Acts is a book of opposition. Wherever the apostles went there was a threat to their lives and wellbeing. Matthew 10:22 shows us that Jesus understood the severity of the situation the Early Church would find themselves in: "You will be hated by everyone because of me." As we read through the letters of the New Testament, words written by the likes of Paul, Peter, John and James - leaders of the Early Church - we uncover their approach to opposition. Romans 5:3-5 couldn't be any clearer: 'we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.'

Currently Iran is the nation with the fastest growing population of Christians. It is also ranked 9th in the world for volume of persecution to the church. Then and now, mission is a byproduct of persecution. In the UK opposition looks different, but we still need to learn to suffer well.