“So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase” (Acts 9:31).

Stephen had recently been killed for his faith (Acts 7:58–60), believers had to flee from Jerusalem for their lives (Acts 8:1), and people were trying to murder Saul for boldly preaching the gospel (Acts 9:23–25, 29-30).

Yet Luke tells us the church enjoyed peace.

Apparently peace in the church is not measured by, nor dependent upon, the external threats to the church. Let us pray for Messiah’s peace to reign in the church of Ukraine (and in Russia) even as missiles rain down upon it.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:6-7).