When we forget Jesus’ promises to His followers, we tend to think that we won’t ever see the power of God, or be persecuted for our beliefs in God. But actually the opposite is true in both cases. Jesus promised us that true Christian ministry would evidence the power of God and elicit persecution from worldly people. Consider the words of Jesus from the night of His own arrest:
"Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater [works] than these he will do; because I am going to the Father.” - John 14:12 (NASB20)
"If you were of the world, the world would love [you as] its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, 'A slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they followed My word, they will follow yours also.” - John 15:19-20 (NASB20)
Jesus promised us power and persecution, so we should expect both. Today’s passage reveals these realities in the early church.
