Return to Reading
The Great Controversy
GC 39.1–GC 42.1 • Revelation 2:10; 2 Timothy 3:12; John 15:20

“Persecution in the First Centuries”

How the early church stood firm, and what weakened it

The first Christians faced fierce persecution and grew stronger. Notice what kept them faithful, and what the author says became a greater danger than open opposition.

pp. 39–42 · 8 paragraphs

Holy Scripture

KJV
Revelation 2:10
10

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

2 Timothy 3:12
12

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

John 15:20
20

Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

The Great Controversy

• Chapter 2
Checking Text...
GC 39.1
Verifying Historical Text...

Checking source reading against printed standard editions. The passage will appear as soon as verification completes.

GC 39.2
Verifying Historical Text...

Checking source reading against printed standard editions. The passage will appear as soon as verification completes.

GC 40.1
Verifying Historical Text...

Checking source reading against printed standard editions. The passage will appear as soon as verification completes.

GC 40.2
Verifying Historical Text...

Checking source reading against printed standard editions. The passage will appear as soon as verification completes.

GC 41.1
Verifying Historical Text...

Checking source reading against printed standard editions. The passage will appear as soon as verification completes.

GC 41.2
Verifying Historical Text...

Checking source reading against printed standard editions. The passage will appear as soon as verification completes.

GC 41.3
Verifying Historical Text...

Checking source reading against printed standard editions. The passage will appear as soon as verification completes.

GC 42.1
Verifying Historical Text...

Checking source reading against printed standard editions. The passage will appear as soon as verification completes.

End of Day 1(GC 39.1–GC 42.1)

Take a quiet moment to pause, pray, and meditate on these living truths.

You may engage with 3 gentle devotional review questions, record insights in your journal, or advance when ready.

Heart Reflection (Optional)

“What promise does Jesus give in Revelation 2:10 to those who stay faithful?”

Observation: Faithful unto death
Prayer & Practice (Optional)
Prayer Focus

“Lord, give me courage and faithfulness, and keep me from drifting when life is easy.”

Practical Action

Pray for Christians who are persecuted today, by name or country.

Personal prayer intention

Study Portion Completion

Study completion will be available once the reading passage is confirmed.

Pause Study

How did this chapter speak to you?

Share your impressions, questions, or editorial suggestions directly with the stewards.

Open Private Journal