Based on Acts 6:8-15 (New King James Version)
“And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. Then they secretly induced men to say, ‘We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.’ And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. They also set up false witnesses who said, ‘This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.’ And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.”
Was it a surprise to Stephen that he was persecuted and even killed for his faith in Christ? Is it necessary to suffer persecution for Christ as a requirement for entering heaven? To begin answering this, we see in many parts of God's Word that persecution and tribulation for the faith are part of following Christ. And it shouldn't be a surprise if we are legitimately following the Lord. For example, the Lord Himself taught this: “Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake…” Matthew 10:21-22a. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12. So, it has always been part of following God to suffer some kind of persecution, tribulation, and even death for doing good, both in the times before Christ, and during the time the Lord walked this earth (because man even persecuted and killed the Son of God), and in the times of the early Church, and it is also true today. And there will also be persecution like never before when the Antichrist and the Beast exercise their power over this world.
Now, we must make sure that we are truly suffering for Christ and not for something else, because there are many who see the consequences of their sins as persecution or trials, and that is something else. It is more than possible that many are suffering for things they brought upon themselves. But Stephen was not killed because he had done something wrong, or because he had harmed someone, or for anything else. The Word clearly states that they even had to bribe false witnesses against Stephen so they could have the excuse to harm him, because he was greatly expanding the work of God, even through signs and wonders. This is what the Word says: “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. For ‘He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.’ And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.’ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” 1 Peter 3:8-17. So, we must realize why we may be experiencing certain problems. The only reason we should suffer persecution is for the Lord, and for defending His principles.
I know this isn't pleasant because no one likes to suffer, much less go through trials and tribulations, but ultimately, yes, it is part of following Christ, and not many today are willing to even endure some disappointment or even discomfort for the kingdom of God. How can I say this? Almost no one is willing to even sacrifice a relationship with a person for God's principles. Instead, they prefer to justify sin and label it "love," such as tolerating those who profess to believe in Christ but live practicing sin, living a lifestyle that does not glorify God. Many think they will lead others to Christ by continuing to participate in the things of the world, even by keeping intimate relationships with the world, and thus making themselves enemies of God, as it is written: “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” James 4:4. Did Christ get drunk with the tax collectors to speak to them about the kingdom? Did the Lord do something wrong to engage in conversation with the Samaritan woman? Did the Lord have closeness with everyone, or only with those who decided to leave everything for Him? So, if Christ acted this way, what should we do? He must be our point of reference, our example, and no one else. So, doing good, drawing the line between God and the world, comes at a price. And the Word also says: “…We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22b.
So, why is it God's will for us to suffer tribulation? Because He wants to see who is genuine, and the only way to know is through trial, through tribulation. This is what the Word says: “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:6-7. The only way to see whether gold is real or not is through fire. And if we are gold, that is, if our faith is genuine, then the fire will make us even cleaner, removing the impurities from our lives. And what does this speak to us about, and what God ultimately wants to have happen? That we remain, that we stay the course, that we face anything for loving Him. This is what the Word says: “…But he who endures to the end will be saved.” Matthew 10:22b. If we decide to remain in Him, despite the circumstances, we will receive God's supreme reward. But if a person decides to abandon the faith due to difficult circumstances, then they decide their own condemnation, as it also says: “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.” John 15:4-6. The decision is ours, because God does not force anyone. So then, are you willing to suffer persecution for the right reasons? Lord bless! John. God bless Israel!