YOUNG CHURCH: Growth and Persecution
Overview
The early Church was on fire—but not without a fight. Acts 5–8 gives us a powerful snapshot of both supernatural growth and painful opposition. These chapters show us that the church didn’t just survive persecution—it actually thrived because of it. When the apostles boldly preached the gospel, they were arrested, threatened, and beaten. When Ananias and Sapphira tried to deceive the Spirit, God dealt with them seriously. When Stephen stood up and preached with power, he became the first martyr of the church. And when persecution broke out, it didn’t stop the gospel—it spread it.
This section of Acts reveals a simple yet powerful truth: nothing can stop the mission of God. Not fear. Not threats. Not even death. Like a wildfire, persecution may seem destructive, but in God’s hands, it becomes a spark that ignites faith in unexpected places. What the enemy meant for harm, God used for good. The scattering of the believers after Stephen’s death didn’t silence their faith—it multiplied it.
As young believers today, we may not face the same kind of persecution, but we will face pressure. Pressure to stay silent. Pressure to blend in. Pressure to give up. This moment in Acts reminds us that our job is to stay faithful—and to see what God can do through us when we do.
Read
Acts 5:40-42 (CEV)
“And they called the apostles back in. They had them beaten with a whip and warned them not to speak in the name of Jesus. Then they let them go. The apostles left the council and were happy, because God had considered them worthy to suffer for the sake of Jesus. Every day they spent time in the temple and in one home after another. They never stopped teaching and telling the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.”
Acts 8:1-4 (CEV)
“At that time the church in Jerusalem suffered terribly. All of the Lord's followers, except the apostles, were scattered everywhere in Judea and Samaria. Saul started making a lot of trouble for the church. He went from house to house, arresting men and women and putting them in jail. The Lord's followers who had been scattered went from place to place, telling the good news.”
Discuss
When you hear that the apostles were glad to suffer for Jesus, what does that stir up in you? Have you ever experienced pushback or rejection because of your faith?
Why do you think some people stand boldly in their faith while others stay silent? What holds you back at times?
Stephen didn’t back down, even though it cost him his life. What would faith like that look like in your world right now? Is there a situation where God is calling you to speak up or take a risk?
The church scattered, but it didn’t stop—it spread. Have you ever had a moment in life where it felt like everything was falling apart, but God was actually using it for something greater? How did that experience shape your faith?
Why do you think God allows hard things to happen to people who are living for Him? What’s something difficult you’re walking through right now—and how might God want to use it?
What does it mean to stay faithful in adversity? What would that look like in your everyday life—in school, work, or relationships?
Do you believe God can use you to spread His word, even in the middle of your mess or struggles? Why or why not? What might change if you truly believed He could?
What would be different about your life if you stopped playing it safe with your faith? What’s one bold step you sense God nudging you to take?
Call to Action
Lean Into the Pressure: When you feel the pressure to stay silent or compromise your convictions, choose to lean in instead of backing down. Ask, “What is God doing in me through this moment?” Let adversity refine your faith, not weaken it.
Encourage a Scattered One: Just like the early believers who were scattered but still carried the gospel, think of someone who feels isolated or discouraged in their faith right now. Send them a message, meet up, or pray over them—remind them they’re not alone and that God still has a purpose in their season.
Reflect, Then Share: Take 15 minutes this week to journal or voice memo a moment when God used a hard season in your life for something good. Then, look for a moment to share that story with someone—it might be the exact encouragement they need to keep going.
