Casting Your Pearls: When Questions Lead to Persecution

For about a month, my husband and I have been prayerfully researching Pauline teachings that seem to contradict Yeshua, the other apostles, and the Old Testament. Since we are the only ones showing up for Wednesday night Bible study during the CovidCon19 era, we decided to bring this up privately with our preacher. We believed he would approach it fairly, offering biblical and historical references to help us understand the context, audience, and early church issues. However, we quickly learned that questioning Paul was not a welcomed topic.

Persecution from the Pulpit

Sometimes, persecution comes from outside the church. Other times, it comes straight from the pulpit.

We knew this was a sensitive topic, so we took our time before bringing it up. We didn’t want to risk leading anyone astray or placing a stumbling block in front of weaker believers which is why we took this straight to the preacher. Our preacher did provide historical and biblical context—some supporting the anti-Pauline argument, some refuting it. But instead of finding clarity, we found ourselves more perplexed. So, we kept studying.

Sunday Surprise: Open Fire

Then Sunday morning rolled around. Imagine our surprise when we found metaphorical targets strapped to our chests, and our preacher firing away from the pulpit. This wasn’t a case of stepping on our toes because we were sinning. YHVH hadn’t convicted us of anything, nor were we veering from the path. Yet, our private conversation about questioning Paul had somehow turned into public ammunition.

Most of the congregation was probably unaware of what was happening, but we knew. The preacher knew. And most importantly, the Most High knew.

Old Scars, New Wounds

I grew up in Pentecostal Holiness churches and have been tossed out over minor doctrinal differences—like using “Lord” instead of “Lord Jesus.” We were also kicke out over no offense, but because the preacher’s wife was jealous. Of what I have no clue. This wasn’t minor, and we haven’t been kicked out—yet. But I’ve seen this preacher, and others before him, use sermons as weapons. I’ve seen them publicly humiliate people over personal beliefs, Facebook posts, or mere whispers of disagreement.

Hearing those same tactics used against us reopened old scars. I called my mom for wisdom. She told me, “You handed the preacher a piece of meat too tough for him to chew, and he choked on it.” A perfect metaphor. Some believers aren’t as strong as they seem. When challenged, they don’t humbly seek answers. They lash out.

Casting Your Pearls Before Swine

Later, my mom called back with a verse:

Matthew 7:6 – Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

That’s exactly what happened. I have survived verbal, mental, and physical abuse in the past. This felt like a spiritual ambush. Worse, it was an abuse of “the sacred office” and platform that preachers have.

The Sermon’s Message (or Should We Say, Attack List?)

Here are just a few choice phrases from the sermon, direct quotes:

• Turning against the Word of Truth
• Heading to a path of destruction
• Following Satan and his angels to hell
• Destroying trust in the Word
• Planting seeds of doubt

And the grand finale: “That we can bring honor and glory to you, and not cause chaos and destruction and division.” Translation? Sit down, shut up, and don’t ask questions.

This Is Not How Yeshua Handled Conflict

This wasn’t even conflict. It was study. It was prayer. It was testing, just as we’re instructed to do in Deuteronomy 13. In 1 Thessalonians 5:21: “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” Paul’s own writings tell us to question everything!

Even if this had been a conflict, Matthew 18:15-17 outlines the proper way to handle it. First, approach the person privately. Then, bring witnesses. Finally, involve the assembly. But this wasn’t conflict. This was a theological discussion—a plea for understanding. And yet, questioning Paul had turned into an unforgivable offense.

When Persecution Comes from Within

We expect persecution from the world. From strangers. From sinners. But from within the church? From those entrusted to shepherd us? That kind of betrayal cuts deep.

Beyond personal hurt, there’s a serious problem when a preacher uses God’s pulpit to browbeat people into submission. The church should be a place of growth, not fear. A place where questions are encouraged, not punished. If one door shuts, the Most High will open another. But for now, we shake the dust off our feet and move forward.

Have you ever faced spiritual opposition for simply asking questions? Have you encountered resistance when questioning Paul? Share your story below. Let’s encourage one another to keep seeking truth.

Recommended Tools for Your Spiritual and Health Journey

If you are searching for an assembly where questioning Paul does not result in abuse, I encourage you to check out Ross K Nichols’ Youtube. He also has an after-class discussion that you can get in on if you are a subscriber. If you are not a subscriber, you can still watch an hour of the after-class discussion on this Youtube channel: Horeb

If you’re serious about nourishing your body and soul, consider investing in a quality grain mill and bread machine. Freshly milled grain makes a huge difference in homemade bread! Check out my top picks on Amazon:

• Best Mixer: Kitchen Aid Mixer
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Also, don’t forget to browse my other articles and recipes for more inspiration on healthy living and spiritual growth!

How to Make Whole Wheat Bread in a Bread Machine(Opens in a new browser tab)

Bug-Free Grains: How to Keep Your Bulk Grains Safe and Sound(Opens in a new browser tab)

Grains in Bulk: Healthier, Cheaper, and Sustainable(Opens in a new browser tab)

Obedience is Required(Opens in a new browser tab)

Reduce Food Waste with Mom’s Seasoning Blend(Opens in a new browser tab)

Are You Still Hungry and Thirsty?(Opens in a new browser tab)