How to Stand Firm in This Time of the End

“Behave in a manner worthy of the good news about the Christ . . . Standing firm . . . for the faith of the good news, and in no respect being frightened by your opponents.”​—Phil. 1:27, 28.

1. (a) What circumstance has existed ever since the first couple sinner, and who are involved? (b) How is Jehovah maneuvering matters, and what will be accomplished?

EVER since the day that Adam and Eve bit into the forbidden fruit, mankind has been under pressure from Satan the Devil. This is because, from that day on, bitter warfare has existed between Jehovah God and this wicked adversary. (Gen. 3:15) It has been a warfare that has increased in intensity down through the centuries. And today it is rapidly reaching its climax. Every man is involved in it, especially the servants of Jehovah, for they are targets of the Devil and his demons. If you are one of God’s servants, you know how true this is. Also you should know that, very soon, a great attack upon Jehovah’s people will be launched by these wicked ones. This was foretold by Ezekiel in these words: “And you [Satan] will be bound to come up against my people Israel [Jehovah’s witnesses], like clouds to cover the land. In the final part of the days it will occur, and I shall certainly bring you against my land, for the purpose that the nations may know me when I sanctify myself in you before their eyes.”​—Ezek. 38:16.

2. What should Christians do now for protection?

² How urgent, very urgent, it is that we draw close to Jehovah God and grow in awareness of our dependence upon him for protection in all circumstances of our daily lives. We should do this, just as a young animal keeps very close to its mother for protection when some lurking foe is near. And, as for us Christians, our lurking foe is a “roaring lion, seeking to devour” by destroying our spirituality or by breaking our integrity to God. (1 Pet. 5:8) We need to appreciate the need to draw close to Jehovah, our heavenly Protector.

3. What arrangement has Jehovah made for keeping Christians spiritually strong, and what admonition does Paul give in his letter to the Hebrews?

³ Through Jehovah’s “faithful and discreet slave” organization God has provided a very helpful and balanced diet to make us spiritually strong. (Matt. 24:45-47) Think of it! Five spiritual ‘meals’ are scheduled every week in each of more than 27,100 congregations world wide. It is not only important, but imperative, that we let nothing interfere with our conforming to this meeting arrangement. Paul, in his admonition to the Hebrews, mentioned that we should “hold fast the public declaration of our hope without wavering” and “consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another.” Notice that the apostle was strongly admonishing the Christians nineteen hundred years ago not to neglect the association with the congregation, especially in our day, “as you behold the day drawing near.” This coming together for taking in spiritual nourishment is far more urgent for our existence than our regular three meals that we eat daily for physical sustenance.​—Heb. 10:23-25.

4. Besides attending meetings, what else should we do that will be very beneficial to us? Why?

⁴ Not only is it beneficial to attend all meetings for Bible study, but, more importantly, we should participate in them. Of course, participation means preparation. In this respect, have you ever noticed which paragraph in the Watchtower lesson you remember more readily? Is it not the one, or ones, that you yourself commented on? The reason is that this paragraph receives so much more consideration. You have studied and meditated on it, thereby making it possible to comment well. Further, you have related it verbally. You have actually trained your mind on the thought of the material in that paragraph far more than the others. The same is true of the scriptures that are cited in the paragraph. The information is retained to a far greater degree when you look up the cited scriptures. The reason is that you have taken the time to read them and analyze the association with the subject under consideration. This is most helpful in aiding you to remember the information and making it your own, besides improving your comprehension of the subject.

5. How important is personal study?

⁵ Regular personal study of the Bible is very necessary, and we should do this just as diligently as we attend meetings. For example, if you set a certain time aside for studying, maybe only a fifteen- or twenty-minute period at a time, do not let other things interfere with this schedule. This spiritual nourishment fortifies us to cope with daily problems: at work, in the home, and in the field ministry. Furthermore, it helps us to avoid many problems by applying Bible principles and laws with which we have become familiar through our Bible reading. Thus we know how to use the wisdom gleaned from God’s Word. (Prov. 2:10, 11) Bear in mind at all times that there is a single source from which we can procure spiritual strength, and that is Jehovah. Beyond this, we can accomplish nothing without His spirit.

