This document discusses persecution of Christians throughout history and the biblical basis for persecution. It notes that currently over 200,000 Christians are killed annually for their faith. The Bible was written by persecuted believers for other persecuted believers. Figures like Peter and Dietrich Bonhoeffer emphasized that true faith involves obedience, even in the face of suffering. While God created people with dignity and rights, the fall of man and rise of sin disrupted this. Ultimately, God's goal is to populate the universe with those who resemble Jesus Christ through trials that develop strong character.

1. Persecution in the Bible
and Early Church
Dr. Robert Patton
Missionary to Suriname,
South America

2. The situation today



82% of all martyrs for faith are
Christian
166,000 were killed in 2003 – by
now, we believe the number is 200,000
200,000,000 are under threat of
death, imprisonment or torture;
400,000,000 are discriminated against
in addition

3. Do not be surprised


The Bible, especially the New
Testament, was written by
persecuted believers for
persecuted believers.
It deals especially with persecution
for righteousness.

4. Peter warns

1 Pet. 4:12 Beloved, think it not
strange concerning the fiery trial
which is to try you, as thou some
strange thing happened to you 13.
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are
partakers of Christ’s sufferings;
that, when his glory shall be
revealed, ye may be glad also with
exceeding joy.

5. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, martyr for
Christ killed by Nazis WWII


Discipleship means allegiance to
the suffering Christ, and it is
therefore not at all surprising that
Christians should be called upon to
suffer...
When Christ calls a man, He calls
him to die

6. Dietrich Bonhoeffer

7. Bonhoeffer: Cheap grace


[It] is the preaching of forgiveness without
requiring repentance, baptism without
church discipline, communion without
confession, absolution without personal
confession.
Cheap grace is grace without discipleship,
grace without the cross, grace without
Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.

8. Jozef Ton’s comments



God plans to populate the universe with
those who resemble Jesus Christ
True believers will share the
responsibility with Christ and reflect His
glory
We are on earth to test us and develop
the necessary character

9. God’s plan for the future for
the believer


Rev. 1:[6] And hath made us kings
and priests unto God and his
Father; to him be glory and
dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Rev. 5:[10] And hast made us unto
our God kings and priests: and we
shall reign on the earth.

10. Jozef Ton’s concepts



Trials and testings are to prepare us for
eternity – will we pass the test?
He provides what we need, but we
need to permit Him to work in our lives
He wants to make us kings like He
is King, but will only entrust such
positions to them who obey Him as
He obeyed His Father

11. Cheap grace and God’s grace


God’s grace: It is the grace made dear
by the life of Christ that was sacrificed
to purchase man's redemption.
Cheap grace arose out of man's desire
to be saved, but to do so without
becoming a disciple.

12. Bonhoeffer’s comment


only he who believes is obedient,
and only he who is obedient
believes
He places emphasis on true belief
demonstrating itself in obedience
to God’s commands, and not
simply intellectual acquiescence

13. Persecution purifies the church

We need cross-carrying
messengers of a cross-centered
gospel

14. The promise of Christ


Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive
power, after that the Holy Ghost is
come upon you: and ye shall be
witnesses (martyrs) unto me both
in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and
in Samaria, and unto the uttermost
part of the earth
Marturia – witness = martyr…

15. God’s ultimate goal for man is
dominion with Him


Rom. 8:[29] For whom he did foreknow, he
also did predestinate to be conformed to the
image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn
among many brethren.
Heb. 2:[10] For it became him, for whom are
all things, and by whom are all things, in
bringing many sons unto glory, to make the
captain of their salvation perfect through
sufferings.

16. God’s goal


Mt. 24:[47] Verily I say unto you, That
he shall make him ruler over all his
goods.
Lk. 12:[44] Of a truth I say unto you,
that he will make him ruler over all that
he hath.

17. Man was no longer fit to rule
after the fall


With the fall, God’s plan was thwarted
as man now had a sin nature, and his
spirit became unable to communicate
with God
At the cross, Jesus basically restored
God’s plan

18. God is currently testing
mankind


God has chosen the world as the
place for both developing and
testing man’s character
He is testing man’s obedience and
his allegiance to his Creator

19. There are several names for
God’s final purpose





Obtaining an inheritance
Reigning with Christ
Being glorified with Christ
Having treasures in heaven
Rewards in heaven

20. Suffering and martyrdom are
part of God’s plan


They develop the character man needs
to be fit to rule
They test the quality of his work as well
as his loyalty to the King

21. But it is more than simply
suffering.


All people suffer at one time or another.
Most people become sick. All people
die. We all suffer loss of loved ones,
etc.
Persecution is suffering for
righteousness sake – and this is
highly prized and rewarded by God

22. Jesus – beatitutes

Mt. 5:[10] Blessed are they which are
persecuted for righteousness' sake: for
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.[11] Blessed
are ye, when men shall revile you, and
persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil
against you falsely, for my sake.[12] Rejoice,
and be exceeding glad: for great is your
reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the
prophets which were before you

23. Man created in God’s image

Gen. 1:[26] And God said, Let us make man
in our image, after our likeness: and let them
have dominion over the fish of the sea, and
over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle,
and over all the earth, and over every
creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
[27] So God created man in his own image, in
the image of God created he him; male and
female created he them.

24. Man’s creation is important




Man is created in the image of
God, and has intrinsic worth and
respect and dignity
God works in creation on man’s behalf
God’s character founds the basis for
law
He expects us to act toward others as
He acts toward us

25. This remains true after the fall

Genesis 9:[5] And surely your blood of
your lives will I require; at the hand of
every beast will I require it, and at the
hand of man; at the hand of every
man's brother will I require the life of
man.[6] Whoso sheddeth man's blood,
by man shall his blood be shed: for in
the image of God made he man

26. Man created in God’s image

God is concerned with minimal civil
rights to vulnerable groups




Life
To be unharmed
The necessities of life - we should not be
denied them
Protection of personal property

27. Man created in God’s image


Humans have rights because God
created them, protects them, and
demands justice for them
Protection against physical
abuse, abortion, being taken hostage

28. Man, created in the image of God, has
intrinsic worth, respect and dignity



When we do not respect man, we do not
respect the God in whose image he is created!
Because Islam and communism do not
acknowledge that man is created in the image
of God, they have no basis for individual human
rights, and do not give them
Their idea is rights given to groups, not
individuals intrinsically

29. The right to be wrong


God does not want a religion by
compulsion, but from the heart
He condemns the false religions around
Israel once they are in the land, but
does not send them on “holy
crusades” to wipe out other
religions, but to witness to the
living God

30. God is a trinity, and the God
of relationships.




Men have a basic equality although
differences exist – as in the trinity
The trinity relates to each other
Thus rights exist in the context of
relationships
This includes the right to worship in
relationship with others.

31. God is a trinity, and the God
of relationships.


The creation is the basis for equality
(for example, man and woman)
However, as the trinity is not
identical, so also the individuals are
not identical

32. God is a trinity, and the God
of relationships.


We also have freedom.
We have wills that are freed to chose
the right, though often we choose the
wrong, especially as sinners

33. The full expression of religious
freedom has been adversely
impacted by the fall



We long for unrestricted freedom of
worship and propagation of faith
This often results in persecution
.Religious freedom is a good
thing, but in a fallen world, it may
indicate that the believer has slacked
off in his zeal to reconcile a hostile
world

34. What about our rights?


There is a difference between public
rights, which we should fight for, and
private rights, which sometimes we
should yield
We may be called on to give up some
of our rights privately

35. What about our rights?



However, this does not mean that we
insist that others give up their rights
which we have voluntarily yielded for
the sake of Christ
We see that Paul sometimes used his
rights of Roman citizenship
We must see what advances God’s
kingdom, and not our own plans

36. Creation was good, but free
will allowed a usurper to rise

Isaiah 14:[12] How art thou fallen from
heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how
art thou cut down to the ground, which didst
weaken the nations![13] For thou hast said
in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I
will exalt my throne above the stars of God:
I will sit also upon the mount of the
congregation, in the sides of the north:

37. Creation was good, but free
will allowed a usurper to rise


Isaiah 14:[14] I will ascend above the
heights of the clouds; I will be like
the most High.[15] Yet thou shalt be
brought down to hell, to the sides of
the pit.
Lucifer, the most glorious angel created
by God, rises up to attempt to take
God’s place in the hearts of man

38. There is a fight for the loyalty
of men

Gen. 3:[1] Now the serpent was more
subtil than any beast of the field which
the LORD God had made. And he said
unto the woman, Yea, hath God said,
Ye shall not eat of every tree of the
garden?[2] And the woman said unto
the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of
the trees of the garden:

39. There is a fight for the loyalty
of men

[3] But of the fruit of the tree which is in
the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye
shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it,
lest ye die.[4] And the serpent said unto the
woman, Ye shall not surely die:[5] For God
doth know that in the day ye eat thereof,
then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall
be as gods, knowing good and evil.

40. There is a fight for the loyalty
of men

[6] And when the woman saw that the tree
was good for food, and that it was pleasant to
the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make
one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did
eat, and gave also unto her husband with her;
and he did eat.[7] And the eyes of them both
were opened, and they knew that they were
naked; and they sewed fig leaves together,
and made themselves aprons.

41. Satan lies and lures mankind
into rebellion against God


Man rebels against His creator, and
follows the advice of the rebel satan
The god of this world begins his work
with self as the dominant principle not
only in his own being, but in the lives
of mankind, who now are following him

42. The fall and suffering


The basic person who created the
problems on earth is man, who
was not satisfied with being the
image bearer but sought equality
with God
The serpent will be defeated by the
seed of the woman, but He will
suffer pain in the process

43. The fall…

The woman will experience


Pain in childbirth
Strain in her relationship with her
husband, where she seeks to control
him instead of allowing him to rule

44. The fall and suffering

The man was created to be able to
work, but now the work will be
frustrated



It will be accompanied by pain
Ultimately death will cause failure
in further work
Death is an act of mercy to prevent
sin to multiply out of control

45. The fall and suffering



Death is also spiritual and requires
God’s intervention for restoration of
fellowship
Our pain points us to God and the
eternal, where our true fulfillment lies
The price of reconciling creation with
God is pain and suffering

46. Adam and Eve separated from
Eden

47. God created man with free will to
freely choose or reject His love



Man is capable of real love, which
requires freedom of choice
God created the universe knowing
that man would spoil it but in
redemption His glory would be seen.
And redemption would mean pain and
suffering

48. The first religious persecution
- Cain and Abel



The first between righteousness
Abel and unrighteousness - Cain
It began at the first recorded
formal worship service
It began in the context of the
home itself

49. The first religious persecution
- Cain and Abel


God’s choice of word “crying out of the
ground” refers to the oppressed crying
because they have been denied justice and God hears
God judges, but His mark on Cain shows
that even a murderer is not beyond
God’s mercy and protection. The right
to life is protected by God, even for
those who do not deserve it.

50. Cain and Abel

51. We find a principle starting
with Cain and Abel


Galatians 4:[28] Now we, brethren, as Isaac
was, are the children of promise.[29] But as
then he that was born after the flesh
persecuted him that was born after the Spirit,
even so it is now.
Although this refers to Ishmael and Isaac, it is
a general principle that those living in the
flesh persecute those living in the Spirit

52. Noah’s covenant


God delegates mankind the
responsibility of being agents of
God’s justice and upholders of the
right to life
This right is in the hands of civil
authorities, and not for personal
revenge

53. Noah’s ark

54. God’s command to Noah

Gen. 9:[5] And surely your blood of
your lives will I require; at the hand of
every beast will I require it, and at the
hand of man; at the hand of every
man's brother will I require the life of
man.[6] Whoso sheddeth man's blood,
by man shall his blood be shed: for in
the image of God made he man.

