What is persecution?

Persecution is the suffering people go through because of what they believe. This suffering includes things like insults, but it can also include being imprisoned, beaten, or killed for one’s beliefs.

People who believe in God have been through many centuries of persecution. This includes the Jews in the Old Testament who were conquered by enemies who did not believe in God. It also includes Christians in the New Testament, who were persecuted by the Jewish leadership and the Romans. Persecution is a reality today for Christians in many parts of the world.

PERSECUTION OF ISRAEL

There are many examples of persecution in the Old Testament. These examples begin with the story of Cain and Abel, which describes how Abel was persecuted by his older brother who was not righteous (Genesis 4:3-7). Lot’s life also shows the suffering people sometimes experience when they refuse to conform to popular behavior (Genesis 19:9; 2 Peter 2:7-8). King Solomon wrote about the jealousy and guilt that causes people to persecute others.

When people like the Egyptians, the Midianites, and the Philistines persecuted the whole nation of Israel, this was based on economic and political reasons. When the Israelites refused to worship foreign idols and follow rules that contradicted God’s law, they were also persecuted. Starting with the time of Elijah and continuing for many centuries, Israel was persecuted frequently by its enemies (1 Kings 19:10). The prophets of God, who preached the truth even during very difficult times, suffered severely because of their beliefs. As a result, the Jews began to believe that the mark of a true prophet was whether or not he was persecuted when he delivered his message (2 Chronicles 36:15-16; Matthew 5:12; Matthew 23:29-37; Acts 7:52; Hebrews 11:32-38).

Daniel’s story during the exile of Israel illustrates the persecution many Jews experienced. When they finally returned from exile, many Jews wanted to preserve Israel’s unique identity even though there was outside pressure to worship other gods and obey the laws of foreign rulers. Because of this, the Jews after the exile felt oppressed and harassed, too. This made the repeated pleas for God’s help in many of the psalms (Psalm 10:1; Psalm 69; Psalm 140:1; Psalm 149:1) relevant to worship after the exile. The persecution of the Jews became so cruel during the Maccabean period that the Jews revolted against their oppressors (Hebrews 11:35-38).

Even though they were confident that God had promised to always protect them, the Israelites learned that good does not always prosper in this world. They also learned that faithfulness to truth does not mean they would be immune to suffering, sacrifice, or martyrdom.

PERSECUTION OF JESUS AND HIS FOLLOWERS

In the New Testament, Christians became a persecuted people. Jesus warned his disciples that even people in their own families would persecute them. He encouraged the disciples to be "armed" against it and he also promised that the Spirit of God would help them (Matthew 5:11-12; Matthew 10:16-23; Luke 6:26; Luke 22:35-36). Jesus was deeply angered when he found out John the Baptist had been murdered by King Herod (Luke 23:9), and Jesus knew that he would one day be executed himself. Because he was critical of the Pharisees and Sadducees (John 11:47-50), and because he was not a military leader as the Jews had hoped the Messiah would be, Jesus knew the people of Israel would eventually reject him. When he called people to follow him, he warned them of the danger, slander, physical punishment, hatred, and death that they might have to experience because of what they believed. He also invited his followers to prepare for his crucifixion, which would be the event that allowed people to have a relationship with God again (Matthew 16:21-26; Matthew 20:17-22; Mark 10:29-30; John 15:18-25). Jesus was killed on the charges of subverting the nation, forbidding people to pay taxes to the Romans, and claiming to be king (Luke 23:2).

After Jesus’ ministry on earth, the Jews persecuted the members of the first Christian church. Peter’s accusations concerning Jesus’ death may have provoked this persecution. As the apostles became more influential, they were often put in prison and beaten because of their beliefs (Acts 5:17; Acts 5:40). When Stephen preached the gospel, a Jewish mob stoned him to death (Acts 6:1-7:60). This was the beginning of "a great persecution" that made most of the Christians leave Jerusalem. When Saul of Tarsus, who had persecuted the members of the church, became a Christian and changed his name to Paul, the Christians celebrated a great victory. There was also a great celebration when King Herod suddenly died after attacking the church in order to please the Jews (Acts 12:1-3).

As Gentiles started becoming Christians, the Jews had a new reason to persecute members of the church. There were fights in the synagogues (Acts 13:44-45; Acts 14:1-6 ). In addition, when the disciples miraculously healed a slave girl in Philippi, they were put into prison (Acts 16:19-24). When the disciples were in Ephesus, they preached against idol worship and they were threatened with extreme danger (Acts 19:23-41). The apostle Paul escaped from more than 40 men who were planning to ambush him and kill him (Acts 21:4-36; Acts 23:12-15). And the book of Acts closes with Paul’s waiting to go on trial before Caesar (Acts 28:30-31).

