True gospel ministry is dangerous.  Presenting the truth to defeat the lies of Satan attracts the fury of evil.  Paul was a Jew, well-educated by a respected theologian.  But once he submitted to Jesus Christ and was filled with His Spirit, he became a target for religious fanatics.  They hated having their system of rules and regulations exposed as being worldly and lifeless.  So they declared him a blasphemer for honouring Jesus as Lord.  

The ancient penalty for blasphemy of 39 lashes was meted out on Paul’s back five times by his fellow-countrymen - 195 cruel skin-flaying blows, even though it was illegal in the Roman Empire.  And yet he said that it was an honour to have fellowship with Jesus Christ, three times sharing the experience of being beaten – like Jesus before He was crucified (Philippians 3:10).  A more popular form of public execution was by stoning.  There was little chance of the Roman authorities being able to pin the murder on any particular individual in a large crowd.  Paul was stoned and was left for dead, but he survived (Acts 14:19).  Jesus’ accusers also tried that method, but they failed (John 8:59; John 10:31).

None of this would have happened if Paul has quietly practised his religion at home.  The problems came when he announced that Jesus is Lord and commanded people to repent of their sin.  The pride which nestles inside sin hates to be insulted.  To be told that you are a sinner and that only Jesus can save you is hugely offensive to religionists.  It is also offensive to anybody who refuses to change their self-centred life focus.  So Jews and Gentiles, bandits and false believers found common cause in making trouble for Paul.  But the apostles’ call was to go out into the whole world with the gospel.  Paul was specifically called to the Gentiles (Galatians 1:16) in places where the gospel had not previously been preached (Romans 15:20).   To do that he travelled great distances over land, wading through fast flowing rivers and embarking on perilous sea journeys, being shipwrecked three times.

And yet the 21stC church is so risk-averse.  Many ministers like to be well paid and housed; churches take great care not to upset people with the truth and many are afraid to confront believers with the contrast between their behaviour and God’s Word.  Worst, many believers are frightened and ill-equipped to present the gospel to friends and colleagues. The average long-term missionary now serves for seven years.  The percentage of Christian giving which is spent on cross-cultural mission is vanishingly small.  But there are some who will sacrifice everything for the gospel.  Some cross-cultural missionaries do make their mission field their home for life.  Some evangelists sacrifice their comfort and their lives to make Christ known, and some persecuted churches are growing like wildfire through courageous gospel-sharing.  Which are you most like?  It is time to take your stand for Christ.