Sometimes, it is permitted to take the path of escape during persecution. Jesus Himself taught His disciples, “When they persecute you in this city, flee to another…” (Matt 10:23). Elijah fled from Jezebel (1 Kgs 19:1-18). David repeatedly evaded Saul’s efforts to kill him (1 Sam 19-23). Jesus’ family temporarily migrated to Egypt to escape Herod (Matt 2:13-15).
Even Christ escaped persecution on numerous occasions (Matt 12:14-15, Lk 4:28-30, Jn 7:1, 8:59, 10:39, 11:53-54), because “His hour had not yet come” (Jn 2:4, 7:6, 30, 8:20). At the appointed time, He willingly surrendered (Jn 18:4-12).
The early Church fled Jerusalem and continued preaching in neighboring nations, when Saul persecuted the Church (Acts 8:1-4).
Paul was let down from a window to escape the wrath of the Jews (Acts 9:23-25, cf. 2 Corin 11:32-33). He fled Iconium (Acts 14:5-6), Thessalonica (Acts 17:10) and Berea (Acts 17:14), when his life was threatened. Elsewhere, he used his Roman citizenship to avoid ill-treatment (Acts 22:25-29, 25:10-12). In Acts 23:12-35, when an assassination plot was hatched against him, he even moved with security guards! This is not compromise, but staying alive long enough, to fulfill the ministry committed to us. Only LIVING men preach the Gospel, hence, wisdom is required.
© Josh Banks Ministries. 2026.