During this period of history, the persecution of Christians by the Jews was usually sporadic. Most likely, the Christians were persecuted because the Jews were jealous of the success the Christian missionaries were having. The Bible tells us that the Romans viewed Christianity as a sect of Judaism, and Christians were guarded by the same laws that guarded the Jews (Acts 24:5; Acts 24:14). Because of this, Paul received protection from Roman leaders like Felix and Festus when he was in Paphos, Philippi, Corinth, Ephesus, and Jerusalem. This also explains why Paul was so confident when he stood in front of Caesar. If Caesar agreed to let Paul go free, then all Christians in the Roman empire would be free from harassment.

When Paul talked about persecution, he often expressed regret for his earlier days when he persecuted the church (Acts 22:4; Acts 26:9-11; Galatians 1:22-24). He also accepted the risks that came along with believing the Jesus (Acts 20:22-24; Acts 21:13), and he continually warned the members of the church that suffering was a key part of being a Christian (Acts 14:22; Romans 5:3; Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 3:4). However, he assured Christians that when they suffered, they were actually conquerors through the power of Jesus (Romans 8:35-37).

Most scholars believe that Paul was beheaded during a time of fierce persecution in Rome. This came after a large fire broke out that the Christians were blamed for starting. During this time, Christians were often accused of "atheism," because they did not believe in many gods. They were also accused of holding "scandalous" love feasts, preaching primarily to slave classes, and following overly strict rules for proper behavior (John 15:19). Because of this, Christians were a popular target when the Romans needed a scapegoat.

Around this same time, Peter warned Christians who were living in the East about the danger the church was facing. Peter told them that suffering only proved that their faith was genuine (1 Peter 1:6). He also wrote that Christians should respond to persecution by living blameless lives. Christians should respect their authorities on earth, and they should accept suffering for Jesus’ sake without being afraid. Peter reminded Christians that if they suffered for doing right, they should remember that Christ suffered for all people. Peter wrote that Christians should "arm" themselves for suffering (1 Peter 4:1), and not be surprised when they were persecuted because they were sharing in Christ’s suffering (1 Peter 4:12). His final word to Christians encourages them to "Stand fast!" (NRSV).

Many scholars believe that Mark wrote his Gospel to people who were suffering because of their belief in Jesus. His Gospel focuses on the causes for Jesus’ persecution, and it describes Jesus’ death as something heroic. Like Peter, Mark told Christians to face persecution by remembering the suffering Jesus experienced.

Somewhat later, the Romans declared that Christianity was an "illegal religion" that was no longer protected by the law. Because of this, the government in Rome began fiercely persecuting Christians. Rome wanted to unify all of its citizens by making them practice the same religion. The Roman government felt that all religions, especially those that held secret meetings as the Christians did, were a threat to the unity of Rome (Acts 17:6-7).

Toward the end of the century, Rome had to deal with a growing Christian church and other political problems. The government told people to worship "the genius of Rome" while they held their own religious services. From AD 81-96, the emperor Domitian required all people to worship him. He built elaborate temples and appointed official priests. When Christians refused to do this by stating that Jesus alone deserved worship, the persecution against them was extremely harsh and barbaric. It is probable that the book of Revelation reflects this situation (Revelation 1:9; Revelation 2:13; Revelation 6:9; Revelation 6:19 ). In this way, the Bible ends just as it began, with the persecution of people who decided to follow God.

WHY DOES GOD ALLOW HIS PEOPLE TO BE PERSECUTED?

BIBLE READING: Matthew 5:1-16
KEY BIBLE VERSE: God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too. (Matthew 5:11-12)

PERSECUTION BUILDS CHARACTER

Jesus said to rejoice when we’re persecuted. Persecution can be good because (1) it takes our eyes off earthly rewards, (2) it strips away superficial belief, (3) it strengthens the faith of those who endure, and (4) our attitude through it serves as an example to others who follow. We can be comforted to know that God’s greatest prophets were persecuted (Elijah, Jeremiah, Daniel). The fact that we are being persecuted proves that we have been faithful; faithless people would be unnoticed. In the future God will reward the faithful by receiving them into his eternal kingdom where there is no more persecution.

