Topical Bible: Prophets: Persecutions of

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The role of a prophet in the biblical narrative is one of divine appointment, often marked by the delivery of messages that call for repentance, justice, and adherence to God's covenant. However, this sacred duty frequently placed prophets in direct opposition to the prevailing powers and societal norms, leading to various forms of persecution.

Old Testament Persecutions

The Old Testament provides numerous accounts of prophets facing hostility and persecution. One of the earliest examples is the prophet Moses, who, despite leading the Israelites out of Egypt, faced constant rebellion and criticism from the people he was chosen to guide (Exodus 17:3-4, Numbers 14:10).

Elijah, another prominent prophet, experienced severe persecution under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Jezebel, in particular, sought to kill him after he defeated the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 19:1-2). Elijah's successor, Elisha, also faced opposition, notably from the youths of Bethel who mocked him, leading to divine retribution (2 Kings 2:23-24).

Jeremiah, often referred to as the "weeping prophet," endured significant persecution throughout his ministry. He was beaten, put in stocks (Jeremiah 20:2), and later cast into a cistern where he sank into the mud (Jeremiah 38:6). Despite these trials, Jeremiah remained steadfast in delivering God's messages.

The prophet Isaiah is believed to have suffered martyrdom under King Manasseh, although this is not explicitly detailed in the biblical text. Tradition holds that he was sawn in two, a fate alluded to in Hebrews 11:37, which speaks of prophets who "were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword."

New Testament Persecutions

The New Testament continues the theme of prophetic persecution, with John the Baptist serving as a prime example. John was imprisoned and eventually beheaded by Herod Antipas for his bold condemnation of Herod's unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife (Matthew 14:3-10).

Jesus Christ, regarded as the ultimate prophet, priest, and king, frequently spoke of the persecution faced by prophets. In Matthew 23:37, He lamented over Jerusalem, saying, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her!" Jesus Himself was rejected by the religious leaders and crucified, fulfilling His role as the suffering servant prophesied in Isaiah 53.

The early Christian prophets and apostles also faced persecution. Stephen, one of the first deacons, was stoned to death for his bold proclamation of the gospel (Acts 7:58-60). The Apostle Paul, who functioned in a prophetic capacity, endured numerous hardships, including beatings, imprisonment, and ultimately martyrdom (2 Corinthians 11:23-27).

Theological Implications

The persecution of prophets underscores the tension between divine truth and human resistance. Prophets were often called to deliver messages that challenged the status quo, confronted sin, and called for repentance. Their persecution serves as a testament to the cost of discipleship and the reality of spiritual warfare.

The biblical narrative affirms that persecution is not an indication of failure but rather a hallmark of faithfulness to God's calling. As Jesus taught in the Beatitudes, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). This perspective offers encouragement to believers who face opposition for their faith, reminding them of the eternal reward that awaits those who endure.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 36:16
But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy.
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Amos 2:12
But you gave the Nazarites wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not.
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Library

That it was Before Predicted that the World Would Hold us in ...
... hold us in abhorrence, and that it would stir up persecutions against us ... And many
false prophets shall arise, and shall seduce many; and because wickedness ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/11 that it was before.htm

To Talk Now of the Necessity of Bearing all Calamities and ...
... now of the necessity of bearing all calamities and persecutions in preaching ... All
the world being adorned with miracles, prophets, patriarchs, apostles, martyrs ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/traherne/centuries of meditations/34 to talk now of.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... minds are full of vanity understand that the actions of the prophets were also ... recording
his own experience, says that the afflictions and persecutions of the ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

The History of the Prophetic Sermons, Epistles, and Apocalypses
... that the belief was gaining currency that the days of the prophets were past. ... that
came to the Jews as a result of the relentless persecutions of Antiochus ...
/.../the origin and permanent value of the old testament/vii the history of the.htm

Moral Relations of the Members of the Kingdom to their Fellow Men ...
... Instead of promising to his followers a kingdom of earthly glory and prosperity,
he predicts for them manifold persecutions, such as the prophets of old had ...
/.../section 151 moral relations of.htm

Chapter v.
... I think that the addition is made for the sake of those who wish to glory in
persecutions, and in ... "For," says He, "so persecuted they the prophets also which ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter v.htm

Same Subject Continued.
... in his own stead, and became a pattern of discipline for the sons of the prophets.
And the blessed Paul, after writing these words, what persecutions I endured ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/20 same subject continued.htm

Mormonites, or the Church of the Latter-Day Saints.
... of their transgressions; that the last of their prophets who existed among ... and Davies
counties, Missouri, with a relation of their persecutions and consequent ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/mormonites or the church of.htm

Author's Preface.
... Exiles in Babylon. The prophets of the exile. Benefits of the captivity. ... Organization
and control of the early church. Persecutions of the church. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tidwell/the bible period by period/authors preface.htm

Concerning those who Come in the Name of Christ the Terrible Signs ...
... That persecutions from one's nearest friends are predicted, and calumny out of hatred ...
were persecuted by the Jews, remember that even the prophets suffered the ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxxix concerning those who come.htm