Suffering for the Sake of the Gospel

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Acts 14:1-28

A powerful example of what it means to suffer for the sake of the gospel was lived out during WWII by a man named Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer was a German Lutheran pastor and theologian who participated in the German Resistance movement against Nazism and was a founding member of the Confessing Church. His involvement in plans by members of the German Military Intelligence Office to assassinate Adolf Hitler resulted in his arrest in April 1943 and his subsequent execution by hanging in April 1945, shortly before the war's end.

Bonhoeffer's willingness to die in the service of the Lord was exhibited by the peacefulness he extolled during his suffering in the concentration camps and his fervent and expectant prayer to God as he was taken to be executed. He died as a bold and brave servant to the Lord. This is a powerful example of discipleship, which is to joyfully suffer for the gospel of Christ.

Like the story of Bonhoeffer, the passage in Acts 14:1-28 should encourage and motivate us to courageously share the gospel everywhere we go no matter what opposition, rejection, or persecution we may face. From the verses in this passage, we learn about four stopping points for Paul and Barnabas as they finished up their first missionary journey. They

1. Relied and Retreated from Iconium (vv. 1-7)
2. Were Revered and Rejected in Lystra (vv. 8-20)
3. Revisited and Refreshed the Churches (vv. 21-23)
4. Reported and Recuperated in Antioch (vv. 24-28)

We have been called to suffer for Christ and to suffer for the gospel. If we are being faithful to share the gospel, it is not a question of "if", but "when" persecution will come. We may never be stoned for the gospel's sake as the apostle Paul was, but no matter what form our persecution comes in, the suffering will be worth it because we know that our lives are in the hands of a loving God, who promises His protection. We should take joy in the privilege and honor of serving our Lord.

As Dietrich Bonhoeffer said about his suffering: "It is a badge of discipleship".

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