Episode Summary: The Paradox of Persecution | Our Daily Bread Podcast | November 2, 2025

Overview

This episode of the Our Daily Bread Podcast, “The Paradox of Persecution,” presents a devotional reflection rooted in Acts 7:59–8:8. The reading and commentary, written by Dave Brannon and read by Stephen Tabor, explores how the early church faced persecution following the martyrdom of Stephen, leading paradoxically to the spread of the Gospel and great joy. It draws connections between biblical events and contemporary stories, encouraging listeners to trust God’s transformative power in suffering.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Scripture Reading: The Persecution in Acts

• Content:

  • Stephen is stoned, prays for forgiveness for his killers, and dies ([00:00]).
  • Saul (later Paul) approves Stephen's killing and initiates a severe persecution against the church in Jerusalem, scattering believers throughout Judea and Samaria.
  • Scattered believers, like Philip, begin preaching the Gospel wherever they go.
  • Miracles occur in Samaria through Philip, leading to the expulsion of demons, healings, and citywide joy.

• Highlighted Scripture:

  • “There was great joy in that city.” (Acts 8:8, [00:00])

2. The Paradox of Persecution

• Reflection by Dave Brannon:

  • The story moves rapidly from Stephen's painful death to widespread evangelism and joy.

  • This is called the “paradox of persecution”—suffering that produces unexpected blessings ([01:23]).

  • Quote:

    • “Something unusual happens in 10 short verses, starting with Acts 7:59. The story turns quickly from Stephen’s horrific death by stoning to other believers in Christ being scattered and preaching the Word, leading to these amazing words: ‘There was great joy in that city.’ That’s the paradox of persecution.”
      — Dave Brannon ([01:25])

3. Modern Example: Hristo Kulichev

• Story Highlighted:

  • European pastor Hristo Kulichev, arrested in the 1980s for preaching, found ministry opportunities in prison he never expected.

  • Upon release after eight months, he remarked that their time in prison was more fruitful for God’s purposes than their time spent free ([02:01]).

  • Quote:

    • “God was better served by our presence in prison than if we had been free from persecution— to great joy.”
      — Hristo Kulichev, cited by Dave Brannon ([02:18])

4. Theological Insights on Persecution and Joy

• Reflection:

  • Persecution, rather than hindering the church, causes the message to spread and brings joy to unexpected places ([02:25]).

  • Reference to Peter’s advice not to be surprised by “fiery trials” (from Peter’s epistle), affirming that suffering for Christ’s sake brings the Spirit of God upon believers ([03:00]).

  • Quote:

    • “When forces in our world stand against the truths and teachings of Scripture, especially the Gospel, that’s not the time to give up. God moves in powerful ways when the church faces such difficulties.… God has the power to turn persecution into something precious.”
      — Dave Brannon ([02:57])

5. Prayer and Reflection

• Devotional Prayer:

  • A prayer for courage and trust in God’s work in the midst of hardship.
  • Gratitude for God’s ability to bring light and joy even in darkness ([03:34]).

• Reflection Questions for Listeners:

  • “How does persecution both trouble you and encourage you? Why do you think it can lead to joy?” ([03:58])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Scripture:
  • “There was great joy in that city.” — Acts 8:8 ([00:00])
• On the Paradox:
  • “That’s the paradox of persecution.” — Dave Brannon ([01:32])
• Modern Testimony:
  • “God was better served by our presence in prison than if we had been free from persecution.” — Hristo Kulichev, quoted by Dave Brannon ([02:18])
• Encouragement for Listeners:
  • “God has the power to turn persecution into something precious.” — Dave Brannon ([03:17])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:00] – Opening Scripture reading (Acts 7:59–8:8)
• [01:25] – Identification of the paradox of persecution
• [02:01] – Contemporary story: Hristo Kulichev’s prison ministry
• [02:57] – Application: Facing opposition and God’s work in hardship
• [03:34] – Devotional prayer
• [03:58] – Reflective listener questions

Summary Flow

The episode moves from a biblical account of martyrdom and persecution to the way God used suffering for unexpected good—connecting these themes to both church history and contemporary experiences. Listeners are encouraged to reconsider hardship as an opportunity for God's transforming power, ending with a prayer and reflective questions to foster personal application. The tone is gentle, faithful, and hopeful, inviting listeners into deeper trust and engagement with God's work in all circumstances.