PETITIONING JEHOVAH

6. May we ask, and expect answers prayers? What are requirements for favorable hearing of prayers?

⁶ Have you ever wondered about or thought of Jehovah’s condescension in his even permitting us to talk to him? In fact, in his deference to us, he acknowledges our petitions for guidance and direction. The disclosure of this is drawn to our attention at Luke 11:10-13, For “to everyone knocking it will be opened. . . . If you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!” How comforting it is to know that we can approach Jehovah and obtain direction through his holy spirit and his written Word! In a further statement given under inspiration to John, God again taught us that he will hear our words, no matter what we are asking according to his will. “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that, no matter what it is that we ask according to his will, he hears us . . . if we know he hears us respecting whatever we are asking, we know we are to have the things asked since we have asked them of him.” (1 John 5:14, 15) It is most gratifying to know that we may expect him to grant our requests as long as these concur with his will.

7. May we expect Jehovah to grant forgiveness of mistakes and sins?

⁷ If we have erred, inasmuch as we all make mistakes, does not the above include our petitioning Jehovah for forgiveness? Should we not then acknowledge that He will forgive our sins? If not, then why pray? How genuinely comforting it is then to know that he does listen to our prayers and that he will pardon our transgressions.

8. (a) Whose help may we seek to aid us to carry out assignments? (b) What healthful pattern for prayer did Jesus give the disciples? (c) Is it in order to ask Jehovah’s help and direction when facing trials?

⁸ Whenever we are presented an assignment from Jehovah, through his organization, which may seem difficult or which we may even consider beyond us to accomplish it, instead of rejecting such privileges would it not be better to pray for Jehovah’s help first? Most assuredly so! He listens to our prayers and petitions​—“the prayer of the righteous ones he hears.” (Prov. 15:29) He invites us to make requests of him​—“let your petitions be made known to God.” (Phil. 4:6) Why not pray daily? Jesus advises us to do so in these words, “Give us today our bread for this day,” and to make other requests. (Matt. 6:9-13) This sets a very healthful, spiritual pattern. Prayer is a channel that we may use to talk with the great Creator, Jehovah. We should have every confidence that he will aid us and strengthen us under all circumstances and situations. We should then be happy when we endure trials on behalf of his name and on behalf of our commission as ministers, just as James states, “Happy is the man that keeps on enduring trial, because on becoming approved he will receive the crown of life, which Jehovah promised to those who continue loving him.” When we come under strained circumstances we should remember that it is not Jehovah that tries us, because we are told that “with evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone.”​—Jas. 1:12, 13.

OUR PATTERN OF THOUGHT

9. How important is our thought pattern, and what should be uppermost in all our thoughts?

⁹ We are all familiar with the proverb, “As a man thinks, so is he.” Obviously, then, the proper thoughts with which to fill our minds are those essential for eternal life. Should not, then, our attention be focused upon the Kingdom hope Jehovah has set before us? Then the thing to do is carefully to guard our Kingdom interests and make them our personal desires. This is also in conformity with Jesus’ words, when he said: “Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you.” (Matt. 6:33) This was of utmost importance in Jesus’ life. He admonished his followers to think similarly nineteen hundred years ago, and the same is applicable for us now.

10. (a) What is required of us to stand firm in conjunction with the ministry? What may we expect at times? (b) Are we to preach only under favorable conditions?

¹⁰ With the Kingdom first in our thoughts, we will think about the Kingdom and the hope ahead, and thereby be strengthened. This will take our minds off ourselves when encountering confinement, enduring persecution, hardship or pain. This is essential to us if we are to stand firm and maintain integrity to Jehovah. Standing firm in true worship when our Christian ministry is questioned or jeopardized is obligatory. (Eccl. 12:13) We can expect governmental authorities to prohibit our preaching the good news of God’s kingdom, or to try to intimidate us as they are already doing in some lands. Should this cause us to abandon our ministerial work? Our conclusion should be the same as that of the apostles Peter and John when they were ordered to quit preaching in Jerusalem. They were commanded to preach no more in the name of Jesus. They were even beaten before they were released. This did not turn them away from their faithful course. Instead, they were “rejoicing because they had been counted worthy to be dishonored in behalf of his name. And every day in the temple and from house to house they continued without letup teaching and declaring the good news about the Christ, Jesus.” (Acts 5:40-42) The apostle Paul in his second letter to Timothy also draws to our attention the Christian’s position in regard to pure worship: “Preach the word, be at it urgently in favorable season, in troublesome season, . . . do the work of an evangelizer.” (2 Tim. 4:2, 5) This, too, shows us that the Christian is to continue standing firm regardless of whether forbidden to carry on this ministerial work or not. Jehovah’s witnesses will preach in ‘troublesome’ circumstances as well as under favorable ones.

