“In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Some American Christians were engaged in conversation with some Christians from North Korea. The Americans began to talk about the Great Tribulation described in the book of Revelation, coming on the world after the after the Second Coming of Christ. The Koreans responded by saying, “we practice our Christian faith under terrible tribulation and persecution today. We do not know what it is like to have the freedom to practice our faith openly as you Americans do.”
Down through the ages since that first handful of believers following Pentecost, those who practice open opposition to the world and to false religions have been persecuted, beginning with Stephen, the first Christian martyr mentioned in Acts chapters 6 and 7. The Bible says, “All that will live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12)
In our text Jesus teaches that there will be tribulation for the Christian who lives his faith, not to be confused with the Great Tribulation, known as “the time of Jacob’s trouble.” He invites us to Himself, who knows first hand about opposition and persecution.
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