DCLM Daily Manna – Christian Persecution

Saturday, July 18, 2026

KEY VERSE
“And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles” (Acts 8:1).

Bible Reading:
Acts 8:1-4 (KJV)

1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

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MESSAGE

On its website, Open Doors International, the Christian organisation, published its report on persecution of believers in 2024. The report showed that 4,476 Christians were murdered, 7,679 churches and Christian properties attacked and 4,744 Christians imprisoned across the globe. “In Open Doors’ World Watch List top 50 alone, 310 million Christians face very high or extreme levels of persecutions and discriminations for their faith”, the report said. Christian persecution is real in our world today.

The early Church also faced persecution as we read from today’s Bible passage. The horrible death of Stephen by public stoning in Acts 7 triggered a wave of serious persecutions led by Saul. While the church was mourning over the death of the young preacher, Saul “…made havok of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison” (Acts 8:3). The believers had no choice but to scatter and flee Jerusalem to safety. The good news though is that the scattering helped them to take the gospel to new locations.

Jesus warned the disciples to prepare for persecution in their journey of faith. He said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service” (John 16:1,2). Persecution is normal in the Christian race, but the grace of God is also available to see us through to the end.

Since we may not be able to avoid persecution, what can we do? We must, like the early Church, develop effective survival strategies. These include prayerfulness, endurance, maintaining a joyful disposition and readiness to spread the gospel anywhere life takes us. We must also raise sound and committed disciples who are ready to labour anywhere and everywhere for the Master.

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Sometimes God uses persecution as a tool for gospel propagation

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BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Exodus 5-7

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COMMENTARY

1. The Reality of Christian Persecution – The devotional opens with sobering statistics from Open Doors International: thousands of Christians murdered, churches attacked, and millions facing extreme persecution. This is not ancient history but a present reality. Believers in many parts of the world pay a heavy price for their faith. The early church’s experience mirrors what many Christians face today—arrest, violence, and even death.

2. Persecution Is Normal for Believers – Jesus Himself warned His disciples that persecution would come (John 16:1-2). He did not promise a trouble-free life but assured them of His presence and the Holy Spirit’s power. As Paul wrote, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). We should not be surprised when opposition comes; it is part of the Christian journey.

3. God’s Purpose in Persecution – The devotional highlights a profound truth: “Sometimes God uses persecution as a tool for gospel propagation.” When the early believers were scattered, they went everywhere preaching the Word. What the enemy intended for evil, God used for good. Persecution forced the church beyond Jerusalem, fulfilling Christ’s command to be witnesses “unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Our trials can become platforms for testimony.

4. Survival Strategies for Persecuted Believers – The devotional lists practical responses to persecution:

• Prayerfulness – Constant communication with God for strength and guidance.

• Endurance – Persevering through suffering with patience and faith.

• Joyful Disposition – Maintaining joy even in trials, knowing our reward is in heaven (James 1:2-4).

• Readiness to Spread the Gospel – Using every opportunity, even displacement, to share Christ.

• Discipleship – Raising committed believers who can carry on the work.

5. The DCLM Ministry’s Stand on Persecution – The Deeper Christian Life Ministry has faced opposition and persecution in various forms, yet it continues to stand firm. Pastor Kumuyi teaches that believers must be prepared to suffer for righteousness and that persecution is a mark of authentic Christianity. The Daily Manna devotional encourages readers to remain faithful even when facing hostility.

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About DCLM and Daily Manna

The Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) was founded in 1973 by Pastor Dr. W.F. Kumuyi. From a small Bible study of 15 students in Lagos, it has grown into a global ministry with churches across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. The ministry emphasizes holiness, prayer, Bible study, and unwavering faith even in the face of opposition.

DCLM Daily Manna is a daily devotional written by Pastor Kumuyi. Each edition provides Scripture reading, exposition, and practical application to guide believers in their daily walk with God. The devotional calls readers to stand firm in faith, regardless of the challenges they face.

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Prayer Reflection
Lord, I pray for my brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering for their faith. Give them strength, courage, and endurance. Help me to be prepared to stand for You, even when it costs me. May I see persecution not as a curse but as an opportunity to spread the gospel. Use every trial in my life to advance Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.