55. Lot persecuted

He was ignored and scoffed at by those in
Sodom. They threatened to assault him
sexually. Gen 19:9[9] And they said, Stand
back. And they said again, This one fellow
came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a
judge: now will we deal worse with thee,
than with them. And they pressed sore
upon the man, even Lot, and came near to
break the door.

56. Lot… 2 Peter 2

[7] And delivered just Lot, vexed with the
filthy conversation of the wicked:[8] (For that
righteous man dwelling among them, in
seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul
from day to day with their unlawful
deeds;)[9] The Lord knoweth how to deliver
the godly out of temptations, and to reserve
the unjust unto the day of judgment to be
punished

57. Lot’s escape from Sodom

58. Insights from the Pentateuch



Lot rescued from persecution - 2
Peter 2:7-9
Lesson - persecution is not
restricted to spiritual giants or
mature believers
All claiming to follow God will be
challenged to take a stand

59. Persecution of the righteous


2 Tim. 3:12 Yea, and all that will
live godly in Christ Jesus shall
suffer persecution
This is a promise of God

60. Insights from the Pentateuch


.Abraham - true faith inevitably
suffers, sacrifices & hopes. There were
disappointments, pain and tears.
One of the times is when Ishmael
mocked Isaac and God confirmed
Sarah’s request that both Hagar and
Ishmael be sent away. Then there was
the offer of Isaac

61. Abraham offering Isaac

62. Insights from the Pentateuch


Isaac - especially problems with the
Philistines. Life may be filled with
stress, opposition and hardship.
He refuses to retaliate, and eventually
has peace. He digs more wells

63. Joseph suffers for
righteousness




He is sold as a slave by his own
brothers
He is lied about by Potiphar’s wife
The cupbearer of Pharaoh forgot him
Ultimately he triumphs – he never lost
faith in God, and God turns the curses
of his enemies into blessings

64. Joseph sold by his brothers

65. Joseph tempted by Potiphar’s
wife

66. Insights from the Pentateuch



Egypt & Israel –
Israel suffers because they are
God’s people.
Moses chose a life of hardship to
liberate his people, with suffering
from both the Egyptians and from
the Israelites themselves

67. Moses – Hebrews 11

[24] By faith Moses, when he was come to
years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's
daughter;[25] Choosing rather to suffer
affliction with the people of God, than to
enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
[26] Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater
riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had
respect unto the recompense of the reward.

68. Israelite slaves in Egypt

69. Insights from the Pentateuch





Every good gift comes from God
Many blessings and curses are a result
of man’s response to God
Some blessings and curses are a result
of God’s plans for man – e.g. Joseph
Blessings can become curses if we fail
to glorify GodIn the long run, the sow-reap principle
generally holds, but often not in the
short term

70. Israel saw history as under
the control of God


Suffering is part of God’s plan of chastisement and bringing His people to
Himself
We must trust God, and place ourselves
in His hands



.Sin and suffering are not permanent
.Suffering may be a fruit of continuing sin
Suffering can lead to repentance and
the glory of God

71. God used persecution in the
book of Judges – 7 cycles






Blessing
luxury
Pride
Sin
Disaster
Repentance

72. God in history

God also uses the enemies of Israel to
chastise them and bring them back to
Himself in the time of the kings.

73. Job – a witness to satan and
angels as well as man




Job is upright, and the richest man in
the East
God uses Job as an example of a true
worshiper
Satan accuses Job of worshiping to get
things, not because God is God
God permits Satan to test Job

74. Job as witness





Job loses all but blesses God
Satan accuses him that he still has his
health
Satan allowed to make him very ill
Job still does not curse God
Job’s three friends are sure that Job is
being punished for sin

75. Job as witness




Job maintains his innocence
God shows His power to Job, and Job
repents and trusts God
Job prays for his friends
God restores Job’s blessings

76. Job is allowed to suffer
because of his righteousness.



We can learn from his friends that suffering
people need our presence more than our
advice. Sometimes we intensify their
problems
Job’s friends all believe that he is
sinning, and when he repents, his fortunes
will be restored – But they were wrong
There is mystery in suffering - often we will
not know why.

77. Job’s wife testing Job – Curse
God and die…

78. Job is allowed to suffer
because of his righteousness.



God answers not “why” but “who” = it is
almighty God that permits suffering. Will
we trust Him?
If God does not show you what to repent
of, then probably that is not His goal for
your suffering
Punishment without conviction is
vindictive, as is punishment after
confession and repentance

79. Job is allowed to suffer
because of his righteousness.



Advice: Go before God, seeking His face and
asking the Holy Spirit to examine your heart
and life.
If God does not convict you of sin or sincere
confession and repentance does not remedy
the situation, something else is going on.
Then love and trust God, knowing that this
response will reveal Satan’s accusations to
be lies.

80. Job is allowed to suffer
because of his righteousness.


It is ironic that those friends were
called upon to repent, and that they
had not suffered, while Job spoke
rightly about God, but did suffer.
All who are godly shall suffer
persecution….

81. Job is allowed to suffer
because of his righteousness.



Job’s suffering was the direct result of
his faithfulness to God
This is against Word of Faith teachings.
If we insist on finding the meaning of
every isolated event, we will make
mistakes. We cannot see the “big
picture” but God does – e.g. Joseph

82. Persecution in the Psalms
The psalms have a great deal to say
about persecution
The psalms express the emotions of
Israel, the people of God who were often
oppressed by the wicked around them
The psalms also give much information
on the messiah, the Suffering servant

83. The messiah – Psalm 22

[6] But I am a worm, and no man; a
reproach of men, and despised of the
people.[7] All they that see me laugh
me to scorn: they shoot out the lip,
they shake the head saying,[8] He
trusted on the LORD that he would
deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing
he delighted in him

84. Psalm 22 cont’d

[13] They gaped upon me with their mouths,
as a ravening and a roaring lion.[14] I am
poured out like water, and all my bones are
out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted
in the midst of my bowels.[15] My strength is
dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue
cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought
me into the dust of death.

85. Psalm 22 cont’d


[16] For dogs have compassed me: the
assembly of the wicked have enclosed me:
they pierced my hands and my feet.[17] I
may tell all my bones: they look and stare
upon me.[18] They part my garments among
them, and cast lots upon my vesture
Yet there is victory at the end of the psalm.

86. Messianic suffering in the
Psalms


Psalm 31:[5] Into thine hand I commit
my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O
LORD God of truth
Psalm 34:[19] Many are the afflictions
of the righteous: but the LORD
delivereth him out of them all. [20] He
keepeth all his bones: not one of them
is broken.

87. Messianic suffering in the
Psalms


Psalm 41:[9] Yea, mine own familiar
friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat
of my bread, hath lifted up his heel
against me.
Psalm 44: 44:[22] Yea, for thy sake are
we killed all the day long; we are
counted as sheep for the slaughter.

88. Messianic suffering in the
Psalms


Psalm 69:[21] They gave me also gall
for my meat; and in my thirst they gave
me vinegar to drink.
Psalm 118:[22] The stone which the
builders refused is become the head
stone of the corner.[23] This is the
LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our
eyes.

89. Imprecatory Psalms


These can be viewed not as vindictive,
but as the persecuted crying for
righteousness. They also remind us of
our own sins
Some see them as the prayers of our
sinless High Priest on behalf of the
persecuted

90. Proverbs – sometimes the
righteous are persecuted


Proverbs 29:[10] The bloodthirsty hate
the upright: but the just seek his soul.
Ecclesiastes also shows that on this
earth, sometimes righteousness does
not prevail.

91. Proverbs shows our
responsibility to the poor


We have a responsibility to help the
weak and helpless.
Proverbs 29:[7] The righteous
considereth the cause of the poor: but
the wicked regardeth not to know it.

92. Proverbs and the poor

Proverbs 31:[8] Open thy mouth for the
dumb in the cause of all such as are
appointed to destruction.[9] Open thy
mouth, judge righteously, and plead the
cause of the poor and needy.

93. The Bible has many examples
of the righteous suffering





1.Moses threatened with stoning by his own
people
2. David threatened by Saul on several
occasions
3. 85 priests of Nob killed by Doeg and Saul
4. Many prophets hunted and killed by Jezebel
5. Elijah persecuted by Ahab & Jezebel

94. Righteous suffering





6. Micaiah imprisoned by King Ahab
7. Elisha threatened by death by the king
8. Hanani imprisoned by King Asa
9. Zachariah stoned at the order of King Joas
10.Jeremiah suffered greatly from both kings
and false prophets

95. Righteous suffering



11. Uriah the prophet is caught and
executed
12.Manasse killed much innocent blood
- traditionally Isaiah the prophet is one
of his victims
13.Daniel, Shadrack, Meshak and
Abednego

96. Jesus castigated the leaders re
their treatment of prophets

Luke 11:[47] Woe unto you! for ye build the
sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers
killed them...[49] Therefore also said the
wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and
apostles, and some of them they shall slay
and persecute:[50] That the blood of all the
prophets, which was shed from the
foundation of the world, may be required of
this generation;

97. Isaiah – reasons for suffering


Punishment for sin – like the death of
Sennacharib & destruction of the
Assyrian army
Discipline for training/education – the
healing of Hezekiah from his abscess

98. Isaiah – reasons for suffering


Testing the relationship with God and
loyalty, as in the example of Job
Restoration of creation through
suffering, pain and death as through
the Suffering Servant

99. The coming messiah –
Isaiah 50

[5] The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I
was not rebellious, neither turned away
back.[6] I gave my back to the smiters, and my
cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid
not my face from shame and spitting.[7] For
the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not
be confounded: therefore have I set my face
like a flint, and I know that I shall not be
ashamed

100. Those who follow the messiah
shall suffer too


Isaiah 50: [10] Who is among you that
feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the
voice of his servant, that walketh in
darkness, and hath no light? let him
trust in the name of the LORD, and stay
upon his God
They will suffer, but need to trust the
Lord

101. The messiah – Isaiah 52

[13] Behold, my servant shall deal
prudently, he shall be exalted and
extolled, and be very high.[14] As
many were astonied at thee; his visage
was so marred more than any man, and
his form more than the sons of men:

102. The messiah – Isaiah 53

[2] For he shall grow up before him as a
tender plant, and as a root out of a dry
ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and
when we shall see him, there is no beauty that
we should desire him.[3] He is despised and
rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and
acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were
our faces from him; he was despised, and we
esteemed him not.

103. The messiah – Isaiah 53

[4] Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried
our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken,
smitten of God, and afflicted.[5] But he was
wounded for our transgressions, he was
bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of
our peace was upon him; and with his stripes
we are healed.[6] All we like sheep have gone
astray; we have turned every one to his own
way; and the LORD hath laid on him the
iniquity of us all

104. The messiah dies

[7] He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet
he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a
lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before
her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his
mouth.[8] He was taken from prison and from
judgment: and who shall declare his
generation? for he was cut off out of the land
of the living: for the transgression of my people
was he stricken.

105. The messiah dies

[9] And he made his grave with the
wicked, and with the rich in his death;
because he had done no violence,
neither was any deceit in his mouth.

106. The messiah is victorious

:[10] Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him;
he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt
make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see
his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the
pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his
hand.[11] He shall see of the travail of his
soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge
shall my righteous servant justify many; for he
shall bear their iniquities.

107. The messiah is victorious

[12] Therefore will I divide him a
portion with the great, and he shall
divide the spoil with the strong;
because he hath poured out his soul
unto death: and he was numbered with
the transgressors; and he bare the sin
of many, and made intercession for the
transgressors.

