Overview
The Bible clearly indicates that followers of Jesus will experience persecution in this world. This persecution comes in various forms—from verbal abuse and social rejection to imprisonment and violence. Yet Scripture assures believers that God is aware of their suffering and works through it for spiritual growth and His glory.
Key Scriptures
"Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12, ESV). "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10, ESV). "Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" (Romans 8:35, NASB).
Application
When facing opposition for your faith, remember that persecution confirms your witness to Christ and trust that God walks with you through suffering, ultimately bringing you into His eternal kingdom.
✦ Scripture References 40 references
✦ Topical Scripture Breakdown 185 verses
Active in
Addicted to
All that live godly in Christ, shall suffer
Apostles
Blessedness of enduring, for Christ's sake
Cannot separated from Christ
Chaldeans
Christ suffered
Christ voluntarily submitted to
Christ was patient under
Commit themselves to God
Daniel
David
Encourage each other in
Exhibit patience
False teachers shrink from
Gentiles
Glorify God
God delivers out of
God forsakes not his saints under
Hated to God and Christ
Hatred to the gospel
Hebrews
Herod
Hypocrites cannot endure
Ignorance of God and Christ
Illustrated
Is inconsistent with the spirit of the gospel
Is sometimes to death
Jeremiah
Jews
Jezebel
Lawful means may be used to escape
Men by nature addicted to
Micaiah
Mistaken zeal
Of Jesus
Of saints, is a persecution of Christ
Paul
Paul and Barnabas
Paul and Silas
Peter &c
Pharaoh &c
Pharisees
Pray for deliverance
Pray for those suffering
Pray for those who inflict
Preacher of the gospel subject to
Pride
Punishment for
Rejoice
Rejoice in its success
Return blessing for
Saints may expect
Saints of old
Saints suffer, for the sake of God
Saul
The Church
The hope of future blessedness supports under
The Prophets
Zedekiah &c