The subject of persecution is often sidelined because it is not 'seeker-friendly'. The trouble with that strategy is '...everyone who wants to lead a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted...' (2 Timothy 3:12 NIV). Believers need to be prepared and engaged. Jesus prepared his disciples (John 16:1-4) and today Christian parents, teachers, pastors and other leaders must take responsibility for preparing those in their care. How better to do that than to study the Scriptures, which are rich in teaching and examples, and engage with, pray for, and learn from, the persecuted Church?
Believers have suffered persecution since the earliest days of the Church. Examples may be found in the Bible, in Church history (recommended sources: 'Fox's Book of Martyrs', 'Jesus Freaks' or other church history material) and in modern times (recommended sources: the links and resources on this IDOP website; the websites of World Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission, Open Doors, Voice of the Martyrs, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Barnabas Fund, China Aid Association and others).
Some suggested Bible texts to read, study or for preaching
Jesus warns and teaches about persecution
Matthew 10:16-42; John 15:18-16:4; Jesus teaches you must be prepared for the cost in Luke 14:25-35.
Jesus is persecuted
Matthew 27:27-31 (mocked); John 18:19-24 (struck in the face for speaking the truth); John 19 (crucified); Psalm 22; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Hebrews 13:11-13 (bearing shame).
The apostles and first missionaries are persecuted
- Acts 4:1-22, Christ's supremacy threatens the supremacy of the totalitarian and theocratic leadership. (vv2,17)
- Acts 5:12-41, power and attraction of the gospel arouses jealousy. (v17)
- Acts 6:7-15, success of ministry arouses competition.
- Acts 7:54-8:4 Stephen becomes the Christian Church's first martyr; persecution breaks out.
- Acts 12:1-4 Herod persecutes apostles for political gain.
- Acts 12:1-18, while Peter is in prison, the church prays.
- Acts 13:49-14:7, opposition to the gospel forces missionaries to flee.
- Acts 16:16-34, the gospel threatens trade, economic prosperity and the fortune-telling industry (v19); false accusations lead to missionaries being severely beaten.
- Acts 17:1-15, missionary success arouses jealousy; missionaries forced to flee. (v5)
- Acts 19:23-32, the gospel threatens trade, economic prosperity and the idol industry; idol-makers incite riot that goes out of control.
- Acts 21:27-36, enemies of the gospel incite hatred and violence; Paul beaten and arrested.
Words to the Church on persecution
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-11, comfort, purpose, sharing, the place and power of prayer (vv10,11)
- 2 Corinthians 6:3-10, the character of the servant of Christ.
- Philippians 1:12-30, persecution may advance the gospel.
- 1 Thessalonians 1, persecuted believers as a model for others.
- Hebrews 10:32-39, do not grow weak, but persevere.
- Hebrews 11:32-40 persecution widespread and severe; those who persevere are heroes of faith; therefore Hebrews 12:1-3, be encouraged, motivated, convicted, committed, with eyes on Jesus to run the race God has set for us.
- Revelation 2:8-11, poor yet rich – suffering on earth, crown of life in heaven.
- Revelation 6:9-11, God is sovereign in suffering, Rev 7:9-17, and in salvation.
Place and power of prayer
- Romans 15:30-33, our prayers help struggling believers.
- 2 Corinthians 1:10,11, God works as we pray.
- 2 Corinthians 10:3,4, spiritual battle requires spiritual weapons.
- Ephesians 6:10-18, spiritual battle requires spiritual defence and offence – stay alert and pray.
- James 5:16b-18, the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.
Brief words of encouragement for closing a meeting
Ephesians 3:20,21
2 Timothy 1:6-12
Hebrews 10:19-23