The Holy Spirit empowers believers to endure persecution and opposition. The early church faced imprisonment, beatings, and even martyrdom, but the Spirit sustained them and enabled them to remain faithful. This includes Paul and Silas's imprisonment and the opposition they faced in various cities.
13 Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man”), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul. 2 One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” 3 So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.