11. What particular counsel did Jesus give where hazardous situations may exist?

¹¹ However, under hazardous situations, caution should be exercised as to the best manner in which one should carry on one’s ministry. Discretion in this respect was shown by Jesus’ words too when he advised, “I am sending you forth as sheep amidst wolves; therefore prove yourselves cautious as serpents and yet innocent as doves.” (Matt. 10:16) Yes, it is necessary not only to be innocent of wrongdoing and of compromising one’s Christian stand before Jehovah, but in some instances also to be shrewd.

12. (a) Will Christians discontinue ‘meeting together’ if banned or if forbidden by officials? (b) What precautionary measures may be used?

¹² When faced with opposition, or even being banned, spiritual nourishment for spiritual health is important. Paul’s counsel is ever applicable: ‘Forsake not the gathering of yourselves together.’ Obviously it may not be permissible to meet in large congregations as we have the opportunity to do under conditions of freedom. When this is not possible, we should be comforted by the words of Jesus, “where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst.” (Matt. 18:20) This strongly highlights the advisability of meeting even in small groups, perhaps in private homes. In addition, when attending such meetings, it may be advisable to arrive at the meeting location singly or in twos in order to avoid suspicion. The importance of meeting together has proved to be essential under difficult conditions as well as under good conditions. It may also be well to dispense with singing of songs so as not to attract attention.

13, 14. (a) How may Christians continue spiritually healthy if they have no new Bible literature? (b) What should one do if isolated or incarcerated?

¹³ What about literature? Supposing you have no new Bible literature? Would it not be appropriate and proper to study whatever you have available? If you have no Bible study aids, rejoice in having the Bible itself. If you do not have the Bible, then Christians will still meet together to discuss the truths of the Bible that each one remembers, in order to refresh and stimulate their minds. The apostle Peter wrote, “I am arousing your clear thinking faculties by way of a reminder, that you should remember the sayings previously spoken by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles.” (2 Pet. 3:1, 2) He was endeavoring to strengthen the Christian brothers for difficult times ahead. The same need exists today in some areas.

¹⁴ Supposing one is isolated or incarcerated and has no contact with other ministers? It would be well to make note of all the scriptures that can be recalled, and then continue adding to these as others come to mind. One would then be able to review these words of Almighty God to keep one’s mind active and alive relative to His requirements regardless of circumstances.

15. How may the preaching be done if it cannot be done openly?

¹⁵ Insofar as preaching is concerned, if it cannot be done openly, in order to avoid suspicion, one may call upon a home in one area and skip over to another, and so forth. It would still be well to keep a record of any interest found or where you may call back, as one may do when working scattered areas today. The important thing is to nourish and help those that will accept it. Some, where conditions may require it, have resorted to various means of disguise. One could wear a reversible coat, and then when a suspicious situation arises, it might be well to change the coat and thereby not be identifiable on that particular occasion. It would be a manifestation, not of fear, but rather of good strategy to avoid recognition when one is in danger.

16. What should Christians do if they find they cannot carry on the ministry from door to door?

¹⁶ When it is impossible to carry on the ministry from door to door, one can also resort to incidental witnessing. This is being done in many countries throughout the world. In a number of places, the ministers of Jehovah will strike up conversations while waiting for, or riding on a bus or train, or being in parks. One may begin by talking about world conditions or on some friendly note, in order to draw the individual into conversation. As one learns the feelings of the person, one can then determine what would be a good subject of conversational approach. Here again it is important to follow up and assist any persons genuinely interested in the Bible or God’s righteous kingdom. Also it may be necessary to exercise care in order to avoid a snare.

17. Since it is recognized that Bible studies constitute one of the best ways to assist interested persons, how can this be carried on?

¹⁷ We have learned through experience that the most successful way of assisting those showing interest is by studying the Bible with them. Certainly we are desirous of continuing this vital part of our ministry wherever possible. Under difficult circumstances, it may be necessary to call on an individual in his home at various times of day so a definite pattern does not arouse suspicion. Without doubt, as this interested person comes to a knowledge of the importance of preaching, he will soon tell others about God’s wonderful provisions for faithful people. This may assist one in following up other interested persons. This opens opportunity of continually extending one’s ministry. Certainly this is in accord with Paul’s admonition to Timothy a short time before he finished his earthly ministry: “The Lord stood near me and infused power into me, that through me the preaching might be fully accomplished and all the nations might hear it; and I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.”​—2 Tim. 4:17.

