And Saul approved of their killing [Stephen]. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city.

—Acts 8:1-8 (TNIV)

It is to the glory of God that he can use even severe persecution to spread his Gospel. Here we see the first example of it. The Gospel did not really begin to spread until the Church began to be persecuted and the history of the Church suggests it thrives best during times of persecution. I have often wondered if its safe and comfortable status in our society has resulted in its decline. As the various enemies of the cross ascend to power, however, I suspect this will change in a hurry. This amounts to bad news and good news for the church, if history is an accurate guide. The bad news is that we will be forced to suffer increasing hostility and persecution, and that is never good for anyone. The good news is that this seems to be what the church needs to become revitalized.