REASSURANCE AMID PERSECUTION

“On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” —Matthew 10:18–20

Persecution has been a reality for followers of Jesus throughout the history of the church. For many Christians in the world today, it remains a reality, sometimes in large ways, sometimes in everyday smaller forms. But, whatever the disciples would face, and whatever we might face, Jesus gave reassurances when first sending His disciples to the towns and villages of Israel. First, when they encountered persecution, they would recognize that Jesus had anticipated this. Persecution would not take Him—or them—by surprise.

That Jesus understood this about the dynamics of the gospel showed His insight and understanding of the world in which the disciples were to live, minister, and serve. Second, Jesus urged that persecution would provide opportunities to witness to powerful leaders and the wider world. Throughout history, the focus that persecution has brought to followers of Jesus has given them a platform and voice they would not have had otherwise.

Not that persecution should be sought, but when it came, more people would hear the message of Jesus and see a demonstration of faith. Third, Jesus told the disciples that they need not worry about “what to say or how to say it.” Instead, the Holy Spirit would be especially close to them at such times, and they would be given the words to speak that would be most powerful to their hearers in those circumstances. Under the pressures of persecution, followers of Jesus are not asked to carry the added burden of making the perfect speech. God will be with them and shine through their faithful witness.