Are Christians Still Being Persecuted Today?

Christians around the world continue to experience discrimination, imprisonment, violence, displacement, and even death because of their faith in Jesus. In America, persecution may look different, but God’s Word reminds us that the struggle is still spiritual. The enemy uses fear, distraction, temptation, isolation, and comfort to keep us from living boldly for Christ. Jesus calls us to respond faithfully - not with hostility, but with truth, love, and a commitment to make disciples. As we consider the persecution of Christians around the world, may we also examine our own lives and ask: Where is spiritual opposition keeping me from faithfully following Jesus?

Acts 7:54-60

The Stoning of Stephen

54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. 58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

For Adult Homes and Groups

1. What stands out to you about Stephen’s response to persecution? What do you notice about his words, posture, and focus?

2. Stephen was falsely accused, rejected, and ultimately killed because of his faith in Jesus. What does his response teach us about how followers of Jesus can respond when they face opposition?

3. In verse 56, Stephen sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Why do you think this vision mattered to Stephen in the midst of his suffering? Where should our focus be when we face opposition?

4. How is persecution in America different from what Stephen experienced? What are some ways Christians today may experience spiritual opposition even when they are not facing physical persecution?

5. Scripture teaches that our struggle is ultimately spiritual. What are some ways the devil may try to discourage, distract, divide, deceive, or silence Christians today?

For Families with Kids

1. Read Acts 6 and 7 together. Stephen wasn’t one of the original 12 disciples, and he started out with a very simple job - handing out food. How does Stephen’s story show us that God can use “ordinary” jobs to do extraordinary things?

2. When Stephen was dying, he prayed, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Who else said something similar while dying on a cross? Why is it so hard - but important - to forgive people who hurt us?

3. Stephen’s story on earth has a sad ending because he died, but he went straight to heaven to be with Jesus. When bad or unfair things happen, how is it comforting to know that “God knows the end of the story”?

4. Pray the Lord’s Prayer together.