Ten brothers and sisters in Christ were imprisoned, beaten, and bound. They had preached with tears streaming down, causing the passers-by and street-sellers, Christians and non-Christians, to stand still and listen. Even the fortune-tellers were moved by the Holy Spirit and burst out crying. Many people hearing the Word forgot to eat, work, or even return home. The brothers and sisters preached until they were exhausted, but the crowd would not let them leave.
The authorities, however, came and dragged the Christians away one by one, binding them with ropes and beating them with electric-shock poles, knocking them unconscious. When they revived, they continued to pray, sing, and preach to the bystanders. When they were bound and beaten, many people noticed a strange expression on their faces, and the crowd saw to their amazement that they were smiling. Their spirit and appearance were so lively and gracious that many were led to believe in Jesus by their example.
When the brothers and sisters in that area saw them bound and forced to kneel on the ground for more than three days without food or water, beaten with sticks until their faces were covered with blood, their hands made black by the ropes – but still praying, singing, and praising the Lord – then they too wished to share persecution. In this area recently, the flame of the Gospel has spread everywhere!
Because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.
Paul the Apostle Martyred in Rome, 65 AD
2 TImothy 2:9-10 (NLT)
