Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of persecution is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the trials and tribulations faced by the faithful as they strive to live according to God's will. Persecution can be understood as suffering, harassment, or oppression inflicted upon individuals or groups because of their religious beliefs and practices. This entry explores the biblical understanding of persecution, its significance, and the response it elicits from believers.
Old Testament ContextPersecution in the Old Testament often involved the oppression of God's chosen people, Israel, by surrounding nations. The Israelites faced various forms of persecution, including enslavement, exile, and military attacks. For instance, the Egyptians enslaved the Israelites, subjecting them to harsh labor (
Exodus 1:11-14). Despite these trials, God remained faithful to His covenant, delivering His people from their oppressors.
The prophets also experienced persecution as they delivered God's messages to a rebellious nation. Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," faced imprisonment and threats to his life for proclaiming God's truth (
Jeremiah 20:1-2; 38:6). Similarly, Elijah was pursued by Queen Jezebel for his opposition to Baal worship (
1 Kings 19:1-3).
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, persecution becomes more personal and direct, particularly against followers of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself warned His disciples of the persecution they would face: "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first" (
John 15:18). He further stated, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (
Matthew 5:10).
The early church experienced significant persecution, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was stoned to death for his bold proclamation of the gospel (
Acts 7:54-60). The apostle Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became a target himself after his conversion, enduring beatings, imprisonment, and ultimately martyrdom (
2 Corinthians 11:23-27).
Theological SignificancePersecution serves as a test of faith and a means of spiritual refinement. The apostle Peter encouraged believers to rejoice in their sufferings, as they share in Christ's sufferings and will be overjoyed when His glory is revealed (
1 Peter 4:12-13). The apostle Paul echoed this sentiment, stating, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (
2 Timothy 3:12).
Persecution also serves as a witness to the world. The steadfastness of believers in the face of adversity testifies to the transformative power of the gospel. Jesus instructed His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them, demonstrating the radical love that characterizes the Christian faith (
Matthew 5:44).
Response to PersecutionThe biblical response to persecution is rooted in faith, hope, and love. Believers are called to endure suffering with patience and to trust in God's ultimate justice. The apostle Paul wrote, "We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair" (
2 Corinthians 4:8). This resilience is grounded in the assurance of God's presence and the hope of eternal life.
Prayer is a vital response to persecution. The early church prayed fervently for boldness and strength in the face of threats (
Acts 4:29-31). Believers are also encouraged to support one another, bearing each other's burdens and encouraging one another in faith (
Galatians 6:2;
Hebrews 10:24-25).
In summary, persecution is an integral aspect of the Christian experience, reflecting the conflict between the kingdom of God and the world. Through persecution, believers are refined, their faith is strengthened, and the gospel is proclaimed to a watching world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Persecute.
Greek
5344. Phelix -- "fortunate," Felix, a governor of Judea... 5344 -- , the governor of Judea ( ad 52-60) who
persecuted the Jews and
flagrantly used bribes, unethical informers, and torture.
...1377. dioko -- to put to flight, pursue, by impl. to persecute
... to persecute NASB Word Usage persecute (10),persecuted (13), persecuting (7),
persecutor (1), practicing (1), press (2), pursue (7), pursuing (2), run after (...
Strong's Hebrew
4783. murdaph -- persecution... Word Origin from radaph Definition persecution NASB Word Usage persecution (1).
persecuted. From radaph;
persecuted --
persecuted. see HEBREW radaph.
...6887c. tsarar -- to show hostility toward, vex
... 10), adversary (2), afflict (1), attacks (1), been hostile (1), distress (1), enemies
(1), enemy (3), harass (2), hostile (1),persecuted (2), trouble (1)....
7291. radaph -- to pursue, chase, persecute
... NASB Word Usage chase (6), chased (5), chases (1), follow (3), follow* (1), follows
(1), hunts (1), passed (1), persecute (6),persecuted (5), persecutors (4...
347. Iyyob -- a patriarch
... Job. From 'ayab; hated (iePersecuted); Ijob, the patriarch famous for his patience --
Job. see HEBREW 'ayab. 346, 347. Iyyob. 348 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
OfPersecuted and Persecutors.
