Persecution is not really one of those things that we desire and seek out. I doubt most of us wake up in the morning thinking, “I sure would love to get persecuted today.” The world thinks it is crazy to even remain joyful in the midst of persecution. However, the Bible has a different take on this.
In Scripture we see areas where followers of Christ are persecuted for the name of Jesus. Whether it was physical, emotional, or spiritual persecution, it was very common. In fact, it seems that if a follower of Christ is not facing persecution, that raises a question of just how much that person is really following Christ.
All over the world Christians are persecuted. It may look drastically different depending on what country you live in, but it is happening, every day. What does the Bible say about this? How can we remain joyful in the midst of such hard trials? We need the Word of God to guide us every step of the way…especially when we are being persecuted for God’s sake so we can take every advantage of every opportunity to glorify Him.
Let’s look and see what the Bible has to say with Scripture on Persecution:
John 15:19-21 – If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.
2 Corinthians 12:10 – For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Matthew 5:43-44 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 – We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
Matthew 5:10 – Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Romans 8:35-37 – Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
2 Timothy 3:12 – Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
Isaiah 51:7 – Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear not the reproach of man, nor be dismayed at their revilings.
1 Peter 4:12-14 – Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
1 Peter 3:17 – For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
Philippians 1:12-14 – I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
James 1:2-3 – Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
1 Peter 2:21 – For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
What does the Bible have to say about other topics?
Feel free to add any additional Scripture you want to this topic by commenting below.
This is great Mike Mobley, I was looking for some good material on the suffering/persecution Scriptures and the Lord led me right to this site! So good, and I did share this on facebook, as it’s a media site for me to share the truth of the Gospel online, and many new believers are not told that once they come to Christ, “everything does not all of a sudden get so good!” in fact things actually get really bad…as the enemy begins to attack and unless you are being led by a loving, maturing Church that teaches the truth…this is… Read more »
Anytime JoAnne! Thanks so much for sharing and for the encouragement! We most definitely need to be about truly making disciples who make disciples like Jesus modeled for us if we are to grow in the Lord and reach more people for Him!
Romans 8:17 always stood out to me; “And if we are His children, then we are His heirs and joint heirs with Christ. That if we share his sufferings, we will also share in His glory.” Not popular…we all want the glory, but the suffering is not so appealing to our flesh. I believe that if we are truly walking out the Gospel with Jesus, then we will absolutely encounter suffering and/or persecution as He did…and doing so, we draw closer to Him. As He is revealed in us, we take part in His glory. Persecution for the name of… Read more »
Great word Matt, thanks for sharing!!