The hand of the Lord was upon them.

Acts 11:19-21, Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.

We who have never known true persecution wonder about the need for it. And those in other parts of the world who have seen and experienced it know the power of the gospel is unleashed in persecution. Many of the early church gave up everything for the sake of advancing the gospel, ultimately even their lives. Do we have the same zeal that they had?

We know that we do not have this kind of zeal on our own; put your hand upon us and give us boldness and the courage to see your gospel advance especially in the face of persecution, O Lord!

ESV Lectionary