Worry can be paralysing.  Jesus addressed the disciples with this instruction, "Do not worry ..." as a part of their leadership training course.  It was not for immediate action but to be put into practice after He had gone back to heaven, and they had been filled with the Holy Spirit.  It was not for the days of popularity, but in preparation for persecution.

Each of them would need this training.  It was uncomfortable to hear but the preparation was essential.  Most of the apostles would be arrested and imprisoned; the majority would be killed for believing in Jesus.  Each was to play their gospel-sharing role (Acts 1:8) and then hand on the baton to other believers as they were removed from active ministry through hate-filled persecution.  The Master promised that Roman law would be used to bring down the church by attacking its leaders.  But He would not give them a detailed legal brief, an infallible formula, a miracle to perform or any other get-out-of jail-quick card.  Instead, He told them not to worry about their defence, because the Holy Spirit would instruct them even as they were speaking.

Some, like Stephen, made such an impression on Paul before his conversion that although Stephen died by stoning, his Spirit-inspired words had found their mark in the archenemy of the church (Acts 7:1-60) - preparing him to submit when Jesus confronted him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19).  Others were set free to preach again (Acts 4:23-31).  But none lost their liberty or life in vain.  Paul’s letters written from prison have been essential for Christians for 2000 years.  An Early Church Father, Tertullian, said that the ‘blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church’.  The faithful courage of believers in their physical death has spurred many to trust in Jesus for eternal life.

Civil authorities must keep order.  Many genuinely seek the good of their people but some use their power to ensure their power-base is unchallenged.  However, inevitably, true Christians create interest in the life-giving, sin-freeing, hope-producing, joy-exhibiting, peace-radiating, patient-enduring and Jesus-glorifying gospel.  They live with love for God and humanity; they are generous to the poor, kind to widows, compassionate to orphans, and speak the truth in love.  They have no desire to be politically militant against the authorities; indeed, they want to be law abiding citizens.  But at the same time, their liberty in the Lord may be seen as a threat to those who like to rule by fear.  Their persecution has no logical response, so there is no point in trying to prepare one!  But the Lord is their advocate, and the Holy Spirit whispers His instructions to each accused soul.  It is still the same today.  The message is simple: do not worry about what to say, but listen for the Holy Spirit's guidance, and you will be amazed as you are given the words to say.