108. Lessons from Isaiah

Purposes of suffering




Punishment for sin
.Discipline for training & education
.Establishing one’s relationship and
living for God
.How God accomplishes His purposes in
the world

109. Lessons from Isaiah



God works through the suffering
servant who suffers for others sins
Those who follow Him will also suffer
& self-sacrifice
Look to the power of God

110. Lessons from Jeremiah


Jeremiah - faced lots of persecution. He was
rejected by
 His village
 His family
 The false prophets
 The religious leaders
 The corrupt kings and princes
Worse than the physical was the mocking
because he was preaching God’s word.

111. Jeremiah’s mourning
Jerusalem’s destruction

112. Lessons from Jeremiah




Jeremiah knew from the beginning that
his message would be rejected
.God promised to be with him and not
forsake him
.He believed that he was preaching the
words of God – thus the people were
rejecting God and not himself
He had an intense love of the people

113. Lessons from Daniel




God is sovereign in history and will
fulfill His purposes
God shares His authority with man
We must remain faithful to death God will test us
God’s ultimate goal is to find men
and women to rule with him
throughout eternity

114. Daniel’s testings with his
friends



Eating the king’s food – probably
offered to idols, and breaking the
Jewish food regulations – yet they
were healthier
The fiery furnace for Daniel’s
friends
The lion’s den

115. Lessons from Daniel



This is the kind of people which God
will trust to rule over the nations
They will obey God and live by His laws
despite the cost
They will be faithful through
trials, persecutions, and threats of
death

116. The fiery furnace and Daniel’s
three faithful friends

117. Daniel in the lion’s den

118. Lessons from Daniel


They proclaim and honor the sovereign
rule of God in everything
They are immersed in the task of
telling others about God, and leading
them to Him. We see that God uses
their trials to magnify Himself through
their lives

119. Lessons from Daniel


They have a clear history knowing
that loss of temporary goods or life
for God’s sake is not a loss but a
gain.
Their true fulfillment is in eternity

120. The saints shall rule in eternity

Daniel 7: [26] But the judgment shall sit, and
they shall take away his dominion, to consume
and to destroy it unto the end.[27] And the
kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of
the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be
given to the people of the saints of the most
High, whose kingdom is an everlasting
kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and
obey him.

121. Testing in Esther


Esther risks her life to save her
people – if I perish, I perish
Mordecai was persecuted by
Haman for failing to bow down –
but ultimately victorious

122. Esther before Ahasueros

123. Other testing in the time of
the kings


David, righteous and anointed by God,
is pursued and persecuted by Saul yet
saves his life
Uriah, honorable and righteous, is slain
by David to cover up his sin with Uriah’s
wife Bathsheba

124. David spares Saul’s life

125. Other testings



Naboth, a righteous man, (and probably
his sons) is slain by the wicked king
Ahab to get his property
Jezebel tried to kill Elijah
Asa jailed Hanani when he rebuked him
for his alliance with Syria (2 Chron.
16:9)

126. Elijah rebuking Ahab & Jezebel
after murdering Naboth

127. Other testing


Joash ordered the stoning of the high
priest Zachariah who rebuked him for
idol worship
Manasseh the king killed many
innocent, including, according to
tradition, the prophet Isaiah

128. Stoning Zachariah in the
temple

129. Note what Jesus said in Mt. 23

[29] Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees,
hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the
prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the
righteous,[30] And say, If we had been in the
days of our fathers, we would not have been
partakers with them in the blood of the
prophets.[31] Wherefore ye be witnesses unto
yourselves, that ye are the children of them
which killed the prophets

130. Note what Jesus said in Mt. 23

[34] Wherefore, behold, I send unto you
prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some
of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of
them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and
persecute them from city to city:[35] That
upon you may come all the righteous blood
shed upon the earth, from the blood of
righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son
of Barachias, whom ye slew between the
temple and the altar

131. The intertestamental period
shows much suffering

Many righteous Jews were horribly
tortured by Antiochus Epiphanes when
they held onto their Jewish faith. There
was a famous mother with seven sons,
all of whom were martyred. Another
old man, Eleasar, was faithful unto
death.

132. Intertestamental period –
concepts


God’s righteousness is seen at the
judgment and resurrection of the
righteous. The wicked are then
punished
The righteous have been tested and
found worthy of glories and more
responsibilities in heaven

133. God is grieved by sin, which
results in death = separation




God was grieved before the flood
God was grieved in the wilderness
wanderings
The Holy Spirit was grieved at the
rebellion of Israel
Jesus Christ was grieved over Jerusalem
and Saul persecuting Christians

134. Does God suffer? Is He
impassive?



God is not unstable emotionally. He
cannot be forced to do anything.
But He chooses to suffer because
He chooses to love
God revealed Himself through His
Son, the incarnate Jesus Christ,
who is the suffering servant

135. Jesus Christ – the suffering
servant



God is able to relate to those who suffer.
Bonhoeffer in prison: Only the suffering God
can help
This is shown through Jesus Christ, who
came into a suffering world.
He entered into our sorrows and suffering.
Hunger, thirst, weariness.

136. Jesus Christ – the suffering
servant


Jesus went to the cross simply because it
was the Father’s will, not His own idea
Heb. 5:[7] Who in the days of his flesh, when
he had offered up prayers and supplications
with strong crying and tears unto him that
was able to save him from death, and was
heard in that he feared;[8] Though he were a
Son, yet learned he obedience by the things
which he suffered;

137. God suffers…




The cross is central in revealing the
nature of God.
In the incarnation, God suffers.
Even in the Old Testament God
suffers in His interactions with man
God suffers with us - sharing our
pain

138. God suffers and gives


The trinity - giving and receiving
from each other, depending upon
each other, and offering themselves to each other.
His plans are not achieved by force
or power but by love and by selfgiving - the cross.

139. God suffers and gives



The self-giving God persuades and
invites - not forces
Jesus came as an offering, a
sacrifice - which reveals the nature
of God.
This shows how God’s people
should live as well. - Phil 2:3-8

140. Have this mind in you…

Phil 2:[3] Let nothing be done through strife
or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each
esteem other better than themselves.[4] Look
not every man on his own things, but every
man also on the things of others.[5] Let this
mind be in you, which was also in Christ
Jesus:[6] Who, being in the form of God,
thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

141. Have this mind in you…

Phil. 2:[7] But made himself of no
reputation, and took upon him the form
of a servant, and was made in the
likeness of men:[8] And being found in
fashion as a man, he humbled himself,
and became obedient unto death, even
the death of the cross.

142. Ways we present the gospel
incorrectly

Our motives are unworthy –


Our methods are unworthy –


our glory rather than God’s
coercion by physical means, moral
constraint or psychological pressure
Our message is unworthy

Misrepresentation

143. Jesus and discipleship –
Sermon on the mount

Those who the world pities are really the
fortunate







Poor in spirit
Mourn
Meek
Hunger and thirst for righteousness
Merciful
Pure in heart
Peacemakers

144. Jesus and the beatitudes



God’s people do not suffer for their
faith; they suffer for HIM - for the
fulfillment of His purposes in the
world
They are in the line of the prophets
They are not only to be Stoic, but
to rejoice, and to love those who
persecute them.

145. Joy in testings and
persecution

Mt. 5:[10] Blessed are they which are
persecuted for righteousness' sake: for
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.[11]
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile
you, and persecute you, and shall say all
manner of evil against you falsely, for my
sake.[12] Rejoice, and be exceeding glad:
for great is your reward in heaven: for so
persecuted they the prophets which were
before you.

146. Jesus and the beatitudes


Like God gives light and rain to
those who curse Him, so we are to
bless those who persecute us.
We are in service to those who
cause us the suffering.

147. Jesus – Sermon on the mount

Mt. 5:[43] Ye have heard that it hath
been said, Thou shalt love thy
neighbour, and hate thine enemy.[44]
But I say unto you, Love your enemies,
bless them that curse you, do good to
them that hate you, and pray for them
which despitefully use you, and
persecute you;

148. Jesus – Sermon on the Mount

Mt. 5:[45] That ye may be the children
of your Father which is in heaven: for
he maketh his sun to rise on the evil
and on the good, and sendeth rain on
the just and on the unjust.

149. Jesus and the beatitudes



There are great promises to hold - we
are the possessors of the kingdom of
heaven.
Suffering for the kingdom is expected
from all God’s messengers. This is a
sign that God is present in the ministry
Persecution is inevitable - sometimes
not only silencing the message of the
gospel, but the messenger too.

150. Sheep in the midst of wolves

Mt. 10[16] Behold, I send you forth as sheep
in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as
serpents, and harmless as doves.[17] But
beware of men: for they will deliver you up to
the councils, and they will scourge you in their
synagogues;[18] And ye shall be brought
before governors and kings for my sake, for a
testimony against them and the Gentiles.

151. Jesus – Mt. 10



Mission and persecution go together.
There is always the shadow of the
cross.
He Himself has sent us as defenseless
sheep into the midst of wolves.
Thus survival is not the key issue - He
too was like a sheep brought to the
slaughter

152. Jesus – Mt. 10

Dangers can be in two directions:



Fear and compromise
Deliberately provoke authorities and
attract persecution
We need wisdom (wise as serpents
and innocent as doves)

153. Jesus on persecution



Mt:10-19-20 God promises to give us
wisdom how to speak
Mt. 10:21-22 Even the family may turn
against us. The family is not the most
important institution on earth - it is the
church, which is God’s primary agent of
change in the world. We become sons and
daughters of Him.
In Mk. 3:31-35, Jesus shows that the
Spiritual family of obedience is more
important than the biological family.

154. Jesus on persecution Mt. 10

[19] But when they deliver you up,
take no thought how or what ye shall
speak: for it shall be given you in that
same hour what ye shall speak.
[20] For it is not ye that speak, but the
Spirit of your Father which speaketh in
you.
Wisdom for speaking

155. Jesus on persecution Mt. 10


[21] And the brother shall deliver up the
brother to death, and the father the child:
and the children shall rise up against their
parents, and cause them to be put to
death.[22] And ye shall be hated of all men
for my name's sake: but he that endureth to
the end shall be saved.
Betrayal by family

156. Spiritual family priority

Mk. 3:[31] There came then his
brethren and his mother, and, standing
without, sent unto him, calling him.
[32] And the multitude sat about him,
and they said unto him, Behold, thy
mother and thy brethren without seek
for thee.[33] And he answered them,
saying, Who is my mother, or my
brethren?

157. Spiritual family priority

Mk. 3:[34] And he looked round about
on them which sat about him, and said,
Behold my mother and my brethren!
[35] For whosoever shall do the will of
God, the same is my brother, and my
sister, and mother

158. Jesus on persecution


Persecution cannot separate the
disciples from the care of God.
Lk. 21:[16] And ye shall be betrayed both by
parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and
friends; and some of you shall they cause to
be put to death.[17] And ye shall be hated of
all men for my name's sake.[18] But there
shall not an hair of your head perish.[19] In
your patience possess ye your souls

159. Jesus on persecution



Luke 21:17-19
They suffer, but are not ultimately
destroyed. Hold fast to the end.
Persecution will expose faith that
is only mental assent.

160. Biblical responses to Persecution



Flight. But not just to avoid suffering.
The priority is on the mission of the
kingdom of God above all else.
.Mt. 10:23 Go to other cities to spread
the world [23] But when they persecute
you in this city, flee ye into another: for
verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone
over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man
be come.

