Many of His modern disciples have circled the globe, preaching to thousands at one time by means of electrical amplification systems, and to vast unseen audiences through radio and television, bringing deliverance to greater multitudes than did Jesus. Where Jesus reached hundreds, His followers are reaching thousands. No deliverance from this persecution was promised to the followers of Christ, although they were to have power to do the things which He did. If His disciples could do the works He did, and in addition be delivered from persecution, then indeed would the disciple be above his master. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Persecution is one of the universal results of manifested power.
Persecutions continued for three and one-half years, until at last He was crucified, for no other reason than because He had power which the powerless religious leaders of his day feared. Paul never had to flee at night for his life, because of his religion, until after he had met God in a supernatural way. Personally, I met with very little opposition until I made up my mind to have all God had promised me as a minister. Again and again, Jesus pointed out to His disciples the price of following in His steps, recommending that they count the cost, and offering them the opportunity of turning back if the price seemed too great, in proportion to the value of the blessing to be received. If we suffer we shall also reign with him.