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◄ Being Persecuted►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Overview:
Persecution refers to the suffering, hostility, or ill-treatment that individuals endure, often because of their faith, beliefs, or identity. In the context of Christianity, being persecuted is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, where believers face trials and tribulations for their adherence to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Context:
Persecution is a significant theme in both the Old and New Testaments. It is often portrayed as a test of faith and a means through which believers can demonstrate their commitment to God. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on how to endure persecution with faith and perseverance.

Old Testament Examples:
While the New Testament more explicitly addresses persecution for faith in Christ, the Old Testament also contains instances of God's people facing oppression. The Israelites, for example, experienced persecution in Egypt under Pharaoh's rule (Exodus 1:11-14). Prophets like Jeremiah faced hostility for delivering God's messages (Jeremiah 20:1-2).

New Testament Teachings:
The New Testament provides a more direct discourse on persecution, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the experiences of the early church. Jesus warned His followers about the inevitability of persecution, stating, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). He further instructed His disciples, "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first" (John 15:18).

The Apostle Paul, who himself faced numerous persecutions, wrote extensively on the subject. In2 Timothy 3:12, he states, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" . Paul viewed persecution as a participation in the sufferings of Christ, encouraging believers to rejoice in their trials (Romans 5:3-5).

Responses to Persecution:
The Bible offers guidance on how believers should respond to persecution. Jesus taught His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44). The Apostle Peter advised believers to "rejoice insofar as you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory" (1 Peter 4:13).

The early church exemplified resilience in the face of persecution. InActs 5:41, the apostles rejoiced "that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name" . This attitude of joy and perseverance is echoed throughout the New Testament, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith.

Theological Significance:
Persecution is seen as a refining process for believers, strengthening their faith and character. It serves as a testament to the believer's commitment to Christ and the transformative power of the Gospel. The Bible assures believers that God is with them in their trials, offering comfort and the promise of eternal reward.

Eschatological Perspective:
The Bible also presents an eschatological perspective on persecution, indicating that it will increase as the end times approach. Jesus warned of widespread persecution in the last days (Matthew 24:9-13). However, He also promised ultimate victory and vindication for those who endure to the end.

Conclusion:
While persecution is a challenging aspect of the Christian journey, it is also an opportunity for believers to demonstrate their faith and reliance on God. The Bible provides both encouragement and instruction for enduring persecution, emphasizing the eternal rewards that await those who remain faithful.

Topical Bible Verses

Matthew 5:10
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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2 Corinthians 4:9
Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
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Psalm 69:26
For they persecute him whom you have smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom you have wounded.
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1 Corinthians 4:12
And labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
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Library

A Word for thePersecuted
... We gain nothing by the love of those who love not God. One good effect ofbeing
persecuted at home is this, it makes you gentler abroad....

section 4
... And labour, working with our own hands:being reviled, we bless;being persecuted,
we suffer it,being defamed, we intreat; we are made as the filth of the...

Quotations from Athanasius' Defense of his Flight. '
... Thus also the blessed martyrs have guarded themselves in times of persecution:being
persecuted they fled, and kept themselves concealed; butbeing discovered...

The Completion of Our Saviour's Prophecies Confirmed Pagans in...
... II. Origen's observation on our Saviour's disciplesbeing brought before kings and
governors; III. On theirbeing persecuted for their religion; IV....

The Seventh Season,
... Thus his apostles imitated him: "Being reviled," say they, "we bless;being persecuted,
we suffer it;being defamed, we entreat." I have often heard it...

St. Ambrose Gives Additional Rules Concerning Repentance, and...
... Follow him who, by diligently ploughing his field, sought for eternal fruit: "Being
reviled we bless,being persecuted we endure,being defamed we entreat, we...

Introduction
... The emphasis laid by Christian Apologists on theirbeing persecuted because
of a name is not so foolish as is sometimes imagined....

The Young Saul and the Aged Paul [Footnote: to the Young. ]
... working with our own hands.Being reviled, we bless;being persecuted, we
suffer it;being defamed, we entreat. We are made as the...

1 Timothy ii. 4-Jan
... "Being reviled," it is said, "we bless;being persecuted, we suffer it;being defamed,
we entreat." (1 Corinthians 4:12, 13.) Hear Stephen saying, "Lord, lay...

Chapter v.
... are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place; and labour, working
with our own hands:being reviled, we bless;being persecuted, we suffer it...