161. Jesus response on some
occasions


Jn. 8:[59] Then took they up stones to cast at
him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the
temple, going through the midst of them, and
so passed by.
Mt. 12:[14] Then the Pharisees went out, and
held a council against him, how they might
destroy him.[15] But when Jesus knew it, he
withdrew himself from thence: and great
multitudes followed him, and he healed them
all;

162. Jesus walked away sometimes

Lk 4:[29] And rose up, and thrust him
out of the city, and led him unto the
brow of the hill whereon their city was
built, that they might cast him down
headlong.[30] But he passing through
the midst of them went his way

163. Sometimes Paul escaped


Act 9:[25] Then the disciples took him by
night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
Acts 14:[5] And when there was an assault
made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews
with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and
to stone them,[6] They were ware of it, and
fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia,
and unto the region that lieth round about

164. Biblical responses to Persecution



Acts 9:25; 2 Cor. 11:23-24 Flight to
fulfill the mission of Christ. Martyrdom
can provide witness, but it can be
better to stay alive to proclaim it: Acts
14:5-6
Jesus hid himself: Jn. 8:59; Mt. 12:1415. His time had not yet come.
But do not run when obedience to
God’s command would be jeopardized.

165. Biblical responses to Persecution


Fortitute: Stand firm unto death
Fight - occasionally for legal rights.


Paul did so several times, unless this hinders
the furtherance of the kingdom of God. He
used Roman citizenship to avoid flogging
and also to preserve the church at Philippi
Sometimes civil disobedience within
guidelines is an option.

166. Jesus – Mt. 10

Speak openly for Christ. Mt. 10:2627 [26] Fear them not therefore:
for there is nothing covered, that
shall not be revealed; and hid, that
shall not be known.[27] What I tell
you in darkness, that speak ye in
light: and what ye hear in the
ear, that preach ye upon the
housetops

167. Jesus – Mt. 10


Christ’s witnesses do not have
survival as the main concern;
They cannot be silent. They can
only be silenced.

168. Jesus – Mt. 10


Mt. 10:28-32 Bonhoeffer: The danger
lies not in the judgment of man, but
the judgment of God; not in the
death of the body, but the eternal
destruction of body and soul.
Those who are afraid of men have no
fear of God, and those who have fear
of God have no fear of man.

169. Jesus & Mt. 10

[28] And fear not them which kill the body, but
are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him
which is able to destroy both soul and body in
hell. [29] Are not two sparrows sold for a
farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the
ground without your Father. [30] But the very
hairs of your head are all numbered. [31] Fear
ye not therefore, ye are of more value than
many sparrows.

170. Jesus – Mt. 10



The power of killers is limited to the
body.
Since God will bring the body back to
life, the power of the persecutors is
temporary at best. Jn. 21:18
The real threat in persecution is that
we may not be all that God expects of
us. Mt. 10:29-31

171. Mt. 10:33-42 Four dangers for
the believer in persecution




Denying Christ 33
Loving family more than Christ 34-37
Loving one’s own life more than
Christ 38-39
Refusing to receive those who are
wanted by authorities or mobs
because of their witness for Christ 4042

172. Danger #1 – Denying Christ

Mt. 10:[32] Whosoever therefore shall
confess me before men, him will I
confess also before my Father which is
in heaven.[33] But whosoever shall
deny me before men, him will I also
deny before my Father which is in
heaven.

173. Danger #2 – Loving family
more than Christ

Mt. 10:[34] Think not that I am come to
send peace on earth: I came not to send
peace, but a sword.[35] For I am come to
set a man at variance against his father, and
the daughter against her mother, and the
daughter in law against her mother in
law.[36] And a man's foes shall be they of
his own household.

174. Danger #2 – Loving family
more than Christ

Mt. 10:[37] He that loveth father or mother
more than me is not worthy of me: and he
that loveth son or daughter more than me is
not worthy of me

175. Danger #3 – Loving one’s own
life more than Christ

Mt. 10:[38] And he that taketh not his
cross, and followeth after me, is not
worthy of me.[39] He that findeth his
life shall lose it: and he that loseth his
life for my sake shall find it.

176. Danger #4 – Not helping
persecuted brethren

Mt. 10:[40] He that receiveth you receiveth
me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him
that sent me.[41] He that receiveth a
prophet in the name of a prophet shall
receive a prophet's reward; and he that
receiveth a righteous man in the name of a
righteous man shall receive a righteous
man's reward.

177. Danger #4 – Not helping
persecuted brethren

Mt. 10:[42] And whosoever shall give
to drink unto one of these little ones a
cup of cold water only in the name of a
disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall
in no wise lose his reward.

178. Mt. 16:21-28

[21] From that time forth began Jesus to
shew unto his disciples, how that he must go
unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of
the elders and chief priests and scribes, and
be killed, and be raised again the third day.
[22] Then Peter took him, and began to
rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord:
this shall not be unto thee.

179. Peter’s reaction is satanic


[23] But he turned, and said unto
Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou
art an offence unto me: for thou
savourest not the things that be of God,
but those that be of men.
Peter’s reaction – save yourself and
don’t suffer. This was the satanic test
in the wilderness

180. Mt 16:24 ff


[24] Then said Jesus unto his disciples,
If any man will come after me, let him
deny himself, and take up his cross,
and follow me.[25] For whosoever will
save his life shall lose it: and whosoever
will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Will you save it by losing it for Jesus
sake, or lose it trying to save it?

181. Mt 16:24 ff


[26] For what is a man profited, if he shall
gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
or what shall a man give in exchange for his
soul?[27] For the Son of man shall come in
the glory of his Father with his angels; and
then he shall reward every man according
to his works.
First the cross, then the crown

182. Jesus – Mt. 16:21-28



They must be prepared also to face
possible death following their
master
Crucifixion was a terrible
punishment
Crucifixion was a state punishment
- for the worst sort of criminals

183. Jesus – Mt. 16:21-28


As Christ’s death was the foundation
of the church, our deaths are
necessary to build His church.
Jozef Ton: Christ’s cross was for
propitiation. Ours is for propagation

184. Jesus – Mt. 16:21-28



There are great rewards in terms of
faithfulness to Him.
Rewards are to those who will receive
His grace and serve for His sake.
It is not just to renounce the world
for the reward’s sake.

185. Jesus – Mt. 16:21-28




Martyrdom happens to you - not a
suicide bomber.
There are great rewards in terms
of faithfulness to Him.
We need this training for the tasks
we will have in eternity.
God’s grace is saving and enabling
grace.

186. The right attitude


Rewards are to those who will receive
His grace and serve for His sake.
It is not just to renounce the world
for the reward’s sake.

187. The right attitude




Let’s avoid an error:
That we earn God’s favor through our
own efforts or living sacrificially to gain
reward
Or that we gain favor with God through
the pursuit of introspective self-scrutiny
and self-discipline.
The focus must be on Him and His goals
for us

188. The right focus


The focus is on Christ and His
purposes.
The true disciple often thinks that
he is only doing his duty (Lk.
17:10) and is thankful for God’s
grace

189. Luke 17:7-10

[7] But which of you, having a servant
plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto
him by and by, when he is come from
the field, Go and sit down to meat?
[8] And will not rather say unto him,
Make ready wherewith I may sup, and
gird thyself, and serve me, till I have
eaten and drunken; and afterward thou
shalt eat and drink?

190. Luke 17:7-10


[9] Doth he thank that servant because he
did the things that were commanded him? I
trow not.[10] So likewise ye, when ye shall
have done all those things which are
commanded you, say, We are unprofitable
servants: we have done that which was our
duty to do
A very convicting parable re attitudes

191. The cross and the glory


Like the cross is the only way for
Jesus glory, so the cross is the path
for the glory of His disciples.
They do not seek ambition or
power, but to serve, especially
those in misery & need.

192. The response to persecution



Some believe
Some are afraid and say nothing
Some leave Christian fellowship
completely

193. We need to identify with
Christian brothers in need

Mt. 25:[34] Then shall the King say
unto them on his right hand, Come, ye
blessed of my Father, inherit the
kingdom prepared for you from the
foundation of the world:[35] For I was
an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I
was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I
was a stranger, and ye took me in:

194. We need to identify with
Christian brothers in need

[36] Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick,
and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye
came unto me.[37] Then shall the
righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when
saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or
thirsty, and gave thee drink? [38] When
saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in?
or naked, and clothed thee?

195. We need to identify with
Christian brothers in need

[39] Or when saw we thee sick, or in
prison, and came unto thee? [40] And the
King shall answer and say unto them, Verily
I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done
it unto one of the least of these my
brethren, ye have done it unto me.

196. Luke - theology of persecution



Persecution is the rejection of God’s
agents- so they are treated by the
supposed people of God.
It is the false prophets who are well
spoken of. Lk. 6:[26] Woe unto you, when
all men shall speak well of you! for so did their
fathers to the false prophets.
The persecuted stand in continuity with
the OT prophets.

197. Luke - theology of persecution

Persecution is part of the plan of
God - beginning with Simeon in Lk.
2:34
[34] And Simeon blessed them, and
said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this
child is set for the fall and rising again
of many in Israel; and for a sign which
shall be spoken against;

198. Luke - theology of persecution



Lk. 2:[35] (Yea, a sword shall pierce
through thy own soul also,) that the
thoughts of many hearts may be
revealed.
The scriptures said so
The servant-messiah must die

199. Persecution in the gospel of
Luke



Daily renounce your old life
There will be intense persecution:
Lk. 12:4-12; 21:12-19
.Persecution is the occasion of
divine triumph: Lk. 10:19; 21:1718;

200. Persecution in the gospel of
Luke



Persecution is an integral
consequence of following Jesus:
Hated because of the Son of man
You will be hated by all for my
name’s sake

201. Persecution in the gospel of
Luke


Persecution is the occasion for Christian
perseverance: It is a time for testing.
Lk. 10:19. Behold, I give unto you
power to tread on serpents and
scorpions, and over all the power of the
enemy; and nothing shall by any means
hurt you; 20: Notwithstanding in this
rejoice not, that the spirits are subject
unto you, but rather rejoice, because
your names are written in heaven.

202. Persecution in the gospel of
Luke


Persecution is the occasion of
divine triumph:
Lk. 21:17-18 And ye shall be hated
of all men for my name’s sake. 18:
But there shall not an hair of your
head perish.

203. John: Jesus demands that He is the
only source of life; He must be central

Hatred for Jesus






His own family rejects him
He is threatened with arrest
He is threatened with stoning
His reputation was spoiled
He is slandered
He is arrested and killed

204. John 12



Jesus laid down His life for us;
His disciples will do the same in
sharing the gospel
The world did not come to Jesus
through signs and wonders, but
when He was lifted up: Jn.
12:32[32] And I, if I be lifted up from
the earth, will draw all men unto me.

205. John 12: Fruitfulness
comes through dying

Jn. 12:23-26 is the call to martyrdom: 23. And Jesus answered
them, saying: The hour is come
that the Son of man should be
glorified. 24: Verily, verily, I say
unto you, Except a corn of wheat
fall into the ground and die, it
abideth alone: but if it die, it
bringeth forth much fruit.

206. Jesus warned His disciples
before His death

Jn. 15:[18] If the world hate you,
ye know that it hated me before it
hated you.[19] If ye were of the
world, the world would love his
own: but because ye are not of the
world, but I have chosen you out
of the world, therefore the world
hateth you.

