"Then had the churches rest ..." (Acts 9:31)

Saul of Tarsus was persecuting the church and saints were fleeing from Judea
(Acts 8:1). As faithful brethren were doing the work that glorified God, they
suffered for it. Yet, in the very next chapter of the book of Acts, we see
that the church was able to overcome this persecution and gain some needed
rest. How was it accomplished?

Well, it was not accomplished the way that men seek to do it today. Today,
what we see in the denominational world is compromise. If someone complains
about Christianity, those in the denominational world seek to appease the
one making the complaint. If someone complains that "churches" aren't doing
this or that, someone in the religious community comes up with an idea for
how they can do it and make everyone be happy. Don't like the teaching that
is being provided? Just change it. If you don't like the services, well they
too can be changed. Rather than fight against the forces of this world, too
many in the religious world would rather "switch than fight".

Not so in the first century. Christians continued teaching the gospel no
matter what the opposition thought. Saul of Tarsus wanted to destroy the
church, but faithful brethren continued to teach the gospel even as they were
being persecuted. This lead to that very Saul being converted! (Acts
9:17-20). Yes, the way that God teaches us to overcome the world is not by
giving in, but by trying harder!

The church had rest, but only after they had converted the opposition. It is
only after we have fought the battle, that we can look forward to and enjoy
the rest that God provides. The victory is by overcoming, not by compromise.
[JW]