Peter and John told a large crowd in Jerusalem about Jesus.  He had died by crucifixion, was buried and then raised to life by God. 
  Priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees were greatly disturbed!  Jesus – He had died, they were there and they knew He had died!  Yet these men were telling many people that He had been raised to life?  Something had to be done and now!
  So they did what many are doing in various countries of the world today when someone speaks of Christ Jesus…they arrested Peter and John.          (Acts 4:1-3) 

  Perhaps you live in a country where arrests, ostracism, imprisonment, beatings, and death are facing you because of your faith in the living Lord Jesus Christ.  You also have the opportunity to take the same message that Peter and John gave out to people in your sphere of influence. 
  Jesus died, Jesus was resurrected and Jesus ascended into heaven.  He did this for each person, no matter if they believe in Him or not.  But…but, each person is also responsible to respond by faith in Jesus as their Savior.   

  Perhaps the country you live in does not have that type of persecution, but it is becoming increasingly popular to pressure followers of Christ to be quiet about their faith.  No more public prayers in the name of Jesus.  No more Scripture displayed in public places.  No more mention of God in the classroom unless it is the “OMG” text. 

  It is not in your power or mine that we can effectively proclaim Jesus Christ; it is only in the power of the Holy Spirit to witness of Jesus as Savior and Lord.  When anyone receives Jesus as their Savior, God gives us a great gift, His Holy Spirit, to live within us.
  Peter and John were bold witnesses to their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ…and this witness started in Jerusalem. 

  Wherever you live today, as a follower of Christ, you also are a witness of the Lord Jesus.
  Witnesses started in Jerusalem, then they went to Samaria and Judea and today we are witnesses “to the remotest part of the earth.” 

  What did Jesus say about those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness?  “…theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  (Matthew 5:10)
  Jesus followed that up with:
(NASB) Matthew 5:11-12 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
12 ‘Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” 

  If you are persecuted for being a follower of Christ, remember that you are among the elite group of prophets who were also persecuted.