“Your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left.” Isaiah 30:21

In the years following the resurrection of Jesus, His followers were known in their society as followers of “The Way.” An unusual name for a group that, for all intents was a splinter group within Judaism. Most were from a Jewish background; yet, increasingly those who would claim Christ as Savior were coming in from pagan backgrounds, as well.

This new sect was viewed by all with grave suspicion. First from the Jews, who felt a religious jealousy toward the disciples who were preaching freely in their synagogues about a risen Jesus. AND praying for the sick and seeing them healed. There was quite an uproar wherever these followers of the Way went, causing disruption to the order that had been so carefully preserved for centuries.

They were also viewed by the Romans with suspicion, and even hatred. Horrible rumors were spoken of them. First that they were atheists because they refused to worship the Emperor or other Roman deities. Second, that they were cannibals who ate human flesh and drank blood, (misunderstanding the Christian practice of the Lord’s Supper)

This suspicion and revilement led to brutality and deadly persecution, with multitudes of believers being sent to the slaughter of the Roman colosseums or fleeing with their families to other parts of the Roman Empire, taking their good news with them, and sharing it at each new place.

Wherever they went, they left their imprint. The power of the gospel within them changed society and the people within it. They never took up arms to defend themselves but rather showed love and kindness to all, even to persecutors and enemies. In their earliest years, these followers of “the Way” took Jesus quite literally when He said, “Love your enemies; pray for those who persecute you.” Historians wrote of them, “See how they love one another!” That love, shed abroad in their hearts by the Holy Spirit, would transform the world as they knew it.

Today the places and countries in the earth where the gospel is spreading and the church is growing the fastest, are the places where persecution of the believers is the most intense. Iran, Nepal, and China are in the top of that list. It would appear persecution is a catalyst NOT a hindrance to preaching the gospel. Jesus reaches out to us. Will we show love, not anger to those who persecute us? Beloved. Jesus is still “The Way.”

~ Debbie Ecker