207. Jesus warning to His disciples


John 16:[2] They shall put you out of the
synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that
whosoever killeth you will think that he
doeth God service.[3] And these things
will they do unto you, because they have
not known the Father, nor me.
Excellent example – Saul of Tarsus

208. The new promise: Acts 1:8


[8] But ye shall receive power, after
that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:
and ye shall be witnesses unto me both
in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in
Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of
the earth.
See the following implications

209. Acts – Persecution of the
church



The Holy Spirit would empower
them
They are not alone in the battle
It is God’s initiative, His action and
His concern

210. Acts – Persecution of the
church



They are ambassadors with His
power and authority
Everything they achieve will be His
achievement by His Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the comforter in
persecution

211. The church explodes

Despite 2 martyrdoms, the death of
Ananias & Saphira, and persecution
from Jewish and Roman authorities, the
church grew explosively, especially
following the death of Stephen

212. Persecution in Acts





Persecution offers more opportunities
to witness
When the disciples fled, they did not go
underground - witnessing was public
Opposition inevitably followed the
preaching of the gospel.
Church growth and spread of the gospel
tends to cause persecution
Persecution came from a variety of
sources and ways

213. Reasons for persecution





Religious - threat to existing systems
Political - Christians primary loyalty is
to Christ, not the nation
Social - sometimes breaks societal and
familial norms
Economic - interferes with particular
businesses
Emotional - jealousy by religious
leaders

214. Theology of Persecution in Acts



Persecution is part of the plan of
God:
.When they killed Stephen, they
thought that they served God
.Paul speaks before kings
expecting persecution

215. Stephan, the first martyr

216. Stoning of Stephen

217. Theology of Persecution in Acts



Persecution is the rejection of
God’s agents - especially by
religious leaders
See Stephen’s preaching and the
result - what happened to the
prophets too...
Persecuted stand in line with God’s
prophets

218. Theology of Persecution in Acts


Persecution is an integral
consequence of following Jesus proclaiming the risen Lord
Persecution is the occasion of
divine triumph

219. Theology of Persecution in Acts


God’s victory is His ability to
deepen the disciples in the midst of
affliction with rejoicing
and for them to remain obedient
even when the situation does not
change.

220. Why were the disciples ready
to suffer and die?



They knew the sovereignty of God:
Their work was just to witness
boldly in the power of the Holy
Spirit
They prayed for boldness to preach
and signs and wonders to lift up
the name of Jesus

221. Why were the disciples ready
to suffer and die?



They viewed suffering for Christ as a
privilege and honor - 5:41; 16:25ff
They had a clear perception of the
glory of martyrdom.
Stephen was the aggressor, witnessing, forgiving, testifying and entrusting his spirit to God

222. The honor of being persecuted
for Christ


Peter and John before the Sanhedrin
Acts 5:[40] And to him they agreed: and when
they had called the apostles, and beaten them,
they commanded that they should not speak in
the name of Jesus, and let them go.[41] And
they departed from the presence of the
council, rejoicing that they were counted
worthy to suffer shame for his name.

223. Stephen sees Jesus Christ
before his martyrdom




If Jesus was truly standing there, the
Sanhedrin was wrong. They would not accept
that, and killed him
The vision encouraged Stephen
His prayer showed forgiveness that only God
can give
His witness was empowered by the Holy Spirit

224. Peter persecuted and jailed


James the brother of John was killed by
Herod Atipas.
He jailed Peter, and planned to execute
him as well. The church prayed
earnestly, and God sent an angel who
released him.

225. Peter freed from prison by an
angel

226. Paul and suffering

The message about Paul to Ananias:
For I will shew him how great things
he must suffer for my name’s sake:
Acts 9:16

227. Paul’s conversion & blindness

228. Paul and Silas praise God in
prison

Acts 16:[22] And the multitude rose up
together against them: and the
magistrates rent off their clothes, and
commanded to beat them.[23] And
when they had laid many stripes upon
them, they cast them into prison,
charging the jailor to keep them safely:

229. Paul and Silas praise God in
prison

Acts 16:[24]Who, having received such
a charge, thrust them into the inner
prison, and made their feet fast in the
stocks.[25] And at midnight Paul and
Silas prayed, and sang praises unto
God: and the prisoners heard them

230. Paul and Silas freed

231. Some of Paul’s suffering in
2 Corinthians 11:22-31

[23] Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as
a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant,
in stripes above measure, in prisons more
frequent, in deaths oft.[24] Of the Jews five
times received I forty stripes save one.[25]
Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I
stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night
and a day I have been in the deep;

232. Some of Paul’s suffering in
2 Corinthians 11:22-31

[26] In journeyings often, in perils of
waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by
mine own countrymen, in perils by the
heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in
the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in
perils among false brethren;[27] In
weariness and painfulness, in watchings
often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings
often, in cold and nakedness.

233. Some of Paul’s suffering in
2 Corinthians 11:22-31

[28] Beside those things that are without,
that which cometh upon me daily, the care of
all the churches.[29] Who is weak, and I am
not weak? who is offended, and I burn
not?[30] If I must needs glory, I will glory of
the things which concern mine infirmities.
[31] The God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, which is blessed for evermore,
knoweth that I lie not.

234. Paul arrested

235. Paul shipwrecked

236. Paul’s execution

237. 1 Thessalonians: standing fast
in persecution

1:[5] For our gospel came not unto you in
word only, but also in power, and in the Holy
Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know
what manner of men we were among you for
your sake.[6] And ye became followers of us,
and of the Lord, having received the word in
much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:[7]
So that ye were ensamples to all that believe
in Macedonia and Achaia.

238. 2 Thessalonians – patience in
suffering

1:[4] So that we ourselves glory in you
in the churches of God for your
patience and faith in all your
persecutions and tribulations that ye
endure:[5] Which is a manifest token of
the righteous judgment of God, that ye
may be counted worthy of the kingdom
of God, for which ye also suffer

239. 2 Thessalonians


Our suffering may persist
throughout life, but will eventually
stop, and God will repay in eternity
It is not if or why we suffer, but
HOW we suffer.

240. 2 Thessalonians


Will we allow suffering to prepare us
for eternity, or will we insist on the
rewards of eternity now, and get
nothing then?
We must have prayer - so that it is His
work and we are simply
manifestations of His life in the world
3:[1] Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the
word of the Lord may have free course, and
be glorified, even as it is with you:

241. 1 Corinthians




Mission of any messenger of Christ
.Incarnation - rather than selfserving
.The cross - rather than selfpreservation
.Weakness and dependency on God
rather than stability and strength

242. I Corinthians 1:23 ff

[23] But we preach Christ crucified,
unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and
unto the Greeks foolishness;[24] But
unto them which are called, both Jews
and Greeks, Christ the power of God,
and the wisdom of God.[25] Because
the foolishness of God is wiser than
men; and the weakness of God is
stronger than men.

243. I Corinthians 1:23 ff

[26] For ye see your calling, brethren,
how that not many wise men after the
flesh, not many mighty, not many
noble, are called:[27] But God hath
chosen the foolish things of the world
to confound the wise; and God hath
chosen the weak things of the world to
confound the things which are mighty;

244. I Corinthians 1:23 ff

[28] And base things of the world, and things
which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and
things which are not, to bring to nought things
that are:[29] That no flesh should glory in his
presence.[30] But of him are ye in Christ
Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom,
and righteousness, and sanctification, and
redemption:[31] That, according as it is
written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the
Lord.

245. Paul answers those teachers
preaching in power and strength


Paul ministers in weakness and
foolishness deliberately - in the
Spirit’s power
To move beyond the cross is really
to abandon Christ. The message of
the cross will be rejected except by
the work of the Holy Spirit

246. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

[1] And I, brethren, when I came to you,
came not with excellency of speech or of
wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of
God.[2] For I determined not to know any
thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him
crucified.[3] And I was with you in weakness,
and in fear, and in much trembling.

247. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

[4] And my speech and my preaching was not
with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in
demonstration of the Spirit and of power:[5]
That your faith should not stand in the
wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

248. Paul answers those teachers
preaching in power and strength



Preaching will fail without the
demonstration of the Spirit’s working in
the messenger’s life and reliance on the
Spirit to move in the hearts of the hearers.
The danger is trusting yourself as a
communicator.
The difference is seen in both the
message and the messengers.

249. How the world views
Christians

I Cor. 4:[9] For I think that God hath set
forth us the apostles last, as it were
appointed to death: for we are made a
spectacle unto the world, and to angels,
and to men.[10] We are fools for Christ's
sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are
weak, but ye are strong; ye are
honourable, but we are despised.

250. How the world views
Christians

I Cor. 4:[11] Even unto this present hour
we both hunger, and thirst, and are
naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;[12] And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we
bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:[13]
Being defamed, we intreat: we are made
as the filth of the world, and are the
offscouring of all things unto this day.

251. God rewards with quality

I Corinthians 3:[10] According to the
grace of God which is given unto me, as
a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the
foundation, and another buildeth
thereon. But let every man take heed
how he buildeth thereupon.[11] For
other foundation can no man lay than
that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

252. God rewards with quality

I Corinthians 3:[12] Now if any man
build upon this foundation gold, silver,
precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;[13]
Every man's work shall be made
manifest: for the day shall declare it,
because it shall be revealed by fire; and
the fire shall try every man's work of
what sort it is.

253. God rewards with quality

I Corinthians 3:[14] If any man's work
abide which he hath built thereupon, he
shall receive a reward.[15] If any man's
work shall be burned, he shall suffer
loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet
so as by fire.

254. Those who do not live for
Christ lose their inheritance

I Corinthians 6:[9] Know ye not that the
unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom
of God? Be not deceived: neither
fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers,
nor effeminate, nor abusers of
themselves with mankind,[10] Nor
thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor
revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the
kingdom of God

255. 2 Corinthians - The cross of
the Christian


We are linked with Christ in
suffering 1:5-11 He never leaves
us in our sufferings
The gospel without selfsacrifice, without a cross, without
suffering is another gospel with
another Jesus 11:1-4 Paul shows
his sacrifice for the gospel

256. 2 Corinthians - The cross of
the Christian

We are linked with Christ in suffering
1:3-10 He never leaves us in our
sufferings[3] Blessed be God, even the
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
mercies, and the God of all comfort;[4] Who
comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we
may be able to comfort them which are in any
trouble, by the comfort wherewith we
ourselves are comforted of God.
;

257. 2 Corinthians - The cross of
the Christian

[5] For as the sufferings of Christ abound in
us, so our consolation also aboundeth by
Christ.[6] And whether we be afflicted, it is
for your consolation and salvation, which is
effectual in the enduring of the same
sufferings which we also suffer: or whether
we be comforted, it is for your consolation
and salvation.

258. 2 Corinthians - The cross of
the Christian

[7] And our hope of you is
stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of
the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the
consolation.[8] For we would
not, brethren, have you ignorant of our
trouble which came to us in Asia, that we
were pressed out of measure, above
strength, insomuch that we despaired even of
life:

259. 2 Corinthians - The cross of
the Christian

[9] But we had the sentence of death in
ourselves, that we should not trust in
ourselves, but in God which raiseth the
dead:[10] Who delivered us from so
great a death, and doth deliver: in
whom we trust that he will yet deliver
us;

260. 2 Corinthians - The cross of
the Christian

Paul’s sufferings are seen differently by
the world and the people of God 2:14-17
[14] Now thanks be unto God, which always
causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh
manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in
every place.[15] For we are unto God a sweet
savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in
them that perish:

261. 2 Corinthians - The cross of
the Christian

[16] To the one we are the savour of death unto
death; and to the other the savour of life unto
life. And who is sufficient for these things?[17]
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word
of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the
sight of God speak we in Christ.

262. 2 Corinthians - The cross of
the Christian


The church can never be “seeker-sensitive”
if it is faithful to his calling.
The Holy Spirit opens the eyes of the
unbeliever to the truth of the gospel when
His people demonstrate Christlike
character.

