Topical Bible: Persecution: Christ Suffered

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The theme of persecution is central to the narrative of Jesus Christ's life and ministry, as depicted in the New Testament. From His birth to His crucifixion, Christ endured various forms of persecution, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and setting an example for His followers.

Prophetic Anticipation of Persecution

The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies that foreshadow the suffering and persecution of the Messiah. Isaiah 53:3 describes the Messiah as "despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief." This prophecy is echoed in the New Testament accounts of Jesus' life, where He is often met with hostility and rejection.

Early Life and Ministry

From the outset, Jesus' life was marked by persecution. King Herod's attempt to kill the infant Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 2:13-16, forced His family to flee to Egypt. This early instance of persecution highlights the threat Jesus posed to earthly powers even as a child.

During His public ministry, Jesus faced constant opposition from religious leaders. The Pharisees and Sadducees frequently challenged His teachings and authority, as seen in passages like Matthew 12:14, where the Pharisees "went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him."

Rejection by His Own

Jesus experienced rejection not only from religious authorities but also from those in His hometown. In Luke 4:28-29, after Jesus proclaimed the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy in the synagogue of Nazareth, the people were filled with wrath and attempted to throw Him off a cliff. This rejection by His own community underscores the broader theme of unbelief and opposition that Jesus faced.

Betrayal and Arrest

The culmination of Christ's persecution is found in the events leading up to His crucifixion. Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, one of His own disciples, as recorded in Matthew 26:14-16. This act of betrayal set in motion a series of events that led to His arrest and trial.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was arrested by a mob armed with swords and clubs, as described in Matthew 26:47-50. Despite His peaceful ministry, He was treated as a criminal, highlighting the unjust nature of His persecution.

Trial and Crucifixion

Jesus' trial before the Sanhedrin and Roman authorities was marked by false accusations and mockery. In Mark 14:55-59, the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin sought testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but their testimonies did not agree. Despite the lack of credible evidence, Jesus was condemned to death.

The physical and emotional suffering Jesus endured during His crucifixion is a profound testament to the extent of His persecution. In Matthew 27:27-31, Roman soldiers mocked Him, placed a crown of thorns on His head, and spat on Him. Jesus' crucifixion, as described in Matthew 27:32-50, represents the ultimate act of persecution, as He was executed in a manner reserved for the most heinous criminals.

Purpose and Fulfillment

The persecution and suffering of Christ were not without purpose. Jesus Himself explained that His suffering was necessary for the fulfillment of Scripture and the salvation of humanity. In Luke 24:26, He asked, "Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then to enter His glory?" Through His persecution, Jesus accomplished the work of redemption, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin.

Example for Believers

Christ's endurance of persecution serves as an example for His followers. In John 15:18-20, Jesus warned His disciples, "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first... If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well." Believers are called to follow in Christ's footsteps, bearing persecution with faith and perseverance, knowing that they share in His sufferings and will also share in His glory.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 69:26
For they persecute him whom you have smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom you have wounded.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 5:16
And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether the Time of the Persecution or Antichrist Should be ...
... who have formerly, during the thousand years, suffered tribulation, shall ... of God,
did not reign with Christ when they were suffering persecution, and they ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 13 whether the time of.htm

Concerning Persecution
... No, he suffered as an evildoer! Christ indeed took pity on him and saved him ... their
uncleanness, blasphemies etc., these do not suffer persecution, but execution ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

Petilianus Said: "The Lord Jesus Christ Commands Us...
... Petilianus said: "The Lord Jesus Christ commands us ... reply, you then should suffer
persecution, in that ... say that the false prophets suffered persecution at the ...
/.../chapter 19 42 petilianus.htm

I Would Add, Moreover, that they Themselves...
... what these men say, that they were righteous because they suffered persecution through
the ... as these who make divisions between the members of Christ, and spurn ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 2 6 i.htm

John Chapter xv. 20, 21
... His own; seeing that, as the Apostle Peter says, "Christ suffered for us ... He Himself
elsewhere saith, "Blessed are they that suffer persecution for righteousness ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate lxxxviii john chapter xv.htm

How the Apostle's Preaching was Rejected by Jews and Gentiles ...
... should be proclaimed in the man Jesus Christ, that the ... that a mere man was born,
a mere man suffered. ... afraid of their troubling you with persecution, for you ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter ix how the apostles.htm

Petilianus Said: "The Lord Christ Cries Again from Heaven to Paul. ...
... Petilianus said: "The Lord Christ cries again from heaven to Paul ... Defend yourselves
from the charge of the persecution which those men suffered at the ...
/.../chapter 20 44 petilianus.htm

Again, in C??sarea, when the Persecution had Continued to the ...
... 1. Again, in C??sarea, when the persecution had continued ... thus abused the martyrs
of Christ, shall receive ... 3, above, he states that Apphianus suffered on April ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter vii again in caesarea.htm

Types of the Death of Christ Isaac; Joseph; Jacob against Simeon ...
... not indeed on this ground (that I may not delay my course [3350] ), that he suffered
persecution for the cause of God from his brethren, as Christ did from His ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xviii name of the.htm

Persecution Every Christian's Lot
... way of God's providence, in times of persecution, to permit ... afflictions and persecutions
for the sake of Christ. Paul rejoiced that he suffered afflictions and ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/persecution every christians lot.htm