Topical Bible: Persecution: God Delivers out of

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Persecution is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, where the faithful often face trials and tribulations for their beliefs and actions. However, Scripture consistently affirms that God delivers His people from persecution, providing both physical and spiritual deliverance.

Old Testament Examples

1. Joseph: Joseph's life is a testament to God's deliverance. Sold into slavery by his brothers and later imprisoned in Egypt, Joseph remained faithful to God. In Genesis 50:20 , Joseph acknowledges God's hand in his trials, saying, "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people."

2. Daniel: Daniel faced persecution for his unwavering faith in God, particularly when he was thrown into the lions' den for praying to God despite the king's decree. Daniel 6:22 records his deliverance: "My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions, so that they have not harmed me, for I was found innocent before Him."

3. David: King David experienced numerous instances of persecution, especially from King Saul. In Psalm 34:17 , David writes, "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles."

New Testament Examples

1. Jesus Christ: Jesus Himself was persecuted, culminating in His crucifixion. However, His resurrection is the ultimate deliverance, demonstrating God's power over death and persecution. In John 16:33 , Jesus assures His followers, "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!"

2. Apostles: The early church faced significant persecution, yet God delivered the apostles in various ways. In Acts 12:7 , Peter is miraculously freed from prison: "Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. 'Quick, get up!' he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists."

3. Paul: The Apostle Paul endured numerous persecutions, including beatings, imprisonment, and shipwrecks. Yet, he remained confident in God's deliverance. In 2 Timothy 4:18 , Paul declares, "The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen."

Theological Insights

The Bible teaches that while persecution is an inevitable part of the Christian life, God is faithful to deliver His people. This deliverance may not always be immediate or in the form expected, but it is assured. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, knowing that He works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

Practical Application

Christians are called to endure persecution with faith and patience, looking to God for strength and deliverance. The examples of biblical figures who were delivered from persecution serve as encouragement and a reminder of God's faithfulness. Believers are urged to pray for those who are persecuted and to support them in practical ways, trusting that God will ultimately deliver His people from all forms of oppression and suffering.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 3:25,28
He answered and said, See, I see four men loose, walking in the middle of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 1:10
Who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;
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2 Timothy 3:11
Persecutions, afflictions, which came to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
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Library

Prayer and Trouble
... Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or ... the will to be conformed
to God's will, and ... murmurings over our lot, and delivers from everything ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the essentials of prayer/v prayer and trouble.htm

The Snare of the Fowler
... us as the roaring lion, roaring against us in persecution, he attacks ... God delivers
his people from the snare of the fowler. Two thoughts here: from"out of. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the snare of the fowler.htm

Let Him Deliver Him Now
... in poverty, in sickness, in bereavement, in persecution, in slander ... Let me remark
that, if God delivers you and me in ... Did he proceed to draw out the nails from ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/let him deliver him now.htm

"Example of Life and Instruction of Manners. "
... His God moreover delivers him, but their gods do ... (d) Endurance of persecution for
righteousness ... Habakkuk's visit he at once acknowledges God's faithfulness, and ...
/.../the three additions to daniel a study/example of life and instruction 3.htm

Temptation
... be delivered out of this need, God will deliver ... means or other, just as He delivers
other men ... save Himself, probably from sorrow, poverty, persecution, and the ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon vii temptation.htm

Gratitude for Deliverance from the Grave
... come distinctly from man, as the result of persecution or malice ... in the deep." Tried
Christians see how God sustains in trouble, and how he delivers out of it ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/gratitude for deliverance from the.htm

Fear and Faith
... psalm is one of those belonging to the Sauline persecution. ... way to become brave is
to lean on God. That, and that alone, delivers from otherwise reasonable fear ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/fear and faith.htm

Of the Benefits of Martyrdom.
... Proverbs of Solomon: "The faithful martyr delivers his soul ... think he doeth service
to God; but they ... are they which shall suffer persecution for righteousness ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/16 of the benefits of.htm

Hallowing Christ
... The gathering storm of persecution of the Christians as Christians ... as being a shrine
in which the god is enthroned ... to say, the one thing that delivers men from ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/hallowing christ.htm

Letter iii. --For 331. Easter-Day xvi Pharmuthi; iii Id. April ...
... falls into the cares of the world, he delivers himself over ... his lusts; and thus in
the time of persecution he is ... may be able to draw near to God who, according ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter iii for 331 easter-day xvi.htm