In the Christian tradition, the concept of believers as "pilgrims and strangers" is deeply rooted in the understanding that Christians are temporary residents on earth, journeying toward their eternal home in heaven. This identity as pilgrims and strangers inherently exposes them to persecution, as their values and allegiance often conflict with the world around them.

Biblical Foundation

The notion of Christians as pilgrims and strangers is vividly illustrated in the New Testament. The Apostle Peter addresses believers as "foreigners and exiles" in 1 Peter 2:11 : "Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul." This passage highlights the transient nature of the Christian life on earth and the call to live in a manner distinct from worldly desires.

Similarly, the author of Hebrews emphasizes the pilgrim identity of the faithful in Hebrews 11:13 : "All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth." This acknowledgment of being strangers and exiles underscores the anticipation of a heavenly homeland, a theme that resonates throughout the chapter.

Exposure to Persecution

The identity of Christians as pilgrims and strangers often leads to persecution, as their values and way of life stand in contrast to the prevailing norms of society. Jesus Himself warned His followers of this reality in John 15:18-19 : "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world."

The early church experienced this persecution firsthand, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. The apostles and early Christians faced opposition, imprisonment, and even martyrdom for their faith. Acts 14:22 recounts the encouragement given to the disciples: "strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. 'We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,' they said."

The Call to Endure

Despite the persecution that comes with being pilgrims and strangers, Christians are called to endure and remain steadfast in their faith. The Apostle Paul, writing to Timothy, emphasizes the inevitability of persecution for those who live godly lives in Christ Jesus: "Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12).

The New Testament encourages believers to rejoice in their sufferings, seeing them as a participation in Christ's own sufferings and a testament to their faith. In 1 Peter 4:12-13 , Peter writes: "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory."

Hope and Assurance

While persecution is a reality for pilgrims and strangers, the Bible offers hope and assurance of God's presence and ultimate victory. Jesus promises His followers in Matthew 5:10-12 : "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven."

The pilgrim journey, though fraught with challenges, is marked by the assurance of a heavenly inheritance and the presence of God, who sustains His people through trials and tribulations.Psalm 120:5-7
Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 17:14
I have given them your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and
golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints, and they sung a ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

The Gospel Message in Antioch
... am less than the least of all saints, is this ... Some of these pilgrims were men of
fervent piety ... While Jerusalem was filled with these strangers, the apostles ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 16 the gospel message.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... Through him you have trained us, made us saints, and honored us. ... Christians are
strangers and pilgrims on earth, their true fatherland being heaven. ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... to come, and carnal sense, are such strangers one to ... not think, if we came within
reach, but they would presently ... for the relief of the spirits of pilgrims![65 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1800, to the End of ...
... they were fully aware of it, both saints and sinners ... as the "western poet," and the
"Pilgrims' Songs" were ... of the true knowledge of God, and strangers to the ...
/.../chapter 5 from the close.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... they will embrace Thee, as they did my firstling, and will grace Thee, and thy fellows,
with such cheer and fare, As show will they of Pilgrims lovers are. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

The Holy See and the Wandering of the Nations.
... of the infidel, and Christian pilgrims, since they ... of savages, incapable themselves
of learning, strangers to science ... to either of these great saints, with what ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter i the holy see.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... the white robe, named Flatterer, who led the pilgrims into a ... this is the foundation
of all saints' communion, and ... and for the last two centuries they have been ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... righteous, as children, young men, fathers, or saints that fear God ... that cleaveth
to them, and then again, 'they are only ... is in while we live as pilgrims in the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

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