Blessed are those who die in the Lord.
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- Jul 2
- 2 min read
Rev. Tse Amable | July 2 2025 | Acts 12:1-4
KEY VERSE: “It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. Acts 12:1 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
Acts 11 ended with some good news about the spread of the gospel. The church outside Jerusalem was growing rapidly and thriving well. The Lord had raised an amazing team, comprising Barnabas and Saul, who did a great job of teaching the new believers and grounding them in the faith. When the disciples in Antioch heard about the severe famine which was prophetically revealed to spread over the entire Roman world, they responded enthusiastically to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders through Barnabas and Saul.
THIS WAS A GREAT TIME TO BE A CHRISTIAN
Sadly, this was the time Satan decided to strike the church. And he found a willing and available vessel for his diabolical agenda in the person of King Herod. This probably shocked the church because after the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, the scriptures tell us that “the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord” (Acts 9:31)
Never come to the point where you think that Satan has given up on attacking you. Even with Jesus Christ, after the defeat the devil suffered, he only left him to return at an opportune time (Luke 4:13). Keep in mind the admonishing of Apostle Peter which says “be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE: How do you keep yourself informed and updated about what is happening to Christians all over the world? Have you identified the vessels Satan is using at this time to persecute the church?
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, help me never to lose my guard but to be watchful and vigilant through prayer. Empower your church to be vigilant and to resist the devil when he attacks by using various forms of persecution, including killing our frontliners – our pastors, deacons, etc. Amen!.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: PERSECUTE The word “persecute” comes from the Greek diōkō (διώκω), meaning “to pursue” or “to hunt down.” It implies persistent and aggressive pursuit, often with the intent to harm.
In the New Testament, persecution often arises from opposition to the truth of Christ. Herod’s attack wasn’t just political—it was spiritual. He targeted the church at a time of growth. The enemy always seeks to interrupt momentum.
Reflection:
Persecution is not always violent. It may be legal, cultural, or systemic. Are you alert enough to recognise it in your own setting?
Comments