WITNESSING AMIDST HOSTILITY
OCTOBER 3, 2025
TEXT: But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. (Acts 4:19)
Witnessing is not a very easy task. As a matter of fact, in the modern world, there are places where it is almost a risk/danger for someone to engage in evangelism. In most Arabic countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Palestine, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, and even in non-Arabic countries like North Korea and the like, evangelism is not an assignment that is done with great liberality, as we have it in countries like Nigeria and Benin Republic. For any believer who finds himself in the first category of countries, it becomes difficult to spread the gospel to unbelievers who are usually mostly unrepentant adherents to their own tenets and will likely meet any attempt to change/convert them with great hostility and anger.
Even from the early church, there were antagonisms against the gospel. Apostle Peter and John were arrested on two different occasions, and it was on one such occasion that they made the statement which formed our text. Saul (later Paul) also launched attacks against the early church, as he was a pillar of support to those who killed Stephen. In fact, he was on his way to Damascus to oppress the Christians there when God encountered him and changed his life forever. Even Herod Agrippa I was not left out of this gospel opposition, as he masterminded the killing of James while also attempting to kill Peter but failed. Jesus already prepared the hearts of His disciples that they would surely experience hardship in this regard and that the world would surely hate them (John 15:18-20). Paul also stated that everyone who tries to promote godly living in society will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12).
Hostility can take any of the following forms:
- Being ridiculed in the course of evangelism.
- Being rejected by family members for being aligned with Christ.
- Discrimination among office colleagues.
- Physical threats in hostile communities, nations, and states.
The gospel is a direct affront and attack against sin, and sinners who take delight in their sin naturally don’t want to be corrected or reprimanded. Satan deceives people to see sinful lifestyles as pleasures and enjoyment (2 Corinthians 4:4). Witnessing in a hostile world is not easy. However, God has not called us to be silent believers. He wants us to speak out when things are going bad in society. Whether people listen or not is immaterial. God simply wants to see our efforts. Even in situations where we cannot engage in morning cry or public evangelism, we should still try, even by the smallest possible means, to tell people about the love of Christ. We are in the era of social media; use it to good effect in spreading the gospel. Speak about Christ to your family and friends, even if they ignore you. When you get mocked, remember that God has laid out His promise for you in Matthew 5:10-12.
SEARCHLIGHT:
Darkness naturally tends to resist light. Blaze your light even in the midst of hostility, as directed by the Spirit of God.
PRAYER:
O Lord, help me with the requisite wisdom to promote You even in unpleasant environments, in the Mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
BIBLE READING:
Ezekiel 10-12, Luke 5
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