STANDING FIRM

18. What is Satan endeavoring to accomplish at this time? What strong expression did Peter make?

¹⁸ Bear in mind that the original Devil, Satan, will try to seduce Christians now as he did the first human pair upon the earth. He uses subtle means and also threats endeavoring to intimidate. We know that a lion will stalk his prey with a loud roar. Similarly, Satan, through nationalism or by means of Babylon the Great, will roar out at true Christians, endeavoring to frighten them into compromise. But under such circumstances, Peter very soberly admonishes, ‘Stand firm,’ and do not become frustrated and lose faith, because of threats of persecution, beatings or imprisonment.​—1 Pet. 5:8-11.

19. (a) Should we be frightened when confronted by severe persecution? (b) What decision must we make for us to expect Jehovah’s blessing, and his answer to our prayers?

¹⁹ Some may reason, “I couldn’t take the severe persecution that Jehovah’s witnesses in Germany were called upon to endure; or the immoral attacks our Christian women in Malawi suffered.” We are comforted in knowing that Jehovah will not permit us to be subjected to bear that which is greater than we can stand, as assured at 1 Corinthians 10:13: “He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out in order for you to be able to endure it.” There is however something very important that we must do. It is necessary to make a decision in our mind to stand firm. Before a decision is made, Jehovah may not act or extend his blessing. There is nothing to bless at this stage. However, after we make our favorable decision, then Jehovah gives us strength to maintain integrity. Truly it is in order for us to pray for Jehovah’s direction, aiding us to make the proper decision. Faithful servants of Almighty God have always been the target of Satan’s venomous attacks. Those who have maintained faithfulness under pressure among faithful servants from the days of Abel and John the Baptist, as well as Christians since, are set before us as examples to imitate.

WHAT AIDS CHRISTIANS TO STAND FIRM?

20, 21. (a) Who are our chief enemies? (b) What counsel did Paul express to the Ephesians for their protection? (c) Upon whom must we depend explicitly, even if we may have to die?

²⁰ First of all, to help us to stand firm we need the strength that only Jehovah can provide. Secondly, it is important to recognize the chief of enemies, Satan the Devil, as well as the demonic horde under his jurisdiction. In order to assist us to acknowledge the provision of strength to stand against an archenemy, we might look to the fine spirit-directed counsel that Paul wrote to the Christian congregation living in the wicked city of Ephesus. The information in the final chapter provides very specific admonition. He draws attention to the attack of the invisible enemies and at the same time points to the protection. In the Eph 6 eleventh verse he urges Christians to “put on the complete suit of armor from God that you may be able to stand firm against the machinations of the Devil.” There is no question about the enemy or his attack. We can see that worldly authorities, governments and other agencies do the bidding of the one who is in charge of this system of things, Satan. (2 Cor. 4:4) Because of the criticalness of our times, Paul advised that only a complete suit of armor from God would provide protection. Christians are to ‘put on the breastplate of righteousness, and have their feet shod with the good news of peace.’ They are to ‘take up the large shield of faith, with which to quench all the wicked one’s burning missiles.’ They must also ‘accept the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, that is, God’s word with every form of prayer and supplication carrying on prayer on every occasion in spirit.’​—Eph. 6:11-18.

²¹ In the final analysis, we can see the importance Paul placed upon the protective means that Jehovah has given and then the importance of supplication in prayer on every occasion. Christians are to keep awake so as not to be overreached by persecution or temptation by the adversary. Our complete confidence in Jehovah’s guardianship, even with our life endangered, should always be adamant, while we are bearing in mind that man can only kill the body; but looking at it in this manner, we can rest assured that God will raise us up. Paul’s confidence was unshakable, and that is why, even when in chains in Rome, he was admonishing the Christians in Ephesus to stand firm in their faith.

22. What splendid comforting counsel did Paul write to those in Philippi? Are these words applicable to us today?

²² Also while Paul was in bondage in Rome he gave warm but firm counsel to those in Philippi that they could also expect trials of their faith, this prompting him to write: “Behave in a manner worthy of the good news about the Christ, . . . standing firm . . . for the faith of the good news, and in no respect being frightened by your opponents.” (Phil. 1:27, 28) These valuable words are of equal import to us in this “time of the end.”