... Book II. Chapter XXVI."OfPersecuted and Persecutors. "For whoever have
addressed themselves with integrity of purpose to any...
That Maximin, who hadPersecuted the Christians, was Compelled to...
... Book I. Chapter LVIII."That Maximin, who hadpersecuted the Christians, was compelled
to fly, and conceal himself in the Disguise of a Slave....
A Word for thePersecuted
... A Word for thePersecuted. A Sermon... In the family of Abraham was there not an Ishmael
born after the flesh, whopersecuted Isaac, who was born after the Spirit?...
Petilianus Said: "Blessed are they which arePersecuted for...
... Book II. Chapter 72. " 159. Petilianus said: "Blessed are they which
arepersecuted for righteousness' sake? "159. Petilianus...
Thus did God Subdue all those whoPersecuted his Name...
... Chap. L. Thus did God subdue all those whopersecuted His name? Thus did
God subdue all those whopersecuted His name, so that...
Of the Reign of Diocletian, and How HePersecuted the Christians....
... BOOK I CHAP. VI. Of the reign of Diocletian, and how hepersecuted the
Christians. [286 AD]. In the year of our Lord 286, Diocletian...
Moral Relations of the Members of the Kingdom to their Fellow Men...
... Section 151. Moral Relations of the Members of the Kingdom to their Fellow
men: viz., They are "Peace-makers," and "Persecuted."....
Psalm 35 Part 1 Prayer and Faith ofPersecuted Saints.
... THE PSALMS OF DAVID PSALM 35 PART 1 Prayer and faith ofpersecuted saints. v.1-9
CM. Prayer and faith ofpersecuted saints. Now plead my cause, Almighty God,....
Eutropius the Reader, and the Blessed Olympian, and the Presbyter...
... Book VIII. Chapter XXIV."Eutropius the Reader, and the Blessed Olympian, and the
Presbyter Tigrius, arepersecuted on account of their Attachment to John....
Agrippa, who was Also Called Herod, HavingPersecuted the Apostles...
... Book II. Chapter X."Agrippa, who was also called Herod, havingpersecuted
the Apostles, immediately experienced the Divine Vengeance....
Thesaurus
Persecuted (34 Occurrences)...Persecuted (34 Occurrences). Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who have been
persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
...Persecute (48 Occurrences)
... For that is how theypersecuted the prophets who were before you.... Being exceedingly
enraged against them, Ipersecuted them even to foreign cities....
Tried (96 Occurrences)
... make them blaspheme. Being exceedingly enraged against them, Ipersecuted
them even to foreign cities. (WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV). Acts 26...
Furiously (9 Occurrences)
... make them blaspheme. Being exceedingly enraged against them, Ipersecuted
them even to foreign cities. (See NAS). Galatians 1:13...
Ravaged (11 Occurrences)
... Galatians 1:13 For you have heard of my way of living in time past in the Jews'
religion, how that beyond measure Ipersecuted the assembly of God, and ravaged...
Exceedingly (167 Occurrences)
... For that is how theypersecuted the prophets who were before you. (WEB).... Being
exceedingly enraged against them, Ipersecuted them even to foreign cities....
Past (200 Occurrences)
... Galatians 1:13 For you have heard of my way of living in time past in the Jews'
religion, how that beyond measure Ipersecuted the assembly of God, and ravaged...
Persecution (22 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The infliction of loss, pain, or death for adherence to a particular creed
or mode of worship. 2. (n.) The state or condition of beingpersecuted....
Beatitudes
... in Matthew's fuller version, some have counted 7 only, making the list end with
Matthew 5:9. But though the blessing pronounced on thepersecuted in Matthew 5...
Destroy (379 Occurrences)
... Galatians 1:13 For you have heard of my way of living in time past in the Jews'
religion, how that beyond measure Ipersecuted the assembly of God, and ravaged...
Resources
What does it mean that blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake? | GotQuestions.orgIf I convert to Christianity, my family will disown me, and I will be persecuted. Should I follow Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian respond to persecution? | GotQuestions.orgPersecuted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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