Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Etymology:The term "persecute" originates from the Latin word "persecutus," the past participle of "persequi," meaning to follow with hostile intent. In a biblical context, persecution refers to the systematic mistreatment or oppression of individuals, particularly for their faith or beliefs.
Biblical Context:Persecution is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, affecting both the Old and New Testament figures. It is often portrayed as a trial or test of faith, with the righteous enduring suffering for the sake of God's truth.
Old Testament References:In the Old Testament, persecution is often seen in the context of the Israelites facing oppression from surrounding nations. The prophets frequently experienced persecution for delivering God's messages. For example, Jeremiah faced significant opposition and was even imprisoned for prophesying against Jerusalem (
Jeremiah 20:1-2).
New Testament References:The New Testament provides numerous examples of persecution, particularly against Jesus Christ and His followers. Jesus Himself warned His disciples of the persecution they would face: "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (
Matthew 5:10). He further elaborated, "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first" (
John 15:18).
The early church faced significant persecution, as documented in the Acts of the Apostles. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was stoned to death for his faith (
Acts 7:54-60). The Apostle Paul, once a persecutor of Christians himself, later endured numerous hardships and persecutions for the sake of the Gospel (
2 Corinthians 11:23-27).
Theological Significance:Persecution is seen as a refining process for believers, testing and strengthening their faith. The Apostle 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" (
1 Peter 4:12-13).
Response to Persecution:The Bible encourages believers to respond to persecution with love and perseverance. Jesus taught, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (
Matthew 5:44). The Apostle Paul echoed this sentiment, urging Christians to "Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse" (
Romans 12:14).
Eschatological Perspective:Persecution is also viewed in an eschatological light, as a sign of the end times. Jesus foretold that His followers would face increased persecution before His return: "Then they will deliver you over to be persecuted and killed, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name" (
Matthew 24:9).
Conclusion:Persecution, while challenging, is an integral part of the Christian experience, serving as both a test of faith and a testament to the believer's commitment to Christ. The Bible offers encouragement and guidance for enduring persecution, emphasizing the eternal rewards for those who remain steadfast in their faith.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) To pursue in a manner to injure, grieve, or afflict; to beset with cruelty or malignity; to harass; especially, to afflict, harass, punish, or put to death, for adherence to a particular religious creed or mode of worship.
2. (v. t.) To harass with importunity; to pursue with persistent solicitations; to annoy.
Greek
1377. dioko -- to put to flight, pursue, by impl. topersecute... to
persecute. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: dioko Phonetic Spelling:
(dee-o'-ko) Short Definition: I pursue,
persecute Definition: I pursue, hence: I
...1559. ekdioko -- to pursue out, ie expel orpersecute
... to pursue out, ie expel orpersecute. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: ekdioko
Phonetic Spelling: (ek-dee-o'-ko) Short Definition: Ipersecute, expel by...
2346. thlibo -- to press, afflict
... to press, afflict. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: thlibo Phonetic Spelling:
(thlee'-bo) Short Definition: I make narrow,persecute, press hard Definition...
3404. miseo -- to hate
... hate. From a primary misos (hatred); to detest (especially topersecute); by
extension, to love less -- hate(-ful). (emisesa) -- 1 Occurrence....
4293. prokataggello -- to announce beforehand
... suffer, He has thus fulfilled: (). Ac 7:52: "Which one of the prophets
did your fathers notpersecute? They killed those who had...
466. antanapleroo -- to fill up in turn
... That is, venting their on His followers because they can no longer " or spit on
His face." So they do the "next best thing":persecute (cf. 1 Jn 4:17)....
Strong's Hebrew
7291. radaph -- to pursue, chase,persecute... 7290c, 7291. radaph. 7292 . to pursue, chase,
persecute. Transliteration: radaph
Phonetic Spelling: (raw-daf') Short Definition: pursued. Word Origin a prim
...7852. satam -- to bear a grudge or cherish animosity against
... Word Usage bear a grudge against (1), bears a grudge against (1), bore a grudge
against (1), grudge against (3), harassed (1), hunted me down (1),persecute (1...