BIBLE READING: Matthew 24:1-51
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But those who endure to the end will be saved. (Matthew 24:12-13)

PERSECUTION STRENGTHENS OUR FAITH

Jesus predicted that his followers would be severely persecuted by those who hated what he stood for. In the midst of terrible persecutions, however, they could have hope, knowing that salvation was theirs. Times of trial serve to sift true Christians from false or fair-weather Christians. When you are pressured to give up and turn your back on Christ, don’t do it. Remember the benefits of standing firm, and continue to live for Christ.

BIBLE READING: 1 Peter 1:1-12
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. (1 Peter 1:6)

PERSECUTION BRINGS MATURITY

Peter mentions suffering several times in this letter: 1:6-7; 3:13-17; 4:12-19; 5:9. When he speaks of trials, he is not talking about natural disasters or the experience of God’s punishments, but the response of an unbelieving world to people of faith. All believers face such trials when they let their light shine into the darkness. We must accept trials as part of the refining process that burns away impurities and prepares us to meet Christ. Trials teach us patience (Romans 5:3-4; James 1:2-3) and help us grow to be the kind of people God wants.

GOD’S WORD ON PERSECUTION

Whether burned alive for Nero’s entertainment, tortured during the Middle Ages, exiled to a Siberian gulag, or called names by a hateful junior-high peer group, Christians have always faced persecution. While Christians and non-Christians alike suffer unjust treatment, persecution implies an intentional and systematic infliction of suffering or hardship because of a person’s beliefs.

WHY ARE CHRISTIANS PERSECUTED?

• Jeremiah 19:14-20:3; 37:1-38:15 . . . Now Pashhur . . . heard what Jeremiah the prophet was saying. So he arrested Jeremiah the prophet and had him whipped.
• 1 Kings 22:7-28 . . . “How many times must I demand that you speak only the truth? . . .” So Micaiah told him . . . King Ahab of Israel then ordered, “Arrest Micaiah.”  Sometimes believers are persecuted simply for speaking the truth.
• John 15:17-21 . . . The people of the world will hate you because you belong to me, for they don’t know God who sent me.
  Persecution comes from those who are ignorant of God and his will.
• Acts 7:51 - 8:3 . . . The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation.
• Matthew 15:9 . . . Their worship is a farce, for they replace God’s commands with their own man-made teachings.
• Galatians 5:11 . . . The fact that I am still being persecuted proves that I am still preaching salvation.
  The bold message of Christ threatens those who believe in their own righteousness.

HOW ARE CHRISTIANS TO RESPOND TO PERSECUTION?

• Psalm 69:1-36 . . . Save me, O God . . . Those who hate me without cause are more numerous than the hairs on my head.
  God’s people must turn to prayer in times of persecution.
• Acts 14:19-22 . . . They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, apparently dead. But as the believers stood around him, he got up and went back into the city.  Paul’s courageous response to persecution enabled him to encourage others.
• Philippians 1:27-30 . . . You have been given . . . the privilege of suffering for him.
• Matthew 5:11 . . . God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers.
• 1 Peter 4:13 . . . Instead, be very glad-because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory.  The Bible encourages us to see the blessings of persecution.
• Luke 6:27-36 . . . Pray for the happiness of those who curse you.  A supernatural love allows believers to actually pray for those who persecute them.
• Revelation 21:4 . . . He will remove all of their sorrows.  The hope that all suffering will be replaced by the joy of heaven enables believers to endure.

IF GOD HAS A PLAN FOR MY LIFE, WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF PERSECUTION?

• 2 Thessalonians 1:5 . . . God will use this persecution to show his justice. For he will make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering.  Persecution defines who we are going to be in Christ. As we search to respond to persecution in a godly way we grow.

WHEN WE EXPERIENCE PERSECUTION WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO?

• Matthew 5:44 . . . Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!
• Romans 12:14 . . . If people persecute you because you are a Christian, don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.
  We are to pray that God will bless those who persecute us, for it may be through our response to their persecution that God touches a hard heart.
• Revelation 14:12 . . . Let this encourage God’s holy people to endure persecution patiently and remain firm to the end, obeying his commands and trusting in Jesus.
• Matthew 27:12 . . . When the leading priests and other leaders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent.
  We are to remain obedient to God and endure the persecution patiently, just as Jesus did when he was persecuted.

PROMISES FROM GOD:

• 2 Corinthians 1:5 . . . You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.  God comforts those who are persecuted.
• Revelation 2:10 . . . Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer . . .Remain faithful even when facing death, and I will give you the crown of life.  Those who remain faithful in persecution will receive great rewards.

Please stay tuned for more.