“The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” Tertullian, the early church father who wrote that famous quote, saw centuries ago that persecution doesn’t extinguish the gospel but only plants it deeper.

Those who hate Christianity have always believed suffering would silence it. Chain the preacher, and the message dies with him. History says otherwise.

Paul writes from a prison cell in 2 Timothy 2: “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead… for which I suffer, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!” He goes on to say that he endures everything for the sake of the elect, those who will be saved, “that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus.”

Paul’s body was chained, but the gospel wasn’t. Every attempt to bury the message became a platform for it. Cells became pulpits, executions became testimonies, blood became seed, and ashes became fertilizer.

The same is true today. Suffering doesn’t stop gospel advancement. It fuels it. What the enemy means to silence, God amplifies. Beloved, may you make the most of every opportunity God has given you to point people to Jesus, especially moments of persecution. Even your execution testifies to the glory of Christ.

Change begins in you!