263. 2 Corinthians - The cross of
the Christian



Paul’s sufferings are necessary to
manifest Christ: 4:5-15
It is the gospel that is glorious, and
not the messenger, who is a clay pot
(See Isaiah 53:2)
The word “dying” refers to the
process of dying, not the state of
death

264. Paul’s ministry of suffering

4:[6] For God, who commanded the light
to shine out of darkness, hath shined in
our hearts, to give the light of the
knowledge of the glory of God in the face
of Jesus Christ.[7] But we have this
treasure in earthen vessels, that the
excellency of the power may be of
God, and not of us.

265. Paul’s ministry of suffering

4:[8] We are troubled on every side, yet
not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in
despair;[9] Persecuted, but not forsaken;
cast down, but not destroyed;[10] Always
bearing about in the body the dying of
the Lord Jesus, that the life also of
Jesus might be made manifest in our
body.

266. The cross of the Christian




Paul’s suffering brings an eternal
perspective: 4:16-5:10
Paul’s suffering gives creditability to
his ministry: 6:1-13 - He lives what he
preaches
Paul’s sufferings prove that He is God’s
messenger 11:23-12:10
God’s grace in weakness is sufficient.

267. Paul’s eternal perspective

4:[16] For which cause we faint not; but
though our outward man perish, yet the
inward man is renewed day by day.[17] For
our light affliction, which is but for a
moment, worketh for us a far more
exceeding and eternal weight of
glory;[18] While we look not at the
things which are seen, but at the things
which are not seen: for the things which are
seen are temporal; but the things which are

268. Paul’s eternal perspective

4:[16] For which cause we faint not; but
though our outward man perish, yet the
inward man is renewed day by day.[17]
For our light affliction, which is but for a
moment, worketh for us a far more
exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

269. Paul’s eternal perspective

4: [18] While we look not at the things
which are seen, but at the things which
are not seen: for the things which are
seen are temporal; but the things which
are not seen are eternal.

270. Paul’s perspective

5:[1] For we know that if our earthly house
of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a
building of God, an house not made with
hands, eternal in the heavens.[2] For in this
we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed
upon with our house which is from
heaven:[3] If so be that being clothed we
shall not be found naked.

271. Paul’s perspective

5:[7] (For we walk by faith, not by
sight:)[8] We are confident, I say, and
willing rather to be absent from the
body, and to be present with the
Lord.[9] Wherefore we labour, that,
whether present or absent, we may be
accepted of him

272. The proof of Paul’s ministry –
2 Corinthians 6

[4] But in all things approving ourselves
as the ministers of God, in much
patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in
distresses,[5] In stripes, in
imprisonments, in tumults, in labours,
in watchings, in fastings;[6] By
pureness, by knowledge, by
longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy
Ghost, by love unfeigned,

273. The proof of Paul’s ministry –
2 Corinthians 6

[7] By the word of truth, by the power of God,
by the armour of righteousness on the right
hand and on the left,[8] By honour and
dishonour, by evil report and good report: as
deceivers, and yet true;[9] As unknown, and
yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live;
as chastened, and not killed;[10] As sorrowful,
yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many
rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all
things.

274. His strength through our
weakness: 2 Cor. 12:7-10

[7] And lest I should be exalted above
measure through the abundance of the
revelations, there was given to me a
thorn in the flesh, the messenger of
Satan to buffet me, lest I should be
exalted above measure.[8] For this
thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it
might depart from me.

275. His strength through our
weakness: 2 Cor. 12:7-10

[9] And he said unto me, My grace is
sufficient for thee: for my strength is
made perfect in weakness. Most gladly
therefore will I rather glory in my
infirmities, that the power of Christ may
rest upon me.[10] Therefore I take pleasure
in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in
persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake:
for when I am weak, then am I strong.

276. Romans 5


Persecution prepares us for the
responsibilities we will inherit so that we
will not be put to shame
Romans 5:[3] And not only so, but we glory
in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation
worketh patience;[4] And patience, experience;
and experience, hope:[5] And hope maketh not
ashamed; because the love of God is shed
abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is
given unto us

277. Romans 5 & 8


Christ was appointed to suffer to be
glorified: Lk. 24:26 [26] Ought not Christ to
have suffered these things, and to enter into
his glory?
I Pet. 1:11 [11] Searching what, or what
manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in
them did signify, when it testified beforehand
the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that
should follow.

278. Romans 8

.8:16-39 Life in the Spirit - v. 17 – 18 And
if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and
joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we
suffer with him, that we may be also
glorified together. For I reckon that the
sufferings of this present time are not
worthy to be compared with the glory
which shall be revealed in us

279. Romans 8



Our inheritance is contingent on our
suffering with Him.
We don’t share in His glory if we don’t
share in His sufferings.
His heirs will share with that
suffering, and demonstrates our
worthiness to partner with Him in
eternity.

280. Romans 8



Our rewards are being put in
positions of authority in
heaven, and this we do not earn.
They are given by His grace.
He uses our trials to shape us into
His image.
We must align our method of
ministry with His of the cross.

281. Romans 8



We groan for release from suffering
along with all creation.
The Holy Spirit helps us pray.
But God uses this for our good. God’s
plan is never hindered by persecution.
He uses it to make us like Himself; the
result is certain

282. Romans 8:31-39 Nothing
separates us incl. persecution

[31] What shall we then say to these
things? If God be for us, who can be
against us?[32] He that spared not his
own Son, but delivered him up for us
all, how shall he not with him also
freely give us all things?[33] Who shall
lay any thing to the charge of God's
elect? It is God that justifieth.

283. Romans 8:31-39 Nothing
separates us incl. persecution

[34] Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ
that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is
even at the right hand of God, who also
maketh intercession for us.[35] Who shall
separate us from the love of Christ? shall
tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or
famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?[36]
As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all
the day long; we are accounted as sheep for
the slaughter.

284. Romans 8:31-39 Nothing
separates us incl. persecution

[37] Nay, in all these things we are more than
conquerors through him that loved us.[38] For
I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life,
nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor
things present, nor things to come [39] Nor
height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall
be able to separate us from the love of God,
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord

285. How do we react to
persecution? Rom. 12:14-21

[14] Bless them which persecute you: bless,
and curse not.[15] Rejoice with them that do
rejoice, and weep with them that weep.[16]
Be of the same mind one toward another.
Mind not high things, but condescend to men
of low estate. Be not wise in your own
conceits.

286. How do we react to
persecution? Rom. 12:14-21

[17] Recompense to no man evil for evil.
Provide things honest in the sight of all
men.[18] If it be possible, as much as lieth in
you, live peaceably with all men.[19] Dearly
beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather
give place unto wrath: for it is written,
Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith
the Lord.

287. How do we react to
persecution? Rom. 12:14-21

[20] Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed
him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so
doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his
head.[21] Be not overcome of evil, but
overcome evil with good

288. Galatians


6:12 As many as desire to make a fair
shew in the flesh, they constrain you to
be circumcised: only lest they should
suffer persecution for the cross of
Christ.
6:14 But God forbid that I should
glory, save in the cross of Jesus
Christ, by whom the world is crucified to
me, and I unto the world.

289. Ephesians



He is a prisoner of Christ, not
Rome.
He knows the mystery of the unity
of Jew and gentile and is in prison
for preaching that. His suffering is
their glory.
He prayed that nothing would
uproot their love in Christ.

290. Ephesians 1:15-23


Paul wanted us to know our position in
victory over Satan and his evil spirits
He also wanted us to know our
incredible inheritance in Christ.

291. Ephesians 1:17-18

[17] That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of glory, may give unto you the
spirit of wisdom and revelation in the
knowledge of him:[18] The eyes of your
understanding being enlightened; that ye
may know what is the hope of his calling,
and what the riches of the glory of his
inheritance in the saints.

292. Ephesians 1:19-21

[19] And what is the exceeding greatness of his
power to usward who believe, according to the
working of his mighty power,[20] Which he
wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the
dead, and set him at his own right hand in the
heavenly places,[21] Far above all principality,
and power, and might, and dominion, and
every name that is named, not only in this
world, but also in that which is to come:

293. Gentiles are fellow heirs

Eph. 3:[5] Which in other ages was not
made known unto the sons of men, as
it is now revealed unto his holy apostles
and prophets by the Spirit;[6] That the
Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of
the same body, and partakers of his
promise in Christ by the gospel:

294. The right spirit for Christians

Ephesians 4:[1] I therefore, the
prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that
ye walk worthy of the vocation
wherewith ye are called,[2] With all
lowliness and meekness, with
longsuffering, forbearing one another
in love;[3] Endeavouring to keep the
unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

295. Ephesians 6:10-20


Be strong in the Lord, despite what
meets you. The real battle is against
satan.
God has given enough resources to
stand - take them. STAND.

296. Ephesians 6:10-20


Truth, doing right, live out
peace, depend on God for
everything, and take salvation and the
Word; dependence in prayer are the
weapons of our warfare.
Paul is an ambassador in chains and
he must deliver the message of the
KING.

297. Who is the real enemy in
persecution?

Ephesians 6:10. And finally, my
brethren, be strong in the Lord,
and in the power of his might. 11.
Put on the whole armor of God,
that you might be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil.

298. Who is the real enemy in
persecution?

Ephesians 6:12. For we wrestle not
against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the
rulers of darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high places. 13.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armor
of God, that ye may be able to withstand
in the evil day, and having done all, to
stand.

299. Philippians 1



You have received the gift (grace) of
being able to suffer for Christ.
Grace transforms us as sufferers to be
sacrificial givers of the gospel to others.
1:29 [29] For unto you it is given in the
behalf of Christ, not only to believe on
him, but also to suffer for his sake;
They received this as participants in
spreading the gospel

300. Philippians 1:12-25

His imprisonment did 3 things



The non-Christians knew why he was
imprisoned
The Christians took heart as they saw
his response to imprisonment
His priorities: he accepts whatever the
Lord finds best

301. Suffering is a gift given to us

Phil. 1:[27] Only let your conversation
be as it becometh the gospel of Christ:
that whether I come and see you, or
else be absent, I may hear of your
affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit,
with one mind striving together for the
faith of the gospel:

302. Suffering is a gift given to us

Phil. 1:[28] And in nothing terrified by
your adversaries: which is to them an
evident token of perdition, but to you of
salvation, and that of God.[29] For unto
you it is given in the behalf of Christ,
not only to believe on him, but also
to suffer for his sake.

303. Philippians 1

Joy is not dependent on one’s
circumstances; it is dependent on
one’s priorities!

304. Exalted via suffering:
Philippians 2:5-11

[5] Let this mind be in you, which was also in
Christ Jesus:[6] Who, being in the form of
God, thought it not robbery to be equal with
God:[7] But made himself of no reputation,
and took upon him the form of a servant, and
was made in the likeness of men:[8] And
being found in fashion as a man, he
humbled himself, and became obedient
unto death, even the death of the cross.

305. Exalted via suffering:
Philippians 2:5-11

[9] Wherefore God also hath highly
exalted him, and given him a name
which is above every name:[10] That at
the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of
things in heaven, and things in earth, and
things under the earth;[11] And that every
tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is
Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

306. It is God’s work

Philippians 2:[12] Wherefore, my
beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not
as in my presence only, but now much
more in my absence, work out your
own salvation with fear and
trembling.[13] For it is God which
worketh in you both to will and to
do of his good pleasure.

307. Philippians 3:10





We must know Christ - but how?
By the power of his resurrection
And the sharing of His sufferings
Being made like Him in His death
[10] That I may know him, and the
power of his resurrection, and the
fellowship of his sufferings, being
made conformable unto his death;

308. Philippians 3



That I may attain the resurrection
from the dead. This is a special
word, and may refer to a special
type of reward
This is in contrast to those who are
enemies of the cross - setting their
mind on earthly things.
[18] (For many walk, of whom I
have told you often, and now tell
you even weeping, that they are
the enemies of the cross of Christ:

309. Philippians 3

[19] Whose end is destruction, whose God is
their belly, and whose glory is in their
shame, who mind earthly things.)[20] For
our conversation is in heaven; from whence
also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus
Christ:[21] Who shall change our vile
body, that it may be fashioned like unto his
glorious body, according to the working
whereby he is able even to subdue all things
unto himself.

