What followed was one of the most dramatic conversions in church history. Sign In | Sign Up × Downloads. Saul of Tarsus became the apostle Paul, an ardent missionary to an unbelieving world and a fine example of faithful service in the face of fierce persecution (Acts 14:19; 16:22–24; 2 Corinthians 11:25–26). 18 And since others boast about their human achievements, I will, too. Featured Bible Verse. How Paul Persecuted the Christians I pointed out in the previous post that prior to his conversion Paul was a persecutor of the church, almost certainly because he objected to what their basic and fundamental message was, that Jesus was the messiah (despite the fact – or rather because of the fact – that he had been crucified). But as we have said, during this time, Paul’s suffering was so severe that even death would have been a welcomed relief. UCG.org / Good News / Paul's Example of Joy—Even in Persecution. Serious persecution of the Christian church began with the case of Stephen (Acts 7:1-60); and his lawless execution was followed by "a great persecution" directed against the Christians in Jerusalem. 1. God can change anyone. As a result (in verses 13-16), the Thessalonians received the gospel as God’s word with perseverance in spite of much persecution. Paul's Example of Joy—Even in Persecution. The persecution of Christians in the New Testament is an important part of the Early Christian narrative which depicts the early Church as being persecuted for their heterodox beliefs by a Jewish establishment in what was then the Roman province of Judea.. The persecution of Christians in the New Testament is an important part of the Early Christian narrative which depicts the early Church as being persecuted for their heterodox beliefs by a Jewish establishment in what was then the Roman province of Judea.. 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 New Living Translation (NLT) Paul’s Many Trials. The mission of this site is to equip, encourage, and energize Christians. (12) Yea, and all that will live godly.--But St. Paul would not allow it to be thought for a moment that in the fact of his enduring persecution and suffering there was anything remarkable or singular; so he adds the words of this verse, which repeat in a peculiarly solemn way the great Christian truth that eternal glory was only to be reached by man through an avenue of sufferings. Satan the Devil is the source of persecution of those bearing and living the truth of God (verses 41, 44). God gave Paul the strength, wisdom, and endurance to carry out the mission Jesus entrusted Paul with. Adopting his Roman name was typical of Paul's missionary style. While studying the apostle Paul’s life for my newest Bible study, I discovered several “new” things about the apostle of grace. Before his conversion, Paul approved of the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:58), and was a merciless persecutor of the early church. 1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! Posted on Jul 28, 2008 by Good News Listen Estimated reading time: 1 minute. However, in Philippians 3:1-14, we get a look inside Paul’s heart and how he was affected by that meeting with Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:12 - Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.