Q1. Why are Christians persecuted?

Answer: Christians are baptised in Jesus name (Acts 2:38) belong to him (Rom 1:6) glorify him (2 Pet 3:18) pray to him (John 14:14) witness about him (Acts 1:8) and are therefore persecuted for Jesus name.

Matt 5:11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.”

Matt 10:22 “You will be hated by all for my name’s sake.”

Matt 24:9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake.”

John 15:21 “But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.”

Acts 9:16 “For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

Gal 6:12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.

Phil 1:29 It has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake

2 Tim 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted

1 Pet 4:14-16 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you… Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.

Rev 17:6 I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.

(Also, Mark 13:13; Luke 21:12,17; John 15:26-27; Rev 2:3; 20:4)

Q2 What sort of persecution can we expect? Who provides comfort?

Answer: The following scriptures are taken from the Message Bible, a modern paraphrase version:

Ps 41:6-7 If someone comes to see me, he mouths empty platitudes, All the while gathering gossip about me to entertain the street-corner crowd. These “friends” who hate me whisper slanders all over town. They form committees to plan misery for me.

Ps 56:5–8 They don’t let up – they smear my reputation and huddle to plot my collapse. They gang up, sneak together through the alleys to take me by surprise, wait their chance to get me. Pay them back in evil! Get angry, God! Down with these people! You’ve kept track of my every toss and turn through the sleepless nights, each tear entered in your ledger, each ache written in your book.

Ps 69:7–9 Because of you I look like an idiot, I walk around ashamed to show my face. My brothers shun me like a bum off the street; My family treats me like an unwanted guest. I love you more than I can say. Because I’m madly in love with you, they blame me for everything they dislike about you.

Ps 119:69–72 The godless spread lies about me, but I focus my attention on what you are saying; They’re bland as a bucket of lard, while I dance to the tune of your revelation. My troubles turned out all for the best— they forced me to learn from your textbook. Truth from your mouth means more to me than striking it rich in a gold mine.

Isa 29:21 Gone the people who corrupted the courts, gone the people who cheated the poor, gone the people who victimized the innocent.

Isa 50:7–9 And the Master, God, stays right there and helps me, so I’m not disgraced. Therefore, I set my face like flint, confident that I’ll never regret this. My champion is right here. Let’s take our stand together! Who dares bring suit against me? Let him try! Look! the Master, God, is right here. Who would dare call me guilty? Look! My accusers are a clothes bin of threadbare socks and shirts, fodder for moths!

Isa 66:5 But listen to what God has to say to you who reverently respond to his Word: “Your own families hate you and turn you out because of me. They taunt you, ‘Let us see God’s glory! If God’s so great, why aren’t you happy?’ But they’re the ones who are going to end up shamed.”

Zech 11:15–17 God then said, “Dress up like a stupid shepherd. I’m going to install just such a shepherd in this land—a shepherd indifferent to victims, who ignores the lost, abandons the injured, and disdains decent citizens. He’ll only be in it for what he can get out of it, using and abusing any and all. “Doom to you, useless shepherd, walking off and leaving the sheep!”

Luke 6:22–23 “Count yourself blessed every time someone cuts you down or throws you out, every time someone smears or blackens your name to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and that that person is uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens – skip like a lamb, if you like! – for even though they don’t like it, I do … and all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company; my preachers and witnesses have always been treated like this.

2 Tim 4:16–18 At my preliminary hearing no one stood by me. They all ran like scared rabbits. But it doesn’t matter – the Master stood by me and helped me spread the Message loud and clear to those who had never heard it. I was snatched from the jaws of the lion! God’s looking after me, keeping me safe in the kingdom of heaven. All praise to him, praise forever! Oh, yes!

1 Pet 3:14–16 Even if you suffer for it, you’re still better off. Don’t give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They’ll end up realizing that they’re the ones who need a bath.

(Also, Song of Sol 5:7; 1 Thess 3:3-5)

Summary

• Christians are persecuted for bearing the name of Jesus Christ.

Endnotes

1. Insight Vol 2 pp 608-611

Article Credits: KevinQuick.com