Persecution Sparks Growth in Antioch

Jehovah Uses His Faithful Ones

The good news made great progress in Antioch.  With Jehovah's blessing and the resolve of Jesus' followers to keep on preaching, Antioch became a center of first-century Christianity. God used the congregation there as a springboard to spread the good news to distant lands.  For instance, Antioch was the departure point for each of the apostle  Paul's ground-breaking missionary journeys.

In modern times zeal and determination in the face of opposition have likewise favored the spread of true Christianity, enabling many to hear the good news and show appreciation for it.  So if  you face opposition because you support pure worship, bear in mind that Jehovah has his reasons for permitting it. As in the first century, people today must be given the opportunity to hear about God's Kingdom and to take their stand on its side.  Your determination to continue serving Jehovah faithfully may be just what is required to help someone come to an accurate knowledge of truth.

Next time: Saul's "Silent Years"

Watchtower, 2000