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Sapphira acted the part of deceivers, pretending to make an entire
sacrifice for God, when they were covetously withholding a portion
for themselves. The Spirit of truth revealed to the apostles the real
character of these pretenders, and the judgments of God forever rid
the church of this foul blot upon its purity. This signal evidence of the
discerning Spirit of Christ in the church was a terror to hypocrites
and evil-doers. They could not long remain in co
those who were, in habit and disposition, constant representatives of
Christ; and as trials and persecution came upon his followers, those
only who were willing to forsake all for the truth’s sake desired to
become his disciples. Thus, as long as persecution continued, the
church remained comparatively pure. But as it ceased, converts were
added who were less sincere and devoted, and the way was opened
for Satan to obtain a foothold.
But there is no union between the Prince of light and the prince
of darkness, and there can be no union between their followers.
When Christians consented to unite with those who were but half
converted from paganism, they entered upon a path which led farther
and farther from the truth. Satan exulted that he had succeeded in
deceiving so large a number of the followers of Christ. He then
brought his power to bear more fully upon them, and inspired them
to persecute those who remained true to God. None could so well
understand how to oppose the true Christian faith as could those who
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had once been its defenders; and these apostate Christians, uniting
with their half-pagan companions, directed their warfare against the
most essential features of the doctrines of Christ.
It required a desperate struggle for those who would be faithful
to stand firm against the deceptions and abominations which were
disguised in sacerdotal garments and introduced into the church.
The Bible was not accepted as the standard of faith. The doctrine of
religious freedom was termed heresy, and its upholders were hated
and proscribed.
After a long and severe conflict, the faithful few decided to
dissolve all union with the apostate church if she still refused to free
Persecution in the First Centuries
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herself from falsehood and idolatry. They saw that separation was an
absolute necessity if they would obey the word of God. They dared
not tolerate errors fatal to their own souls, and set an example which
would imperil the faith of their children and children’s children. To
secure peace and unity they were ready to make any concession
consistent with fidelity to God; but they felt that even peace would
be too dearly purchased at the sacrifice of principle. If unity could
be secured only by the compromise of truth and righteousness, then
let there be difference, and even war.
Well would it be for the church and the world if the principles
that actuated those steadfast souls were revived in the hearts of God’s
professed people. There is an alarming indifference in regard to the
doctrines which are the pillars of the Christian faith. The opinion
is gaining ground, that, after all, these are not of vital importance.
This degeneracy is strengthening the hands of the agents of Satan,
so that false theories and fatal delusions which the faithful in ages
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past imperiled their lives to resist and expose, are now regarded with
favor by thousands who claim to be followers of Christ.
The early Christians were indeed a peculiar people. Their blame-
less deportment and unswerving faith were a continual reproof that
disturbed the si
wealth, position, or honorary titles, they were a terror to evil-doers
wherever their character and doctrines were known. Therefore they
were hated by the wicked, even as Abel was hated by the ungodly
Cain. For the same reason that Cain slew Abel did those who would
throw off the restraint of the Holy Spirit, put to death God’s people.
It was for the same reason that the Jews rejected and crucified the
Saviour,—because the purity and holiness of his character was a
constant rebuke to their selfishness and corruption. From the days
of Christ until now, his faithful disciples have excited the hatred and
opposition of those who love and follow the ways of sin.
How, then, can the gospel be called a message of peace? When
Isaiah foretold the birth of the Messiah, he ascribed to him the title,
“Prince of peace.” When angels a
Christ was born, they sung above the plains of Bethlehem, “Glory to
God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” [Luke
2:14.] There is a seeming contradiction between these prophetic declarations and the words of Christ, “I came not to send peace, but
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The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
a sword.” [Matthew 10:34.] But rightly understood, the two are in
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perfect harmony. The gospel is a message of peace. Christianity is a
system, which, received and obeyed, would spread peace, harmony,
and happiness throughout the earth. The religion of Christ will unite
in close brotherhood all who accept its teachings. It was the mission
of Jesus to reconcile man to God, and thus to his fellow-man. But
the world at large are under the control of Satan, Christ’s bitterest
foe. The gospel presents to them principles of life which are wholly
at variance with their habits and desires, and they rise in rebellion
against it. They hate the purity which reveals and condemns their
sins, and they persecute and destroy those who would urge upon
them its just and holy claims. It is in this sense—because the exalted
truths it brings, occasion hatred and strife—that the gospel is called
a sword.
The mysterious providence which permits the righteous to suffer
persecution at the hand of the wicked, has been a cause of great
perplexity to many who are weak in faith. Some are even ready to
cast away their confidence in God because he suffers the basest of
men to prosper, while the best and purest are afflicted and tormented
by their cruel power. How, it is asked, can One who is just and
merciful, and who is also infinite in power, tolerate such injustice
and oppression? This is a question with which we have nothing to
do. God has given us sufficient evidence of his love, and we are not
to doubt his goodness because we ca
of his providence. Said the Saviour to his disciples, foreseeing
the doubts that would press upon their souls in days of trial and
darkness, “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is
not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also
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persecute you.” [John 15:20.] Jesus suffered for us more than any of his followers can be made to suffer through the cruelty of wicked