Maintain Integrity When Confronted by Trials of Faith

“Consider it all joy . . . when you meet with various trials, knowing as you do that this tested quality of your faith works out endurance.”​—Jas. 1:2, 3.

1. Since Satan cannot overthrow God’s power, what is his chief endeavor?

SATAN’S aim has always been to overreach men to the point of turning them against God. This was his scheme in the beginning when he caused the first faithful man to be killed by his brother Cain. This effort has continued to our very day. In the past, God’s favored people Israel were particular targets.

2. (a) What commission did Jehovah give Jeremiah? How was his message received? (b) what happened to Jeremiah, and who came to his rescue?

² At the direction of Almighty God, Jeremiah’s commission over a long period of years was to declare the destruction of Jerusalem because of the iniquities of the people who succumbed to Satan’s efforts. This declaration was not popularly received by the Israelite priests and people of his day. Jeremiah was commanded to discontinue his preaching. However, he did not yield to this pressure. More drastic means were taken against him. Even when he was under custody, he admonished the people to surrender to the Chaldeans in order to save their lives. At this point, and unquestionably at Satan’s direction, “they proceeded to take Jeremiah and throw him into the cistern of Malchijah the son of the king, which was in the Courtyard of the Guard. So they let Jeremiah down by means of ropes. Now in the cistern there was no water, but mire; and Jeremiah began to sink down into the mire.” At this point Jeremiah’s plight appeared hopeless, but still there was no loss of faith on his part. An Ethiopian eunuch servant named Ebed-melech, in the king’s house, came to his rescue and appeared before King Zedekiah on behalf of Jeremiah, explaining what had happened. With the king’s approval, Ebed-melech, with extreme care so as not to injure Jeremiah, rescued him from the cistern. (Jer. 38:6-16) This can show how Jehovah provides assistance for his servants who maintain integrity even under severe trial and under the threat of death. In the ultimate, Jerusalem itself was taken captive and destroyed just as Jeremiah prophesied. Faithful Jeremiah and his companion and friend were spared.

THE HAND OF NATIONALISM DURING PRE-CHRISTIAN DAYS

3. What do governments frequently demand of Christians, and what often results?

³ Governments, whether authoritarian or of other types, frequently override the individual rights of persons to have freedom of worship in accordance with conscience, with arbitrary decrees demanding loyalty to the nation. These requirements have caused severe persecution, imprisonments and even death. While such tactics have been used during this century, they had many precedents.

4. (a) What authoritarian decree did Nebuchadnezzar put into effect? (b) What course did the faithful Hebrews take? (c) Who acted in behalf of the three Hebrews, and in what manner?

⁴ Such circumstances were brought into the account illustratively in the days of King Nebuchadnezzar. It is recalled how he erected the tall gold image, approximately ninety feet high, on the plain of Dura. This was to be an object of devotion and worship, and the decree was issued that upon the sound of music all were to fall down and worship this image. Such was in direct opposition to God’s command that they were not to “bow down” to any image or likeness of ‘anything in the heavens, on the earth, or in the waters under the earth.’ If they did, it would meet with punishment from Jehovah for themselves and their offspring to the third and fourth generation. (Ex. 20:4-6) When the music sounded, all present prostrated themselves, with the exception of the three conspicuous faithful Jews, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. When this was drawn to the attention of the king, his fury was aroused, and then they were given another opportunity to bow or compromise. The music was to be played again and all were to be commanded to bow down. This attempt was just as futile as the first one because these men, even with the threat of being cast into the fiery furnace, would not break their integrity in rendering true worship to Jehovah and him alone. (Dan. 3:1, 5, 6, 16-19) Even recognizing the danger to their lives if they were cast into the fiery furnace, they spoke undauntedly to Nebuchadnezzar that they would not bow down to the golden image. They made known that their God could deliver them, but even if he did not, they would not render obeisance to this image. The account shows that even the men that cast these three into the fiery furnace were burned to death, while not even the smell of fire was upon the integrity-keeping Hebrew men.​—Dan. 3:27.

5. What test of loyalty was placed upon Daniel? What was the final outcome?

⁵ The prophet Daniel was likewise put to a test because his custom was to pray in the window toward Jerusalem three times every day. Some of the officials and satraps under Darius mischievously had a decree issued that no one was to worship or pray to any God other than the king for a thirty-day period. This edict was sealed by the king’s ring. Of course, the finger of accusation was immediately directed to Daniel because of his continuing practice to pray to the true God, Jehovah. The penalty for violating the decree was that anyone that was found so praying was to be thrown into the den of lions. Daniel remained loyal, and we see how faithfully Jehovah came to his rescue by closing the mouths of the lions. Of course, retribution occurred in this instance too, in that the men that accused Daniel to the extent of his having been cast to the lions were themselves destroyed by lions.​—Dan. 6:4-11, 20-28.

