It seems wrong that godly people are persecuted while the ungodly seem to flourish. It is wrong, and when Jesus returns everybody will have to answer for their sin. But until then, Christians will continue to live in a world which is opposed to Jesus. So Paul was a great personal example to Timothy, and to us. Wonderfully, during his ministry, Paul was protected despite riots, beatings and imprisonments (Acts 13:13-14:20). He had not been killed, as his persecutors hoped, but was preserved alive for more ministries elsewhere.
 
Paul asked Timothy to accept that suffering would be part of the experience for everybody who is serious about following and proclaiming Jesus. The church in Ephesus needed to understand that too. The real church is no place for ‘fair-weather’ disciples, because there would be an infinite variety of wickedness in the city: all wicked people resist Jesus Christ and hate His followers. But because the gospel is God’s tool to release people from evil, the church must not hide and believers must continue to proclaim Christ. However, as they do, they will be persecuted. If they don’t, the wicked will not hear how to be saved (Romans 10:13-15).
 
It seems unfair to be badly treated when trying to live a godly life, and share the gospel. But it is no more unfair than when Jesus was crucified. As Hebrews 12:3 says, “Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” We must not lose heart, change our doctrine or way of life to fit in with the wickedness around us. Instead we must accept that some suffering is normal (Philippians 1:29), and is perpetrated by the people who most need to hear the gospel. That is why the Christian faith is not a way of gaining personal comfort: it is likely to be uncomfortable for believers in order that the lost may hear the gospel and be saved. It is as true in your office, factory, shop or university as it is in the markets and prisons. So do not be ashamed of Jesus; you may suffer but others will be saved. Invest your life well!