Did the churches Paul founded face persecution right away?
Yes. The churches and converts associated with Paul's ministry came under persecution immediately after their conversion. From Galatia to Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, and Rome, believers saved out of paganism quickly faced pressure for their faith, and many remained faithful even when dying was required.
Les explains that Paul’s converts, whether in Galatia, Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, or Rome, immediately came under the pressure of persecution wherever Paul ministered. These were new believers recently saved out of pagan darkness, yet they died for their faith and did not go back into paganism. Les contrasts this with professing Christians today, asking how many would remain if heavy persecution meant giving up their lives. He notes this is why Paul did not really encourage marriage: it is easier to die for one’s faith if single than if worried about a loved one.