310. achar -- the hind or following part
... from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from,
hereafter, hinder end, + out (over) live, +persecute, posterity, pursuing...
1814. dalaq -- to burn, hotly pursue
... A primitive root; to flame (literally or figuratively) -- burning, chase, inflame,
kindle,persecute(-or), pursue hotly. 1813, 1814. dalaq. 1815 ....
Library
If it is Wrong to Flee, it is Worse toPersecute.
... Chapter II. 8. If it is wrong to flee, it is worse topersecute. But although
[1424] they have done all this, yet they are not ashamed...
Petilianus Said: "Did the ApostlePersecute any One? or did Christ...
... 23. Petilianus said: "Did the apostlepersecute any one? or did Christ betray
any? "23. Petilianus said: "Did the apostlepersecute any one?...
The Emperor Banishes Evagrius and Eustathius. The AriansPersecute...
... Book IV. Chapter XV."The Emperor banishes Evagrius and Eustathius. The Arians
persecute the Orthodox. When this had been accomplished...
Of Gog and Magog, who are to be Roused by the Devil toPersecute...
... Book XX. Chapter 11."Of Gog and Magog, Who are to Be Roused by the Devil to
Persecute the Church, When He is Loosed in the End of the World....
How the Apostle Maintains that Christ is the Power of God and the...
... you will, Christ is in heaven, and in God, and with Him, and in Him in the heavens
above in whom also He was here below: you can no longerpersecute Him with...
John Chapter xv. 20, 21
... Gospel was read, "Remember my word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater
than his lord: if they have persecuted me, they will alsopersecute you; if...
Rom. xii. 14
... Homily XXII. Rom. XII. 14. Rom. XII.14 " Bless them whichpersecute you; bless,
and curse not.".... For they thatpersecute us are purveyors of a reward to us....
The Church and the World.
... world. Those who wouldpersecute the Lord willpersecute the disciples also....
also. Some willpersecute; others will accept the gospel....
Petilianus Said: "Choose, in Short, which of the Two Alternatives...
... 220. Petilianus said: "Choose, in short, which of the two alternatives you prefer.
If innocence is on your side, why do youpersecute us with the sword?...
On the Spoliation or Expulsion of Certain Bishops.
... detriment. Nor is it strange, brethren, if theypersecute you, when they
persecuted even to death your Head, Christ our Lord. Yet...
Thesaurus
Persecute (48 Occurrences)...Persecute (48 Occurrences). Matthew 5:11 "Blessed are you when people reproach you,
persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
...Persecuted (34 Occurrences)
... (imp. & pp) ofPersecute.... (WEB ASV). Psalms 69:26 For theypersecute him whom Thou
hast smitten; and they tell of the pain of those whom Thou hast wounded....
Whenever (123 Occurrences)
... Matthew 5:11 Happy are ye whenever they may reproach you, and maypersecute, and
may say any evil thing against you falsely for my sake -- (YLT)....
Slay (189 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Luke 11:49 Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets
and apostles, and some of them they shall slay andpersecute: (KJV WBS)....
Synagogues (27 Occurrences)
... Some of them you will kill and crucify; and some of them you will scourge in your
synagogues, andpersecute from city to city; (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT...
Bless (174 Occurrences)
... 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those
who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you andpersecute you, (WEB...
Kill (310 Occurrences)
... Some of them you will kill and crucify; and some of them you will scourge in your
synagogues, andpersecute from city to city; (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV...
Account (460 Occurrences)
... (BBE DBY). Matthew 5:11 "Blessed are you when people reproach you,persecute you,
and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. (See RSV)....
Sake (241 Occurrences)
... Matthew 5:11 "Blessed are you when people reproach you,persecute you, and
say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake....
Persecution (22 Occurrences)
... the frequency of its occurrence, both in the Old Testament and New Testament, where
in the King James Version the words "persecute," "persecuted," "persecuting...
Resources
Christian martyrdom - what does the Bible say? Should Christians desire to become martyrs? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the Inquisitions? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21)? | GotQuestions.orgPersecute: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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