6. What other opportunities to compromise were placed before Daniel and his three companions, and how did they react?

⁶ This had not been these faithful servants’ first test, because previously they were invited to live luxuriously, drinking wine and eating special foods that were enjoyed by those in the palace where they were stationed. Their stand was adamant as recorded at Daniel 1:8: “Daniel determined in his heart that he would not pollute himself with the delicacies of the king [that were not permissible by Israelite law] and with his drinking wine. And he kept requesting of the principal court official that he might not pollute himself.” He made the request, “Give us some vegetables that we may eat and water that we may drink.”​—Dan. 1:12.

7. What treatment befell many of the pre-Christian faithful servants for maintaining integrity?

⁷ Many other pre-Christian servants of Almighty God were similarly tested, some having been put to death and others severely mistreated, and many faithful men of old “were tortured because they would not accept release by some ransom . . . others received their trial by mockings and scourgings, indeed, more than that, by bonds and prisons. They were stoned . . . tried . . . sawn asunder, they died by slaughter with the sword . . . in tribulation, under ill-treatment; and the world was not worthy of them.”​—Heb. 11:35-38.

THE FAITH OF EARLY CHRISTIANS TRIED

8. What was the prime test placed upon Christ Jesus? Who came to his rescue?

⁸ How exemplary in the matter of keeping integrity is the case of Jehovah’s Son, Christ Jesus! He was falsely accused by the Jewish religious leaders of his day who, through false charges, had him put to death for sins of which he was not guilty. When one is accused of doing something of which one is not guilty, it can bring the severest of tests, and we see that Jesus was subjected to this, resulting in his death upon the stake. He was not abandoned by Jehovah, however, because on the third day he was resurrected to a high, royal position in the heavens.​—Acts 10:40; 1 Cor. 15:4.

9. What did Jesus tell his faithful followers would happen to them, and what evidences confirm his predictions?

⁹ We are told that the disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. (Matt. 10:24) Also Jesus told his disciples: “If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also; if they have observed my word, they will observe yours also. . . . In fact, the hour is coming when everyone that kills you will imagine he has rendered a sacred service to God.” (John 15:20; 16:2) From this and other wise counsel given them by Jesus they knew that their faith would be similarly tested as they continued to preach the message concerning God’s kingdom. Such ill-treatment was meted out to them not only by their own nation of Jews, but also by the non-Jewish rulers. James was the first of the apostles that was put to death, and this by the non-Jewish king Herod. “He [Herod] did away with James the brother of John by the sword.” He mistreated others too. “Herod the king applied his hands to mistreating some of those of the congregation.” This pleased the Jews, however, as related: “As he saw it was pleasing to the Jews, he went on to arrest Peter also . . . he put him in prison.”​—Acts 12:1-4.

10. Who was persecuted besides the apostles?

¹⁰ Not only were the apostles persecuted, but many of the disciples were persecuted also. Stephen was one of these. He was very outspoken in relating truthfully the facts concerning the false worship the Israelites had practiced and were practicing at that time. He told those present: “Your forefathers . . . killed those who made announcement in advance concerning the coming of the righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become . . . at hearing these things they felt cut to their hearts and began to gnash their teeth at him. At this they cried out at the top of the voice and put their hands over their ears and rushed upon him with one accord. And . . . they began casting stones at him. . . . [and] he fell asleep in death.”​—Acts 7:52, 54, 57-60.

11. When Paul was imprisoned, did this stop his preaching?

¹¹ The apostle Paul was in prison for holding fast his integrity to God, but it did not stop him from preaching. During his first imprisonment in Rome, “he would kindly receive all those who came in to him, preaching the kingdom of God to them and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with the greatest freeness of speech, without hindrance.” (Acts 28:30, 31) In his last letter during his second imprisonment in Rome when he was about to be executed, he gave admonition to be faithful.

TWENTIETH-CENTURY CHRISTIANS

12, 13. (a) What did Jesus foretell was to happen in the twentieth century? (b) What happened to integrity-keeping Christians?

