• 2 Timothy 3:11-12
    persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
     
  • 1 Peter 4:14
    If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
     
  • John 15:18-20
    "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet 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 keep yours also.
     
  • 1 Peter 4:16
    Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
     
  • Matthew 5:10-12
    Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
     
  • Matthew 24:9
    "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake.
     
  • 1 Peter 3:14-17
    But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled." But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
     
For more scripture references, please see Bible verses for Persecution


Resources

Persecution (1993)

Sermonette by Martin G. Collins

Persecution was a significant challenge for the early Christians to whom the book of I Peter was addressed, particularly those dispersed in Asia Minor around 63 to 67 AD. During this time, under the reign of Nero, persecution intensified, especially following the burning of Rome on July 19, 64 AD. Nero shifted blame onto the …


Facing Persecution

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

As America continues to drift from its Christian roots, the persecution of Christians is likely to intensify. Recent events, such as the backlash against a fast-food chain president for expressing support for traditional marriage, highlight this growing tension, with planned protests and boycotts targeting the openly Christian …


The Beatitudes, Part 8: Blessed Are the Persecuted

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Persecution evokes harrowing images of terror, torture, and death for holding fast to faith in God. It manifests as hiding from relentless enemies, enduring brutal inquisitions, or facing public spectacles of cruelty, yet Jesus calls those persecuted for righteousness' sake blessed, promising them great reward. This appears to …


Persecution Edges Closer

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Persecution against the Christian religion is a growing reality worldwide, with evidence showing it to be the most persecuted faith. In non-Israelitish nations, where Christian beliefs do not dominate, violent persecutions are rampant, driven by a hatred fueled by satan and prophesied by God as the approaching tribulation. In …


Persecution

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Persecution is a profound and serious aspect of the Christian journey, often marking a life of dedication to God and His principles. It is depicted as a life-and-death endeavor, where devotion to God and Christ remains unwavering, even if it leads to horrific ends such as being torn by beasts, burned at the stake, or facing …


Facing Times of Stress: Forewarned of Persecution!

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Those who follow Jesus Christ and live according to His teachings will inevitably face persecution, just as He did. This hostility arises from the world's hatred, a reality Christ openly warned about, emphasizing that love for Him would provoke disdain from those who reject Him. Persecution is the act of subjecting someone to …


Those Who Are Persecuted

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Persecution is already here, part and parcel in the lives of followers of Christ. If we are persecuted for following God's instructions, we will be blessed.


Persecution, Israelitish Style

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The most hideous persecution against Christianity takes place in the United States courts and universities, where evolution and sexual immorality are protected.



For more resources, please see the library topic for Persecution