That underscores failure of authorities to respond. Persecution can vary greatly from region to region in large countries. In some cases, a local government official, in an effort to establish his power base, will discriminate against or persecute Christians, even though such a policy is not sanctioned by the federal government. As happened in the early New Testament church, persecution does not wipe out Christianity. Just the opposite is the case.
Persecution is like pouring gasoline on a fire.
As we read Acts 4, we see a great boldness. You see an awakening. There will be those who will fall by the wayside, but there will be others who are strong in their faith. In one country where Christians are persecuted, a pastor's wife has evangelized 25,000 individuals by witnessing to them on streets and in the marketplace. But when the persecution came, it seemed like there was a great boldness that came over her and many others.