Topical Encyclopedia The concept of persecution is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the trials and tribulations faced by the faithful as they strive to live according to God's will. Persecution can be understood as suffering, harassment, or oppression inflicted upon individuals or groups because of their religious beliefs and practices. This entry explores the biblical understanding of persecution, its significance, and the response it elicits from believers.Old Testament Context Persecution in the Old Testament often involved the oppression of God's chosen people, Israel, by surrounding nations. The Israelites faced various forms of persecution, including enslavement, exile, and military attacks. For instance, the Egyptians enslaved the Israelites, subjecting them to harsh labor (Exodus 1:11-14). Despite these trials, God remained faithful to His covenant, delivering His people from their oppressors. The prophets also experienced persecution as they delivered God's messages to a rebellious nation. Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," faced imprisonment and threats to his life for proclaiming God's truth (Jeremiah 20:1-2; 38:6). Similarly, Elijah was pursued by Queen Jezebel for his opposition to Baal worship (1 Kings 19:1-3). New Testament Context In the New Testament, persecution becomes more personal and direct, particularly against followers of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself warned His disciples of the persecution they would face: "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first" (John 15:18). He further stated, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). The early church experienced significant persecution, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was stoned to death for his bold proclamation of the gospel (Acts 7:54-60). The apostle Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became a target himself after his conversion, enduring beatings, imprisonment, and ultimately martyrdom (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). Theological Significance Persecution serves as a test of faith and a means of spiritual refinement. The apostle Peter encouraged believers to rejoice in their sufferings, as they share in Christ's sufferings and will be overjoyed when His glory is revealed (1 Peter 4:12-13). The apostle Paul echoed this sentiment, stating, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12). Persecution also serves as a witness to the world. The steadfastness of believers in the face of adversity testifies to the transformative power of the gospel. Jesus instructed His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them, demonstrating the radical love that characterizes the Christian faith (Matthew 5:44). Response to Persecution The biblical response to persecution is rooted in faith, hope, and love. Believers are called to endure suffering with patience and to trust in God's ultimate justice. The apostle Paul wrote, "We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair" (2 Corinthians 4:8). This resilience is grounded in the assurance of God's presence and the hope of eternal life. Prayer is a vital response to persecution. The early church prayed fervently for boldness and strength in the face of threats (Acts 4:29-31). Believers are also encouraged to support one another, bearing each other's burdens and encouraging one another in faith (Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 10:24-25). In summary, persecution is an integral aspect of the Christian experience, reflecting the conflict between the kingdom of God and the world. Through persecution, believers are refined, their faith is strengthened, and the gospel is proclaimed to a watching world. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Persecute.Greek 5344. Phelix -- "fortunate," Felix, a governor of Judea ... 5344 -- , the governor of Judea ( ad 52-60) who persecuted the Jews and flagrantly used bribes, unethical informers, and torture. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5344.htm - 7k 1377. dioko -- to put to flight, pursue, by impl. to persecute Strong's Hebrew 4783. murdaph -- persecution... Word Origin from radaph Definition persecution NASB Word Usage persecution (1). persecuted. From radaph; persecuted -- persecuted. see HEBREW radaph. ... /hebrew/4783.htm - 6k 6887c. tsarar -- to show hostility toward, vex 7291. radaph -- to pursue, chase, persecute 347. Iyyob -- a patriarch Library Of Persecuted and Persecutors. That Maximin, who had Persecuted the Christians, was Compelled to ... A Word for the Persecuted Petilianus Said: "Blessed are they which are Persecuted for ... Thus did God Subdue all those who Persecuted his Name... Of the Reign of Diocletian, and How He Persecuted the Christians. ... Moral Relations of the Members of the Kingdom to their Fellow Men ... Psalm 35 Part 1 Prayer and Faith of Persecuted Saints. Eutropius the Reader, and the Blessed Olympian, and the Presbyter ... Agrippa, who was Also Called Herod, Having Persecuted the Apostles ... Thesaurus Persecuted (34 Occurrences)...Persecuted (34 Occurrences). Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. ... /p/persecuted.htm - 16k Persecute (48 Occurrences) Tried (96 Occurrences) Furiously (9 Occurrences) Ravaged (11 Occurrences) Exceedingly (167 Occurrences) Past (200 Occurrences) Persecution (22 Occurrences) Beatitudes Destroy (379 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake? | GotQuestions.orgIf I convert to Christianity, my family will disown me, and I will be persecuted. Should I follow Jesus? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian respond to persecution? | GotQuestions.org Persecuted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Persecuted (34 Occurrences)Matthew 5:10 Matthew 5:11 Matthew 5:12 Matthew 24:9 John 5:16 John 15:20 Acts 7:52 Acts 22:4 Acts 26:11 1 Corinthians 4:12 1 Corinthians 15:9 2 Corinthians 4:9 Galatians 1:13 Galatians 1:23 Galatians 4:29 Galatians 5:11 Galatians 6:12 1 Thessalonians 2:15 1 Thessalonians 3:4 1 Timothy 1:13 2 Timothy 3:12 Hebrews 11:37 Revelation 12:13 Deuteronomy 30:7 Job 16:9 Psalms 69:26 Psalms 109:16 Psalms 119:86 Psalms 119:161 Psalms 129:1 Psalms 129:2 Psalms 143:3 Isaiah 14:6 Lamentations 3:43 Subtopics Related Terms |
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