"But when they found out that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, 'Great is Diana of the Ephesians!'" (Acts 19:34)
The World Jewish Congress reported a few months ago that an Orthodox Jew was riding a bicycle in Antwerp and "was punched in the face....When he asked the attacker why he hit him, the assailant said, 'Because you're a Jew.'"
This is also the reason the world hates you and me, simply because we are bearers of Father's Presence, Followers of Jesus Christ, Baptized in the Holy Spirit. True, we may give them "other" reasons, viz., our own sin brought about by our disobedience, but fundamentally, it is just because of who we are, not what we do; never forget this.
The Book of Acts records the "acts" of the First Century Church, growth, expansion to the, "uttermost parts." But it also records the accompanying persecution--------------and believe me, when the Church expands, "invades" a culture, it is a certainty that persecution will follow. You see, we have, as they say, "two strikes against us" as Followers of Jesus. First, "the faith of Jesus," is not a replacement of "Judaism;" it is a fulfillment of Judaism, that ancient and very hated people group. "Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham." Later, Paul reveals the fulfillment of such sonship, "Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule--- to the Israel of God" (Gal. 3:7, KJV; 6:15,16-NIV).
Our Lord Jesus is very clear that it is only, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake," who are citizens of, "the kingdom of heaven." Again, "....For righteousness sake," not for my, "sake" or any counterfeit righteousness of mankind. It is persecution for the righteousness which is Jesus Christ alone. When anyone is so persecuted, "theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven"!! As with Alexander of our text, when they find out who you are, they will cry out, "Great is Diana of the[..........]"
Father, in Jesus' Name, I just pray they find out whose I am. Amen.
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When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