¹² Jesus foretold the preaching during the twentieth century of the good news concerning the conclusion of the “system of things.” His admonition to his followers in these “last days” advised them of what they may expect: “You will be objects of hatred by all the nations on account of my name.” “But he that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved. And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.”​—Matt. 24:9, 13, 14.

¹³ While there are those who maintain integrity and refuse to compromise their loyalty to Jehovah, those of this system of things who are subjecting themselves to nationalistic requirements are becoming furious while endeavoring to cause Christians to violate their covenant with Almighty God. Christendom has joined the nations in these efforts. During the first world war, many of Jehovah’s witnesses (Bible Students) were in prison for not going into the armed forces of the nations. During the last fifty years and more, Jehovah’s witnesses have been persecuted almost continuously in one part of the earth or another. During the second world war, the persecution was extremely severe. Many thousands of young men, because they were ministers and, in obedience to God’s law, adamantly refused to kill others, were incarcerated.

14. (a) What declaration did Hitler make regarding Jehovah’s witnesses? (b) Describe what happened to a Christian minister who would not yield to cruel treatment at the hands of the Nazis.

¹⁴ Under the Nazi regime Jehovah’s witnesses were persecuted atrociously by Hitler and his storm troopers. In fact, Hitler declared that Jehovah’s witnesses must be exterminated. As a result, persecution was extremely cruel and required unwavering faith on the part of Christian ministers. One of these, namely, Robert A. Winkler had been arrested and transported to the concentration camp. He had been released a short time as a marked man, as the Gestapo all had his picture. He was later picked up and given an opportunity to cooperate with them by advising them where his wife and leaders of the congregation were located. The answer was NO. Then he was beaten unmercifully until he became unconscious. This was repeated several times. Since they could not break his integrity, even though teeth were knocked out and he was beaten beyond recognition, he was placed in a dark cell. One of the plainclothesmen that brought him to the Gestapo came by and asked, “Are you Mr. Winkler?” He answered “Yes.” This Gestapo agent was shocked at the brutality used. At this point a guard with a little consideration asked if he could do something for him. “Could you please get me a Bible?” was the request. A little later a Bible was thrown into his cell and the door again immediately locked. He had what he needed, the Word of God. Prayer to Jehovah gave him strength so that he could remain steadfast for Jehovah regardless of what befell him. Today this man is still serving Jehovah faithfully, loyally, and is happy that he could remain resolute under the severest testing of his faith.

15. What stimulating words did a condemned Christian minister give others when he was leaving the courtroom?

¹⁵ In another instance one of Jehovah’s witnesses had been condemned to die because of his faithfulness to God. As guards were leading him out of the courtroom he was telling other Witnesses to be of good courage. What a stimulus that was to the others present!

16. Describe what happened to a Christian minister in Quebec because he continued his preaching work.

¹⁶ Severe persecution befell the Witnesses in Quebec, Canada. One minister was arrested 103 times and served several jail sentences in addition to physical beatings, and this was only because he refused to discontinue his door-to-door ministry. Many others suffered similarly. However, through constant maintenance of integrity, in time a Supreme Court victory was gained in Canada. Now, where there were only a handful of Witnesses twenty-five to thirty years ago, there are thousands.

17. What suffering of cruelty have integrity-keeping Witnesses suffered behind the Iron Curtain?

¹⁷ Just as previously when the Witnesses were persecuted under the Nazi regime, Jehovah’s witnesses are suffering similarly on the other side of the Iron Curtain, where the Communists have employed severe persecution to break their integrity. In many instances those endeavoring to maintain faithfulness are brought before fellow-worker courts and threatened with loss of job, allotment, home, pension, and so forth, if they do not publicly renounce their religion. They have defended their stand and some have been sent to forced-labor camps. Many of these camps hold groups of Witnesses where they are harshly treated, even worse than animals. Some of these so incarcerated had already served long terms in Hitler’s concentration camps and now suffer confinement for many more years by the Communists. But their faith is strong and they will not compromise their integrity to God.

18. What has happened to Christian ministers in Africa?

¹⁸ Nationalism brought a great deal of persecution upon Jehovah’s witnesses a few years ago in Africa, and many were severely beaten. More recently in some African countries Jehovah’s witnesses were banned. Not only have they been banned because they would not join the political party and carry the party identification card; mobs have beaten them, raped many women and subjected them to immoral abuse. But again, the leaders were unable to break the integrity of these true Christians.