310. Colossians: 1:21-29 Paul’s
work is Christ’s work.



Christ works through those who will
make His goals their goals.
It demands labor and agony.
[23] If ye continue in the faith grounded and
settled, and be not moved away from the
hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and
which was preached to every creature which
is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a
minister;

311. Colossians: 1:21-29 Paul’s
work is Christ’s work.


[24] Who now rejoice in my sufferings for
you, and fill up that which is behind of the
afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's
sake, which is the church:
The gospel cannot be preached and the
people of God cannot be gathered in to
congregations within the nations without
individuals here and there completing
what is lacking in Christ’s affliction in
order to accomplish this task.

312. Colossians: 1:21-29 Paul’s
work is Christ’s work.



Such afflictions confront all who
deliberately involve themselves in active
service for Christ, especially when they
bear public witness to the gospel.
Each generation must be willing to endure
sufferings...
The power that raised Christ from the dead
is assured to those who fulfill Christ’s
sufferings.

313. 2 Timothy





God will give power greater than the
suffering to be endured
Love is offered to those who do not
deserve it - mostly with self-sacrifice.
We must seek the best for those who
seek to harm us (Lk. 6:27-36; Mt. 5:4348, Rom. 12:14-21)
The greatest example of Christ
.Self-control – not a spirit of fear

314. 2 Timothy 1


Don’t be ashamed of my suffering, but
join in it. It is no shame 1:12
[12] For the which cause I also suffer
these things: nevertheless I am not
ashamed: for I know whom I have
believed, and am persuaded that he is
able to keep that which I have
committed unto him against that day.

315. 2 Timothy 1


The persecuted church is not a church
of victims!
IF faithful to scripture, they go forth in
the power of God, believing that
suffering is not the worst thing that
can happen to them

316. 2 Timothy 2-3



Be faithful; the reward comes at
the end
If we die with Him, we will live
with Him.
12-13 Be faithful, but if you
fail, come back; He will not fail you

317. 2 Timothy 2:11-13

[11] It is a faithful saying: For if
we be dead with him, we shall also
live with him:[12] If we suffer, we
shall also reign with him: if we
deny him, he also will deny us:[13]
If we believe not, yet he abideth
faithful: he cannot deny himself

318. 2 Timothy 3:10-13

[10] But thou hast fully known my
doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith,
longsuffering, charity, patience,[11]
Persecutions, afflictions, which came
unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at
Lystra; what persecutions I
endured: but out of them all the
Lord delivered me.

319. 2 Timothy 3:10-13

[12] Yea, and all that will live godly
in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution. [13] But evil men and
seducers shall wax worse and
worse, deceiving, and being
deceived

320. 2 Timothy 2-3


Ch. 3 10-13 All who live Godly will
be persecuted, but (13) false
teachers will get worse and worse
and avoid persecution.
False teachers refashion their
message and life to avoid paying
the cost of following Christ.

321. 2 Timothy 4


Paul was the drink-offering given
in thankfulness for the forgiveness
of sins.
It was the last part of the worship
after the burned offering and meal
offering.

322. 2 Timothy 4


Paul points out that this was done
by the Lord, His work and He
deserved the praise.
Paul gets the crown of righteousness, not by his work but by his
total dependence on the work of
Christ

323. 2 Timothy 4:5-8

[5] But watch thou in all things, endure
afflictions, do the work of an evangelist,
make full proof of thy ministry.[6] For I
am now ready to be offered, and the time
of my departure is at hand.[7] I have
fought a good fight, I have finished
my course, I have kept the faith:

324. 2 Timothy 4:5-8 The crown of
righteousness

[8] Henceforth there is laid up for
me a crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous
judge, shall give me at that day:
and not to me only, but unto all
them also that love his appearing.

325. God’s plan for mankind is
restored through Jesus Christ

Heb. 2:Heb. 2:[4] God also bearing them
witness, both with signs and wonders, and
with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy
Ghost, according to his own will?[5] For unto
the angels hath he not put in subjection the
world to come, whereof we speak.[6] But one
in a certain place testified, saying, What is
man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son
of man, that thou visitest him?

326. God’s plan for mankind is
restored through Jesus Christ

Heb. 2:Heb. 2:[7] Thou madest him a little
lower than the angels; thou crownedst him
with glory and honour, and didst set him over
the works of thy hands:[8] Thou hast put all
things in subjection under his feet. For in that
he put all in subjection under him, he left
nothing that is not put under him. But now
we see not yet all things put under him.

327. God’s plan for mankind is
restored through Jesus Christ

Heb. 2:Heb. 2:[9] But we see Jesus, who was
made a little lower than the angels for the
suffering of death, crowned with glory and
honour; that he by the grace of God should
taste death for every man.[10] For it became
him, for whom are all things, and by whom are
all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to
make the captain of their salvation perfect
through sufferings.

328. Hebrews




We are worthy for His kingdom only
through Christ.
Persecution, suffering and martyrdom
show that we are in Christ’s school (He
also learned obedience) to gain His
image of holiness and righteousness.
It is a testing ground to mature faith.
We need to identify with Christ’s
sufferings

329. Jesus learned obedience
through suffering

Hebrews 5:7. When the days of his
flesh, when it offered up prayers and
supplication with strong crying and
tears unto him that was able to save
him from death, and was heard in that
he feared; 8. Though he were a Son, yet
learned he obedience by the things
which he suffered;

330. Hebrews 11: The heroes of
the faith

Many won victories looking for that
heavenly reward – for example



Abraham
Sarah
Moses

331. Hebrews 11:33-40

[33] Who through faith subdued
kingdoms, wrought righteousness,
obtained promises, stopped the mouths
of lions,[34] Quenched the violence of
fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out
of weakness were made strong, waxed
valiant in fight, turned to flight the
armies of the aliens.

332. Hebrews 11:33-40

[35] Women received their dead raised
to life again: and others were tortured,
not accepting deliverance; that they
might obtain a better resurrection:[36]
And others had trial of cruel mockings
and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds
and imprisonment:

333. Hebrews 11:33-40

[37] They were stoned, they were sawn
asunder, were tempted, were slain with the
sword: they wandered about in sheepskins
and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted,
tormented;[38] (Of whom the world was not
worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in
mountains, and in dens and caves of the
earth.

334. Hebrews 11:33-40

[39] And these all, having obtained a
good report through faith, received not
the promise:[40] God having
provided some better thing for us,
that they without us should not be
made perfect.

335. Look to Jesus, our example

Hebrews 12:[1] Wherefore seeing we
also are compassed about with so great
a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside
every weight, and the sin which doth so
easily beset us, and let us run with
patience the race that is set before us,

336. Look to Jesus, our example

Hebrews 12:[2] Looking unto Jesus the
author and finisher of our faith; who for
the joy that was set before him endured
the cross, despising the shame, and is set
down at the right hand of the throne of
God.[3] For consider him that endured
such contradiction of sinners against
himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in
your minds.[4] Ye have not yet resisted
unto blood, striving against sin.

337. Heb 12:5-11



Even our own fathers disciplined us
because of our sins, to bring us on the
right way.
We should expect the Father of Spirits
to discipline us too for our own good
We need not get discouraged, but to
press on

338. We must remember others
who are under persecution


Heb. 13:3 Remember them that are
in bonds, is bound with them, and
them which suffer adversity, as
being yourselves also in the body
All believers are in the body of
Christ. When one piece of the
body suffers, the entire body
suffers

339. We must identify with Christ’s
reproach


Heb. 13:3[12] Wherefore Jesus also, that
he might sanctify the people with his own
blood, suffered without the gate.[13] Let
us go forth therefore unto him without
the camp, bearing his reproach.
We are identified with the reproach of
Christ

340. James




God uses trials to produce
steadfastness and spiritual maturity
We should therefore consider it all
joy
The righteous man should pray for
wisdom to see things in God’s
perspective
God is good to all who call on Him

341. James 1:2-4

[2] My brethren, count it all joy
when ye fall into divers
temptations;[3] Knowing this, that
the trying of your faith worketh
patience.[4] But let patience have
her perfect work, that ye may be
perfect and entire, wanting
nothing

342. James




God gives with an open hand
God does not demean the person
who asks
Trust the Lord - He is reliable whether rich or poor
We don’t fall because of outside
trials but because of inward
temptations. And we will always
have temptations

343. James 1:12-15

[14] But every man is tempted,
when he is drawn away of his own
lust, and enticed.[15] Then when
lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth
sin: and sin, when it is finished,
bringeth forth death

344. James 1:12-15

[12] Blessed is the man that
endureth temptation: for when he
is tried, he shall receive the crown
of life, which the Lord hath
promised to them that love
him.[13] Let no man say when he is
tempted, I am tempted of God: for God
cannot be tempted with evil, neither
tempteth he any man:

345. 1 Peter



Christians were rejected because of
their lifestyle - pure and austere
without worshiping the gods
Grace is seen as suffering for one’s
faithfulness to God.
From the world’s
perspective, suffering and enduring is
a tragedy. But God views it as grace
- enduring suffering.

346. The tests purify us

I Peter 1:[6] Wherein ye greatly rejoice,
though now for a season, if need be, ye
are in heaviness through manifold
temptations:[7] That the trial of your
faith, being much more precious than of
gold that perisheth, though it be tried
with fire, might be found unto praise
and honour and glory at the appearing
of Jesus Christ.

347. We are called to follow in
Christ’s steps

I Peter 2:[19] For this is thankworthy, if a man
for conscience toward God endure grief,
suffering wrongfully.[20] For what glory is it, if,
when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall
take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and
suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is
acceptable with God

348. We are called to follow in
Christ’s steps

I Peter 2:[21] For even hereunto were ye
called: because Christ also suffered for
us, leaving us an example, that ye should
follow his steps:[22] Who did no sin,
neither was guile found in his mouth:[23]
Who, when he was reviled, reviled not
again; when he suffered, he threatened
not; but committed himself to him that
judgeth righteously.

349. I Peter 4:3-5

[3] For the time past of our life may suffice us
to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when
we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of
wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable
idolatries:[4] Wherein they think it strange
that ye run not with them to the same excess
of riot, speaking evil of you:[5] Who shall give
account to him that is ready to judge the quick
and the dead.

350. 1 Peter


Because it is grace, it is God’s work
and nothing for us to boast of... We
get this the moment we need it.
However, we will usually respond like
we live. So let us learn obedience
and trust and living sacrifice now.

351. 1 Peter



Live peaceably as you can.
When trials come trust the Lord.
Do not fear or retaliate.

352. I Peter 3 – Respond
appropriately

. I Peter 3:[8] Finally, be ye all of one
mind, having compassion one of another,
love as brethren, be pitiful, be
courteous:[9] Not rendering evil for evil,
or railing for railing: but contrariwise
blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto
called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

353. I Peter 3 – Respond
appropriately

. I Peter 3:[10] For he that will love life,
and see good days, let him refrain his
tongue from evil, and his lips that they
speak no guile:[11] Let him eschew evil,
and do good; let him seek peace, and
ensue it.[12] For the eyes of the Lord are
over the righteous, and his ears are open
unto their prayers: but the face of the
Lord is against them that do evil.

