the Reward Instead of Focusing on Adversity
As Polycarp entered the stadium where death awaited him, he heard a voice, “Be strong, Polycarp, and play the man.”
When Paul knew his time on earth was coming to an end, he reminded the Philippians that his goal had always been on elevating Christ and not the painful parts of his life. He pressed toward the prize that awaited him (Philippians 3:14).
We are victorious when our minds think about the benefits of following Christ instead of temporary earthly suffering.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11–12)
3. They Placed More Importance on Jesus Than Their Own Lives
Polycarp faced the magistrate and withstood the persuasion to swear allegiance to Caesar. His response was, “Fourscore and six years I have been His servant, and He has done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?”
Those who faced the choice of a temporary reprieve or dying for Christ could withstand this pressure because they spent some time in tribulations with nothing but Him.
When Jesus is all we have we realize nothing else matters.
He should be more important than anything else all the time. But the comforts of life can inhibit our commitments. Complacency may replace consistency and benefits may be taken for granted.
We haven’t yet experienced life without the freedom to worship as we please.
Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. (John 12:25)
4. They Held God’s Word in High Esteem
The threat of wild beasts brought this from Polycarp’s mouth. “Call for them; for the repentance from better to worse is a change not permitted to us; but it is a noble thing to change from untowardness to righteousness.”
We are surrounded by influences that seek to draw us away from holy virtues. Truth is absolute. And God is the only one with truth. All others are just opinions.
Social media, entertainment, politics, and news can’t solve the ills of the world. Only when we follow the mandates of Scripture can we have the solution to any problem that faces us.
When the Bible is our only authority, we will have the ammunition to stand strong in the face of persecution.
I have not departed from the commands of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread. (Job 23:12)
How Can We Help Those Who Are Persecuted All Over the World Today?
Pray they can remain strong. Ask for them to receive Bibles and have their physical needs met.
Give to organizations such as Voice of the Martyrs that assist suffering saints in a multitude of countries.
Pray for their enemies. We can ask for their strength to reflect light to the persecutors.
We can hope for miraculous intervention for release from prisons and escape from hardship. But even if these things don’t happen, we can pray that those in difficult situations will remain confident that heaven has not abandoned them.
Our Inspiration
As the days grow darker and persecution comes our way, may we remember the Savior’s light shines with rays of hope. He promised to never leave us or forsake us.
Of course, Jesus is our perfect inspiration of devotion and obedience under stress. He completed the goal of salvation for all mankind because He fulfilled the will of His Father even through death.
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)
When we focus on Jesus and not the unknown future, we have the assurance of the Comforter’s presence.
He will bring to mind what we need to know. His power resides in us as believers and is greater than any obstacle we may face.
May we be blessed with the faith of a martyr.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Klebercordeiro
