Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, persecutors are individuals or groups who oppress, harass, or inflict suffering upon others, particularly for their faith or beliefs. The theme of persecution is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, with numerous accounts of God's people facing adversity at the hands of persecutors. This entry explores the nature of persecutors, their actions, and the biblical response to persecution.Old Testament Context Persecution in the Old Testament often involved the oppression of the Israelites by foreign nations or rulers. The Egyptians, under Pharaoh, are notable persecutors, subjecting the Israelites to harsh slavery (Exodus 1:11-14). The Philistines, Assyrians, and Babylonians also acted as persecutors, oppressing Israel and Judah through military conquest and exile. The prophets frequently faced persecution for their messages. Jeremiah, for example, was beaten and imprisoned for prophesying against Jerusalem (Jeremiah 20:1-2). Elijah was pursued by Jezebel, who sought to kill him for his opposition to Baal worship (1 Kings 19:1-2). New Testament Context In the New Testament, persecution becomes a central theme in the life of Jesus and the early Church. Jesus Himself was persecuted by religious leaders and ultimately crucified. He warned His followers of impending persecution, saying, "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first" (John 15:18). The early Christians faced persecution from both Jewish and Roman authorities. Saul of Tarsus, later known as the Apostle Paul, was initially a fierce persecutor of Christians, "breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord" (Acts 9:1). After his conversion, Paul himself became a target of persecution, enduring beatings, imprisonment, and stoning (2 Corinthians 11:24-25). Characteristics of Persecutors Persecutors in the Bible are often characterized by their opposition to God's truth and His people. They may act out of fear, jealousy, or a desire to maintain power and control. Persecutors frequently employ tactics such as false accusations, imprisonment, physical violence, and even execution to achieve their aims. Biblical Response to Persecutors The Bible provides guidance on how believers should respond to persecution. Jesus taught His followers to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). The Apostle Paul echoed this sentiment, urging Christians to "bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse" (Romans 12:14). Believers are encouraged to endure persecution with faith and patience, trusting in God's ultimate justice. The Apostle Peter wrote, "But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened" (1 Peter 3:14). Divine Justice and Hope The Bible assures believers that God is aware of their suffering and will ultimately bring justice to persecutors. In Revelation, the souls of the martyrs cry out for justice, and God promises to avenge their blood (Revelation 6:9-10). The Scriptures affirm that those who endure persecution for righteousness' sake will be rewarded, as Jesus declared, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). Persecution, while painful, is portrayed as a means of refining faith and drawing believers closer to God. The Apostle James encourages believers to "consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance" (James 1:2-3). Strong's Hebrew 7291. radaph -- to pursue, chase, persecute... Usage chase (6), chased (5), chases (1), follow (3), follow* (1), follows (1), hunts (1), passed (1), persecute (6), persecuted (5), persecutors (4), press (1 ... /hebrew/7291.htm - 6k Library Of the Manner in Which the Persecutors Died Psalm 129. Persecutors Punished. Of Persecuted and Persecutors. Psalm 83. A Complaint against Persecutors. Against the Tyrants and Persecutors; and on the Captivity of ... Psalm 129 Persecutors Punished. Psalm 83 a Complaint against Persecutors. Psalm 14 Part 2 the Folly of Persecutors. Whether Christ's Persecutors Knew who He Was? If, with the Object of Convicting the Rivals and Persecutors of ... Thesaurus Persecutors (14 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Persecutors (14 Occurrences). Matthew 5:44 But I command you all, love your enemies, and pray for your persecutors; (WEY). ... /p/persecutors.htm - 10k Synagogue (52 Occurrences) Persecution (22 Occurrences) Persepolis Satan (50 Occurrences) Ordaineth (1 Occurrence) Oppressors (31 Occurrences) Long-suffering (23 Occurrences) Wealthy (22 Occurrences) Wealth (340 Occurrences) Resources What is Israel's role in the end times? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Chi-Rho symbol? | GotQuestions.org What is Tisha B'Av? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Persecutors (14 Occurrences)Matthew 5:44 Romans 12:14 1 Thessalonians 2:15 Nehemiah 9:11 Psalms 7:13 Psalms 31:15 Psalms 49:5 Psalms 119:84 Psalms 119:157 Psalms 142:6 Jeremiah 15:15 Jeremiah 20:11 Lamentations 1:3 Lamentations 4:19 Subtopics Sarcasm: The Persecutors of Jesus Related Terms |
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