Something unusual happens in ten short verses starting with Acts 7:59 . The story turns quickly from Stephen’s horrific death by stoning to other believers in Christ being scattered and “preaching the word,” leading to these amazing words: “There was great joy in [the] city” (8:8).

That’s the paradox of persecution.

European pastor Hristo Kulichev experienced the miracle of good coming from evil. In the 1980s, he was arrested for preaching and thrown in prison. While there, he spoke openly about the gospel of Jesus. On his release eight months later, he said, “We had a more fruitful ministry there than we could have expected in church. God was better served by our presence in prison than if we had been free.”

From persecution to great joy—just like in the early church. When “great persecution broke out” (Acts 8:1), “those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went” (v. 4). As a result, there was “great joy” in a city in Samaria (v. 8).

When forces in our world stand against the truths and teachings of Scripture—especially the gospel—that’s not the time to give up. God moves in powerful ways when the church faces such difficulties.

Peter said, “Do not be surprised” at such fiery trials. You’re “blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you” (1 Peter 4:12 –14). God has the power to turn persecution into something precious.