Last evening, the CEO of Release International and a good friend, Paul Robinson, was interviewed by Canon J John. It is a most moving interview and everyone should watch it. The quote in the title above was from Rose who spoke to Paul as she relived being set on fire simply because she was a Christian. You can access the video here:
There are many Rose’s today and they bring huge challenge and encouragement to us all. The Apostle Paul of course knew all about persecution. He reminds his young protégé that following Christ isn’t a path of ease, but one marked by persecution and hardship. Yet within this sobering reality lies profound encouragement.
“You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3 v 10-13)
Paul points to his own sufferings in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra, places where he faced rejection, violence, and exile. But notice what he emphasises: “the Lord rescued me from all of them.” Not that the trials were avoided, but that God’s faithfulness carried him through each one.
The uncomfortable truth Paul shares is that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” This isn’t pessimism; it’s preparation. When we encounter resistance for our faith, whether subtle mockery, professional challenges, or family tensions, we’re not experiencing something unusual. We’re walking the same path every faithful believer has travelled.
Meanwhile, Paul warns that “evil people and impostors will go from bad to worse.” The contrast is stark: while the world grows darker, believers are called to shine brighter, holding fast to truth even when it costs us.
The key is found in verse 10: “You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance.” Paul lived what he preached. His words carried weight because his life backed them up.
Today, let’s ask ourselves: Are we prepared to see the world through the perspective of Rose? Are we living with such authenticity that others can see Christ’s character reflected in our daily choices?
Missions Paul 