Topical Bible: Persecution: Saints May Expect

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Persecution is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, and it is an experience that the saints—those set apart for God—are often warned to expect. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that highlight the inevitability of persecution for those who follow Christ and live according to His teachings.

Biblical Foundation

The expectation of persecution is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ Himself. In the Gospel of John, Jesus warns His disciples, "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first" (John 15:18). This statement underscores the reality that the followers of Christ will face hostility because of their association with Him. Jesus further elaborates, "Remember the word that I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well" (John 15:20).

The Apostle Paul also addresses the inevitability of persecution for believers. In his second letter to Timothy, he writes, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12). This passage emphasizes that persecution is not merely a possibility but a certainty for those who pursue a life of godliness in Christ.

Historical Examples

Throughout the Old and New Testaments, there are numerous accounts of saints who faced persecution. The prophets of the Old Testament, such as Jeremiah and Daniel, endured significant opposition and suffering for their faithfulness to God's message. In the New Testament, the early church faced severe persecution from both Jewish and Roman authorities. The Book of Acts records the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, who was killed for his bold proclamation of the gospel (Acts 7:54-60).

The Apostle Paul himself experienced extensive persecution, as he recounts in his letters. He writes to the Corinthians about his sufferings, including beatings, imprisonments, and dangers from both Jews and Gentiles (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). Despite these hardships, Paul remained steadfast in his mission, viewing persecution as a part of his calling as a servant of Christ.

Theological Implications

Persecution serves as a refining process for believers, testing and strengthening their faith. In the Beatitudes, Jesus pronounces a blessing on those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, stating, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). This beatitude highlights the paradoxical nature of persecution: while it brings suffering, it also affirms the believer's alignment with the kingdom of God.

Moreover, persecution is seen as a means of participating in the sufferings of Christ. The Apostle Peter encourages believers, "But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory" (1 Peter 4:13). This participation in Christ's sufferings is viewed as a privilege and a source of future joy.

Practical Considerations

Believers are called to respond to persecution with love and perseverance. Jesus instructs His followers to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). This radical response is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel and the believer's commitment to Christ's teachings.

Furthermore, the New Testament encourages believers to endure persecution with patience and hope. The Apostle James writes, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" (James 1:2-3). This perspective shifts the focus from the immediate pain of persecution to the long-term spiritual growth it produces.

In summary, persecution is an expected aspect of the Christian life, deeply rooted in biblical teaching and exemplified by the lives of the saints throughout history. It serves as both a challenge and an opportunity for believers to demonstrate their faithfulness to Christ and to grow in spiritual maturity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mark 10:30
But he shall receive an hundred times now in this time, houses, and brothers, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 21:12
But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 15:20
Remember the word that I said to you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Saints' Rest is not to be Expected on Earth.
... of unrooted faith wither before the beat of persecution? ... not therefore so importunate
for life, which may prove a ... and Elijah, which of the saints have escaped ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter x the saints rest.htm

Persecution Every Christian's Lot
... Examine the experience of saints now living on earth ... will live godly in Christ Jesus,
shall suffer persecution.". ... dare not imitate, though they may sometimes be ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/persecution every christians lot.htm

Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Paul's Care and Prayer for the ...
... Let them accept persecution as a good indication, regarding ... him the source whence
we may expect all good ... has made many gods, has invoked many saints, is because ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/sixteenth sunday after trinity pauls.htm

Satan Considering the Saints
... poverty, in their obscurity, in their persecution, still faithful ... you are more generous
than other saints, if you ... most at the ripest fruit, so may you expect ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 11 1865/satan considering the saints.htm

All Saints' Day
... strong winds and bad times, then the Saints mourn over ... this peace is to be found,
may have to ... that those are blessed who suffer persecution for righteousness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxv all saints day.htm

The Introduction to the Work, with Some Account of the Nature of ...
... that thou canst challenge tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness ... tend
to and end in the saints' joys. ... future happiness, that their joy may be full ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter i the introduction to.htm

The Revelation of John
... offered up the prayers of the saints to God ... constantly repeated ho nichon) and that
may expect the coming ... Persecution was the inevitable result and had already ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the revelation of john.htm

Martyrdom of the Holy Confessors Shamuna, Guria, and Habib, from ...
... was bishop of the Edessenes, a great persecution was raised ... that you may reckon up
your saints, as you ... yielding to the emperor's commands, you may be rescued ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents martyrdom of 2.htm

Prayer --The Forerunner of Mercy
... O saints of God! ... may God help me, if you cease to pray for me! ... They are afraid that
the trade of persecution will soon be done with, if we begin to be more and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/prayerthe forerunner of mercy.htm

Calvin -- Enduring Persecution for Christ
... in regard to the greater part; for persecution is a ... tyrants attempt, and with whatever
fury they may rush against ... 13), that the death of the saints is precious ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/calvin enduring persecution for.htm