And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region. But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:49-52

We are thinking through the question of whether missionaries should persist in the face of persecution, or move on. Paul and Barnabas moved on. Should this be considered the right thing for all who encounter persecution? We considered Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:14-16 in which Jesus told the disciples to move on, but also to use wisdom. Here are a few thoughts on how to answer this question today.

It is certainly OK to avoid persecution. We need not look for it nor stick around for it if we have the option to escape it. This does not mean compromising the gospel or denying Christ to do so; it is okay to move away from it when possible. But let us understand that for many of our brothers and sisters who live in places of persecution, moving on isn’t an option!

Those who choose to remain and persevere in their evangelistic efforts often see positive results in the long run. Our desire to see people saved often means a measure of persecution is “worth it.” So again, we must be wise in discerning the Lord’s will in each case, since no two cases are exactly the same.

And for we who are not on a foreign mission field where persecution is the norm, let us PRAY for our brothers and sisters who do face persecution. May God protect them and give them wisdom to discern when to stay the course and when to move on.