OTHER ATTEMPTS TO BREAK INTEGRITY

19. How have others been confronted with trials of faith?

¹⁹ Many times, some of the most serious trials are in one’s own household by reason of abuse by other members who use ridicule and taunts to cause one to quit being one of Jehovah’s witnesses.

20. What happened in Germany after some of the persecuted Christians were released from prison camps?

²⁰ It has been known that, while many of Jehovah’s witnesses went through trials of severest persecution under Nazism in concentration camps, when released to return to perhaps their hometown or other places for a pursuit of work, they have been overreached and ensnared by the lures of materialism. By this we can see that, while the Devil may not be able to enslave Christians by persecution, he may be successful with subtle means of breaking integrity. Some may have been able to withstand trials of abuse and yet may have fallen victim to their own passions and committed fornication and adultery, which necessitated their removal from Jehovah’s organization.

21. What occurred in the early church? Why should this not shake our faith when similar situations arise now?

²¹ Actually, many have fallen by the wayside for various reasons, and this occurred in the days of the early church as well. Paul draws this to our attention in his second letter to Timothy, as we read: “For Demas has forsaken me because he loved the present system of things.” Paul warned about another one that did injury: “Alexander the coppersmith did me many injuries​—Jehovah will repay him according to his deeds—​and you too be on guard against him, for he resisted our words to an excessive degree.” (2 Tim. 4:10, 14, 15) Hence, some Christians discontinued their faithful course nineteen hundred years ago, and we can expect some to do similarly now because it has been so prophesied. Should we, then, allow our faith to be shaken? No, because we know that Jehovah will remove those who offend.

22. (a) What have we seen occur quickly, which should alert us to the fact that we may not escape some severe trials? (b) In what way was Paul an example, and how should his course be helpful to us?

²² By the same token, we should not feel that we may go through the trials ahead unscathed. Many may be called upon to endure injustices and difficulties as some have in the past. Nationalism, we notice, has flared up in many instances, resulting in severe persecution almost overnight without warning. By putting on the breastplate of spiritual armor we can withstand the missiles of the adversary. We can expect reproaches of every sort, as we are told by Christ Jesus. “‘The reproaches of those who were reproaching you have fallen upon me’ . . . through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who supplies endurance and comfort grant you to have among yourselves the same mental attitude that Christ Jesus had.” (Rom. 15:3-5) It can be recalled, too, that Paul gave specific counsel about endurance as he wrote his second letter to the Corinthians: “In every way we recommend ourselves as God’s ministers, by the endurance of much, by tribulations, by cases of need, by difficulties, by beatings, by prisons, by disorders, by labors, by sleepless nights, by times without food.” (2 Cor. 6:4, 5) It takes a great deal of encouragement to build up strength in our minds to endure.

MAINTAINING INTEGRITY

23. How should we feel about our vow of dedication that we have made to Jehovah?

²³ Some have failed to live up to their vows of dedication to Jehovah. After making a decision to dedicate our lives to the doing of Jehovah’s will, there is no turning back. Jehovah justly expects us to ‘pay our vows.’ (Eccl. 5:4-6) Those who willfully and deliberately play false to commitments to Jehovah are deserving of death.

24, 25. (a) From what source may we expect attacks? Why? (b) Even if we were confronted with the supreme test where out life was involved, what should be our reaction?

²⁴ We must remember that Satan is the great enemy of true Christians, and he has a mighty organization bent on destroying all faith in Jehovah. We should also be cognizant of the fact that the whole world lies under the power of the Devil, and he is the god of this system of things and has blinded the minds of the unbelievers.​—2 Cor. 4:4.

²⁵ Since he has the entire world under him, he is directing all of his venom and strength in using his earthly forces. He does this as a roaring lion stalking its prey, as Peter wrote: “Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone.” That someone could be you, a sincere Christian devoted to Jehovah. Peter further cautions: “Take your stand against him, solid in the faith, knowing that the same things in the way of sufferings are being accomplished in the entire association of your brothers in the world.” (1 Pet. 5:8, 9) Do not let this frighten you or cause you to quit. That would be cowardly, even suicidal, and such action will not qualify one to live in God’s kingdom. (Rev. 21:8) In contrast, be of the frame of mind that Jesus suggested at Revelation 2:10: “Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer. Look! The Devil will keep on throwing some of you into prison that you may be fully put to the test . . . Prove yourself faithful even to death, and I will give you the crown of life.”