Topical Bible: Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Persecute the Ministers of God

◄ Unbelief: They Who are Guilty of Persecute the Ministers of God ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Unbelief, in the biblical context, refers to the lack of faith or trust in God and His promises. This spiritual condition often manifests in opposition to God's work and His messengers. Throughout Scripture, those who harbor unbelief frequently persecute the ministers of God, attempting to thwart the divine mission and silence the proclamation of truth.

Old Testament Instances

In the Old Testament, the prophets of God often faced persecution from those who did not believe in their message. Elijah, for example, was pursued by King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, who sought to kill him because he challenged their idolatry and called Israel back to the worship of Yahweh (1 Kings 19:1-2). Similarly, Jeremiah was imprisoned and thrown into a cistern because his prophecies of Jerusalem's destruction were not believed by the leaders and people of Judah (Jeremiah 38:6).

New Testament Examples

The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus Himself being the ultimate example of a minister of God persecuted due to unbelief. Despite His miracles and teachings, many of the religious leaders of His time rejected Him, culminating in His crucifixion. Jesus warned His disciples of similar treatment, saying, "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first" (John 15:18).

The apostles also faced persecution as they spread the Gospel. In Acts, Stephen, one of the first deacons, was stoned to death by those who resisted his message (Acts 7:59). The Apostle Paul, once a persecutor himself, endured numerous hardships, including beatings, imprisonment, and stoning, as he preached to both Jews and Gentiles (2 Corinthians 11:24-25).

Theological Implications

The persecution of God's ministers by those in unbelief highlights the spiritual battle between truth and falsehood. It underscores the reality that the message of the Gospel is often met with resistance by those whose hearts are hardened. Jesus taught that this opposition is to be expected, as darkness cannot comprehend the light (John 1:5).

Biblical Exhortation

Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in the face of persecution, trusting in God's ultimate justice and vindication. The Apostle Peter writes, "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). The faithful are called to respond to persecution with love and perseverance, following the example of Christ and the early church.

Conclusion

The pattern of unbelief leading to the persecution of God's ministers is a recurring theme in Scripture, serving as a sobering reminder of the cost of discipleship. It calls believers to a deeper faith and reliance on God's strength as they bear witness to His truth in a world often resistant to His message.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 15:31
That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letters of the Council of Sardica to the Churches of Egypt and of ...
... away the offences of which they had been guilty. ... in their company, separated themselves
from their unbelief. ... and complained of the violence they had suffered ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter iii letters of the council.htm

Instruction for the Ignorant:
... the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all ... by the law, by their
lusts, and by the devil, and unbelief; therefore they cannot so ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/instruction for the ignorant .htm

Concerning Persecution
... forts and garrisons in men's hearts " pride, ignorance, unbelief. ... They use themselves
too nicely and tenderly ... How can a guilty person suffer when for ought he ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

Concerning the Sacrament of Baptism
... provided they put no obstacle in the way; as if unbelief itself were ... to the churches
of Christ, and cause that liberty to be taught, they are guilty of the ...
/.../first principles of the reformation/concerning the sacrament of baptism.htm

The Third Part of the Articles.
... some who did not believe [acknowledge] themselves guilty of such ... is good; you are
full of unbelief, stupidity, and ... But because they neither are, nor wish to be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the smalcald articles/the third part of the.htm

Second Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Brotherly Love.
... Through its own evil works, unbelief, pride, contempt for the ... Note the terrible judgment
that they who are devoid ... is the papistical rabble today guilty of such ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/second sunday after trinity exhortation.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ...
... against His holy word: I have found my unbelief to set ... reach of God's mercy; and
must I be guilty of that? ... tell what to do; I thought at times, they would have ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/grace abounding to the chief.htm

The Royal Marriage Feast.
... was one of which all alike were guilty,"the crime ... seed of Abraham should have in
rebellious unbelief rejected the ... They have not moved to either side to take ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xii the royal marriage feast.htm

Criticism of the Westminster System of Doctrine.
... less persecuted when in power, and must plead guilty. ... and to trace toleration to
skepticism and unbelief. ... of these later divines, that they availed themselves ...
/.../ 97 criticism of the.htm

Second Sunday after Epiphany
... they return." Reference is to spiritual whoredom"unbelief"which never ... 34. Now, they
who harbor hatred while pretending to love, or are guilty of similar ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after epiphany.htm