The Bible tells a unified story of God’s plan to overcome evil and restore all of creation through Jesus, who died and rose again to build His redeemed family—the church and bring God’s good kingdom rule. However, God’s kingdom is not coming all at once; we live in an overlap of time where God is rescuing people from the world’s kingdoms into His kingdom, which has already begun but will not be fully realized until Jesus returns. As His kingdom people, we are called to live by the values and ways of his kingdom, yet we often adopt the world’s ways of thinking about success, life, and the church. Paul warns us in Colossians 2:8 not to be taken captive by worldly philosophies. Yet, if we don’t put some effort into realigning our thinking with God’s kingdom, we risk embracing a version of Christianity that fits into cultural expectations but lacks the power to transform lives.
The first section of Acts tells the story of the coming of the Holy Spirit and the very beginnings of the church. We see a dynamic, unified community of believers loving one another with extraordinary devotion, working together to overcome opposition and internal conflict, and teaching others about Jesus both publicly and from house to house.
Miraculous healings take place, and people are coming to faith in Jesus. The Lord is adding to their number, with new believers being baptized and joining this growing family of disciples—even some priests are coming to faith.
But just at the peak of this exciting season of ministry and expansion, the forces of evil strike. Stephen, one of their second-generation leaders, is murdered by an angry mob.
"And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison." Acts 8:1–3 (ESV)
Overnight, the church in Jerusalem shrinks as believers scatter to escape their emboldened persecutors.
What does this tragic story of the death of Stephen tell us about the ways of God’s kingdom?
Until Jesus returns, the kingdoms of this world will always end up opposing God’s kingdom. Satan seeks to distort, discredit and silence the church. A terrible evil, like the murder of an innocent believer, may seem like a victory for darkness—but is it really?
- Instead of stopping people from hearing about Jesus, this terrible event produces a clear public presentation of the good news of Jesus and his kingdom. (Ch 7)
- Instead of covering up the glory of who Jesus is, this event puts the presence and Character of the risen Lord Jesus on display for all to see! (7:55-56, 59-60)
- Instead of destroying Stephen, this tragic event becomes the moment Stephen’s salvation is more fully realized. (7:55-56)
- Instead of stopping Christ’s plan, this awful event helps expand the mission to make disciples of all nations! (8:4ff)
From the world’s perspective, this tragedy looks like a complete failure. But from God’s kingdom perspective, though painful and difficult, it is no failure at all—it is a victory.
God’s kingdom advances through faithfulness in the face of suffering.
But here’s the thing—many of us have come to believe that following Jesus should lead to a more comfortable and easier life. We have subtly absorbed the world’s thinking that if we are doing the right things, life should get easier, not harder. Many Christians today make decisions about life, career, church involvement, and even how they practice their faith based on what will provide the least resistance, the most convenience, the most stability, the most comfort. In doing so, we end up pursuing a version of Christianity that Jesus never called us to—a version that fits neatly into the world’s expectations but has lost its power to transform lives.
But the ways of God’s kingdom are not like the ways of the world. The good news of Jesus and his Kingdom calls us to something greater than a life of ease. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Jesus says the blessings of the kingdom belong not to those who are living in comfort and ease but to the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, and those who are persecuted for doing what is right.
Some questions to consider:
- What are some ways we prioritize convenience and self-preservation over following Christ’s plan for being his church and making disciples?
- What are some ways we tend to retreat or look for an easier path when facing opposition? How can we respond differently in a way that reflects the faithfulness of the early church?
- Is there something Jesus has clearly called you to that is inconvenient or difficult that you’ve been avoiding? What is one step you can take towards obedience?
- Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). How does this promise encourage us in difficult times?
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