Matthew 5:10-13

Endurers of Persecution

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.—2 Timothy 3:12

Tim Thomassen

The English word persecution comes from the Latin persequi meaning to pursue. It is similar to the Hebrew ra-dhaph and Greek di-o’ko, verbs meaning to pursue, chase, persecute (Aid to Bible Understanding, p. 1291). Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines persecution as “the condition of being persecuted, harassed, or annoyed.”

Historically individuals have been persecuted for a variety of reasons. These include personality clashes, misunderstandings, philosophical differences, hurt feelings, physical appearance, social status, racial origin as well as religious faith and conviction. Much has been said and written regarding all of these.

Jesus said, “Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11,12, RSV).

Nelson’s Bible Dictionary describes persecution as “the hatred and affliction that follows the witness and holy life of God’s people in a hostile world. The concept is stressed in many of the Old Testament prophetic books, such as Isaiah. The New Testament also teaches that God’s people will suffer persecution.”

Persecution in the Old Testament

Cain persecuted his brother Abel. He was so angry that he killed Abel. We read that Cain “was of the evil one and murdered his brother . . . because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous” (1 John 3:12, RSV). We are also told that “by faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he received approval as righteous, God bearing witness by accepting his gifts” (Hebrews 11:4, RSV).

Job “was blameless and upright, one who feared God, and turned away from evil” (Job 1:1, RSV). But Job, whose name means “object of hostility,” eventually became the subject of persecution. His wife and three friends were manipulated by Satan to afflict him (Job 1:8 to 2:9; 19:22,28).

David was described as a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). Yet we read that Saul “was determined to put David to death” (1 Samuel 20:33).

“Jezebel killed the prophets of the LORD” (1 Kings 18:13). Elijah proclaimed that the people of Israel forsook God’s covenant, threw down his altars, and slew the prophets with the sword (1 Kings 19:10).

We are told that “Manasseh shed very much innocent blood, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another, besides the sin which he made Judah to sin so that they did what was evil in the sight of the LORD” (2 Kings 21:16, RSV).

Jeremiah suffered at the hands of government officials (Jeremiah 15:15; 17:18; 20:11; 37:15,16; 38:4-6). False priests and prophets felt Jeremiah should die since he prophesied against them (Jeremiah 26:11). This is a good example of how God’s faithful ones have been persecuted by promoters of false religion.

Some of the better known accounts of persecution involving the Lord’s faithful include the three Hebrews who were thrown into the fiery furnace and Daniel being cast into the lions’ den (Daniel 3:13-20). In the book of Esther the Persian King Ahasu­erus persecuted the Jews. Mordecai was a special object of Haman’s wicked attacks (Esther 3:1-12; 5:14).

Persecution in the New Testament

Matthew 10 discusses the calling and sending forth of the 12 apostles. Jesus told his disciples that he would send them out “as sheep in the midst of wolves” (verse 16) and forewarned them that they would be delivered up to councils and flogged in the synagogues (verse 17). Furthermore, they would be “dragged before governors and kings” for his sake, “to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles” (verse 18). He said they would “be hated by all” for his name’s sake (verse 22).

Jesus himself was persecuted. It is written that the chief priests and Pharisees gathered the Sanhedrin together and took counsel how to put him to death (John 11:47-53). “They spat in his face, and struck him; and some slapped him” (Matthew 26:67, RSV). Subsequently he was bound and delivered to Pilate (Matthew 27:2). Later, he was flogged and handed over to be crucified (Matthew 27:26). He was mocked (verse 29) and struck on the head again and again (verse 30).

After the death of Jesus, faithful followers of the Master were also persecuted. After Pentecost, there were arrests, threats, and beatings. The priests, captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees were “greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John, and . . . put them in jail until the next day” (Acts 4:1-3). Peter and John received further threats before they were released (Acts 4:21).

Stephen was seized and brought before the Sanhedrin. False witnesses testified against him (Acts 6:13). During his self-defense, Stephen asked, “Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him” (Acts 7:52, NIV). “When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him” (verse 54, NIV). Their anger turned to murder, as they stoned Stephen to death. (verses 59, 60).

After Stephen’s death “a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria” (Acts 8:1, NIV). “Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison” (Acts 8:3, NIV). He later made “murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples” (Acts 9:1, NIV).

Acts 12:1 declares that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church with the intention of persecuting them. James, the brother of John, was killed with a sword (verse 2) and Herod tried to restrain Peter as well. Peter was arrested and put in prison. Only because of the miraculous deliverance by an angel of the Lord was Peter able to escape (verses 7-10).

After Saul’s conversion, he became the target of intense persecution himself. During his ministry and travels, Paul experienced severe and repeated affliction, troubles, hardships, distresses, beatings, imprisonments, sleepless nights, hunger, and suffering (Acts 13:50; 2 Corinthians 6:3-5; 11:23-25; Galatians 5:11; 2 Timothy 3:10,11).

Other followers of Jesus became objects of hatred and persecution. The source of this opposition was usually false religious leaders who succeeded in influencing misinformed political leaders (Acts 16:20; 17:6; 28:22).

