Editorial August 23, 1941 Issue

Persecution of Christians Is Futile

George Shaw Cook

That persecution of Christians was anticipated by the master Christian, Christ Jesus, is evidenced by what he said in his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:11, 12): "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."

Persecution for righteousness' sake has often been directed to individuals, as in the case of Jesus and of many of his followers in ancient and modern times. There have, however, been instances when small and large groups of Christians have been persecuted by those who failed to understand the teachings of the Christ, and who have not accepted Christ Jesus as the Way-shower for mankind.

When the apostles were assembled at Jerusalem, after the day of Pentecost, they were put in prison and commanded by the high priest not to preach "in the name of Christ Jesus." Disregarding this dictatorial command, Peter and the others with him were brought before the council of the Jews. At that time a wise man named Gamaliel, who was a member of the council, said, "Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men," and continued, "And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God." This advice was heeded by the council, and it might well have been heeded by other persecutors of Christians in more recent times.

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