“Tacitus, a Roman historian born about 55 C.E. tells of the rumor charging Nero as responsible for burning Rome (64 C.E.), and then says: ‘Consequently, to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. . . . Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their ­information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind. Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had expired.’.”—The Annals, Book XV, par. 44, translated by Church and Brodribb.

Persecutions Throughout the Gospel Age

The followers of Jesus have been persecuted since the days of the early church until now. The record of history has confirmed Paul’s words: “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:12,13, NIV).

How can persecution be endured? “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13). The Greek word translated “endure” has the thought of “to stay under, remain; to undergo, i.e., bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere.” The NIV renders this verse, “but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

Enduring Persecution

Peter gives us some guidelines for endurance: “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened. But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:14-17, NIV). In the next chapter he adds, “if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name” (1 Peter 4:16, NIV).

Having a good attitude and maintaining faithfulness under pressure and opposition are also requisites for endurance. Again, Peter’s words offer guidance and wisdom: “For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:19-21, NIV).

Paul instructed us to have the same mind as Jesus. Our exemplar emptied and humbled himself, took the form of a servant and became obedient unto death on a cross (Philippians 2:5-8, RSV).

We need to run with perseverance the race that is set before us and look to Jesus who is the perfecter of our faith. Jesus, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorned its shame (Hebrews 12:1,2). We must keep our eyes fixed upon him and walk in his steps if we hope to endure unto the end.

Delighting in Persecution

The apostle Paul delighted in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties. His words were: “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10, NIV). As Paul instructed, we should imitate him in that he imitated Christ (1 Corinthians 4:16).

The importance of faith and patience in this battle of endurance is stressed in Hebrews: “For in just a very little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are ­destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved” (Hebrews 10:37-39, NIV).

Difficulties should not be unexpected nor something from which we should shy away. Peter wrote that we should not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which comes upon us to prove us. We should not consider it as something strange happening to us, but should rejoice in so far as we share Christ’s sufferings. Peter tells us that we will rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. We should consider it a blessing to be reproached in the name of Christ. This will be an evidence that God’s spirit rests upon us (1 Peter 4:12,13, RSV).

Our faith should continue to grow, as was the case of the Thessalonians. Paul boasted about their perseverance and faith in all of their persecutions and trials they had endured. He said this was evidence that God’s judgment is right. As a result, they would be counted worthy of the kingdom of God for which they suffered. Paul said, “God is just: he will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled” (2 Thessalonians 1:6,7, NIV).

We may never experience that same type of persecution as encountered by the Lord’s faithful ones of past times. Yet to whatever degree or in whatever shape and form it may manifest itself, persecution should not be overcome by engaging in evil deeds.

Paul wrote that we should never take revenge but leave room for God’s wrath, “for it is written: It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord. On the contrary: If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:19-21, NIV).

Loving Our Persecutors

Our attitude toward those who persecute us is important. We must always strive to put into practice those words of Jesus: “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even ­pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”—Matthew 5:44- 48, NIV

The word “perfect” in Matthew 5:48 is translated from the Greek word teleios. Strong’s Concordance defines it as “complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); completeness.” Our character development will be incomplete if we do not respond to our persecutions as described in these verses. As Paul instructed, we should bless those who persecute us and not curse them (Romans 12:14).

Only blessing should come from our mouths. James wrote that “from the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brethren, this ought not to be so” (James 3:10, RSV). James also counseled us to be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving ourselves (James 1:22).

Paul said that the apostles were “fools for Christ’s sake” but that they were “wise in Christ.” We should follow their example when he said: “being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: being defamed, we intreat” (1 Corinthians 4:10-13).

Christians Not to Seek Persecution

Jesus instructed his followers to be “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Commenting on this verse, Brother Russell wrote that we should be neat in ­appearance, kind, interested and dignified in language and manner (Reprints, p. 825). “We are to do nothing foolish nor go out on the streets to stir up trouble but use the spirit of a sound mind—gentleness, meekness, patience, brotherly-kindness and love” (Reprints, p. 5846). “Wisdom is to be exercised in the presentation of the Lord’s Word” (Reprints, p. 5146 and 5151). “Many of the Lord’s people need to learn tactfulness; some mistakenly believe that they must use no tact—that to do so would be dishonest” (Reprints, p. 4130).

Matthew 13:21 indicates that not everyone who hears the good news of the kingdom will endure the heat of persecution. Of someone representative of a certain class of individuals Jesus said: “When tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.” He was referring to a person who had no root in himself. Hence, the lesson for us is that we should be “strengthened with might through his spirit in the inner man, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have power to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:16-19, RSV). “As therefore you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so live in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one makes a prey of you by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the universe, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:6-8, RSV).

Persecution Not to Be Avoided

There were some in Paul’s day who wanted to “make a good showing in the flesh.” This compelled them to be circumcised “so they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ” (Galatians 6:12). We should not fall into this same trap. We must not hold back from preaching the truth of God’s word, as long as it is done in a loving and edifying manner. “Therefore, putting away falsehood, let every one speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another” (Ephesians 4:25, RSV).

May we rely more and more on God’s strength, praying as David did for deliverance from his persecutors. May his words be our prayer as well: “O LORD my God, in thee do I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers, and deliver me” (Psalm 7:1, RSV).

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”—Romans 8:35-39.