354. 1 Peter




Don’t be surprised at a fiery trial.
Your suffering and faith will be
noticed on earth; rewards may be
delayed till heaven.
Suffering for good is an evidence that
God’s glorious Spirit rests on him.
Don’t be proud, but rest in God’s
grace.

355. I Peter 4:12-19

[12] Beloved, think it not strange
concerning the fiery trial which is to try you,
as though some strange thing happened
unto you:[13] But rejoice, inasmuch as ye
are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that,
when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be
glad also with exceeding joy.

356. I Peter 4:12-19

[14] If ye be reproached for the name
of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of
glory and of God resteth upon you: on
their part he is evil spoken of, but on
your part he is glorified.[15] But let
none of you suffer as a murderer, or as
a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a
busybody in other men's matters.

357. I Peter 4:12-19

[16] Yet if any man suffer as a
Christian, let him not be ashamed;
but let him glorify God on this
behalf.[17] For the time is come
that judgment must begin at the
house of God: and if it first begin at
us, what shall the end be of them
that obey not the gospel of God?

358. I Peter 4:12-19

[18] And if the righteous scarcely be
saved, where shall the ungodly and the
sinner appear?[19] Wherefore let them
that suffer according to the will of God
commit the keeping of their souls to
him in well doing, as unto a faithful
Creator

359. I Peter 5

8. Be sober, be vigilant, because
your adversary the devil, as a
roaring lion, walketh about,
seeking whom he may devour: 9.
Whom resist steadfast in the faith,
knowing that the same afflictions
are accomplished in your brethren
that are in the world.

360. 1 Peter


Remember…. The world takes
offense at Christ’s message, but
sometimes just at the presence of
His followers.
We do not have to fight satan, but
to resist him.

361. 1 Peter: God promises to:




Restore where we have broken down
Confirm to give backbone needed to
withstand temptations to deny him
Strengthen to resist satan even to
death
Establish, giving a firm foundation

362. 1 Peter




It is through suffering that God
develops the personal character of
His people.
Suffering never thwarts God’s
purposes.
No suffering, no glory.
This is how He gives grace in a
rebellious and fallen world.

363. Revelation



As in Job, the answer is God’s revelation
of Himself –
WHO rather than WHY
1:5[5] And from Jesus Christ, who is the
faithful witness, and the first begotten of the
dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth.
Unto him that loved us, and washed us from
our sins in his own blood,

364. Revelation – Problems the
churches faced then…




Ephesus - strict unloving orthodoxy
Smyrna - fear of suffering
Pergamos - false doctrine creeping in
Thyatira - moral and ethical purity

365. Revelation – Problems the
churches faced then…



Sardis - spiritual deadness
Philadelphia - look beyond
yourselves
Laodicea – worldliness

366. There is a cosmic struggle



The Lamb wins, but is killed in the
battle
His messengers overcome, but
through suffering and death
Testimony (marturia) always
involves suffering and death.
Jesus was the faithful witness

367. The Lamb is slain, and so are
many of His witnesses

Revelation 5:[6] And I beheld, and, lo,
in the midst of the throne and of the
four beasts, and in the midst of the
elders, stood a Lamb as it had been
slain, having seven horns and seven
eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God
sent forth into all the earth.

368. The Lamb is slain, and so are
many of His witnesses


Revelation Revelation 6:[9] And when he had
opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar
the souls of them that were slain for the
word of God, and for the testimony
which they held:
Two witnesses: Rev. 11:[7] And when they
shall have finished their testimony, the beast
that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall
make war against them, and shall overcome
them, and kill them.

369. There is a cosmic struggle

The only method God uses to bring
the nations to Himself is through
the testimony of Jesus Christ



propagated by faithful witnesses,
sealed with their blood,
vindicated by their resurrection.

370. There is a cosmic struggle



Force is counterproductive, leading to hatred and
revolt.
It is the cross that is the answer.
They conquered satan by the word
of testimony and the blood of
Christ!

371. Revelation 12

[10] And I heard a loud voice saying in
heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength,
and the kingdom of our God, and the power of
his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is
cast down, which accused them before our
God day and night.[11] And they overcame
him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the
word of their testimony; and they loved
not their lives unto the death

372. Summary



God is a suffering God – He knows
our weaknesses and failings
Jesus learned obedience by the
things which He suffered
He understands!

373. We can come to God

Heb. 4:15 For we have not an high
priest which cannot be touched
with the feeling of our infirmities:
but was in all points tempted like
as we are; yet without sin. 16. Let
us therefore come boldly unto the
throne of grace, that we may
obtain mercy, and find grace to
help in time of need.

374. God has permitted suffering in
this world for HIS purposes



Persecution is open hostility from
someone because we are a
Christian
All suffering in Christian service is
with Christ and for Christ –
It could be sickness encountered in
serving Him as well as direct
persecution

375. Suffering and persecution


Satan desires to defeat us through
suffering
God plans to use suffering in both
purification and discipline

376. Suffering and persecution



Jesus chose suffering - it did not
simply come on Him
It would be foolish to accept a
sacrificial lifestyle if there was no
life after death.
Suffering is a gift from Christ, who
chose Himself to suffer

377. Purpose in suffering



Suffering weans us from selfdependence
Suffering magnifies Christ and His
grace.
Jesus learned obedience from His
suffering - but He never sinned - so
it is not from sin

378. God wants us to be passionate
for Him: Rev. 3:16; Mt. 22:37

Boast only in the cross of Christ:
Gal. 6:14 - where every good thing
was obtained for sinners

379. To have an impact, know that
ONE THING - Phil. 3:7-9

[7] But what things were gain to me, those I
counted loss for Christ.[8] Yea doubtless, and I
count all things but loss for the excellency of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have
suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but
dung, that I may win Christ[9] And be found in him,
not having mine own righteousness, which is of the
law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the
righteousness which is of God by faith

380. God wants us to be passionate
for Him: Rev. 3:16; Mt. 22:37

We only boast in the cross when
we are on the cross - Gal. 2:19-20 the old self died and the new self
lives by faith of God in Christ Jesus

381. Galatians 2:19-20

[19] For I through the law am dead to
the law, that I might live unto God.[20]
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless
I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:
and the life which I now live in the flesh
I live by the faith of the Son of God,
who loved me, and gave himself for me

382. Christ’s life is treasured most when it
is above health, money, and even life
itself


We boast in the cross when we
bear the cross:
Lk. 14:[27] And whosoever doth
not bear his cross, and come after
me, cannot be my disciple.

383. Christ’s life is treasured most when it is
above health, money, and even life itself

Christ is all in life or death; Phil. 1:20-21
He will be honored! [20] According to my
earnest expectation and my hope, that in
nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all
boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall
be magnified in my body, whether it be by
life, or by death.[21] For to me to live is
Christ, and to die is gain.

384. Christ’s life is treasured most
when it is above
health, money, and even life itself

Death makes visible where our
treasure is: Mt. 10:37 [37] He that
loveth father or mother more than me
is not worthy of me: and he that loveth
son or daughter more than me is not
worthy of me.

385. Christ’s life is treasured most when it is
above health, money, and even life itself




When we trust Jesus, we trust Him to
give us what we most need - Himself!
Paul wanted to magnify Christ in life and that meant to joy in the progress of
their faith
Dying daily is living for Christ daily
We are perfected through trials and
pain

386. The Goal of Life is to make
others glad in God



We must forgive. A free
conscience allows us to love God the goal of forgiveness
We must joy in the fact that God
has forgiven us
The goal of giving is also to give
others eternal joy = which requires
God’s grace

387. What can suffering do in our
own lives?



It purifies our motives
It demonstrates our priorities
It draws us close to Christ

388. Blessings God gives with this
grace…

Glory in heaven



If we suffer with Him, we will
experience glory too with Him
No suffering – no glory…. 2 Cor.
4:17-18; Romans 8:17-18
Comfort for both ourselves and
others

389. Blessings God gives with this
grace…

Persons will receive Christ


Often God uses the forgiveness of the one
being persecuted to draw the persecutor
to Himself – Stephen and Paul, Paul and
the Philippian jailor, etc
We demonstrate the grace of
God, which is sufficient in all
situations

see Paul – 2 Cor. 12:9

390. Blessings God gives with this
grace…


We learn that we cannot build life
upon ourselves
If we suffer with Him, we will reign
with Him…

391. Blessings God gives with this
grace…


We clearly demonstrate the worth
of Jesus Christ – above
family, goods, position, and life
itself
We can show joy in all
circumstances of life

392. Part II
Persecution in
Church History
From the Time of the Apostles to
Present Day

393. Persecution helped the spread
of Christianity


Spread the word by spreading the
believers
Purify the church



Removed apostates and mere professors
Strengthen witness through the
testimony at death
Tertullian: the blood of the martyrs is the
seed of the church

394. Early martyrs include:






Virtually all the apostles except for
John, who was placed on an island
Aristarchus
Luke
Barnabas
Polycarp
Perpetua

395. John sent to Patmos

396. Most if not all the apostles
died a martyr’s death





Peter – crucified upside down at Rome
by Nero
Paul – beheaded at Rome by Nero
Thomas – speared in India
In one catacomb in Rome, there are the
bodies of 174,000 martyrs
Others flayed, dragged by horses, etc.

397. Peter crucified upside down

398. Depiction of Thomas

399. Phillip stoned at Hieropolis

400. James beheaded

401. James the Just – stoned &
clubbed to death

402. Martyrs deaths of the early
church




James beheaded by Herod Agrippa,
who also killed a number of other early
Christians
Phillip – scourged, imprisoned and
crucified in Phrygia
Matthew – killed by the sword
James the just – thrown from the
temple, stoned and clubbed to death

403. Martyrs deaths of the early
church




Mattias – stoned & beheaded at
Jerusalem
Mark dragged to pieces by a mob in
front of their idol Serapis
Andrew crucified with two pieces of the
cross on the ground
Peter crucified upside down

404. Andrew crucified

405. Martyrs deaths – early church





Jude (Thaddeus) crucified at Edessa
Bartholomew – beaten and crucified in
India
Thomas – thrust through by priests in
India
Luke – hung from olive tree
Jude – shot with arrows

406. Barnabas burned at Salamis

407. Mark dragged to be burned

408. Reasons for persecution –
political


Rome wanted a uniform world under
Roman government, and the worship of
the Emperor was a stabilizing factor
The Christians were tied by spiritual
factors and placed Christ before Caesar
and undermined the classic culture
Rome wanted to propagate. They held
secret meetings at night

409. Reasons for persecution –
religious




Christians prayed but not to idols – this
must be atheism
Christians had a “kiss of peace- this
must be immorality
Christians “ate the body of Christ” =
cannibalism
You could have another religion, but
secondary to that of the state

410. Reasons for persecution –
social



Christians said all people are equal; the
pagans believed in a rich aristocracy
The Christians led pure lives, a rebuke
to the lives of many pagans
The Christians did not participate in
many of the rites and entertainment of
the masses

411. Reasons for persecution




Christianity was seen no longer as a
Jewish sect – thus illegal
The Christians threatened the economy
of many idol-makers, etc.
Initial persecution – Nero who sought a
scapegoat for the burning of Rome;
killed Peter & Paul
95 – Domitian – exiled John

412. Rome persecuted the church



Most of the emperors were considered
a god which must be worshipped
They opposed the church and its power
There were 10 major persecutions
between Nero in 64 A.D. and Diocletian
in 303 A.D.

413. Rome persecuted the believers

While Christianity was viewed as a
Jewish sect, there was not a great
amount of persecution, as Judaism was
tolerated. But when the church
spread, and was rejected by the
Jews, persecution began as the
population of Christians rose to 5-15%
of the population, and held themselves
apart

414. Persecution in post-apostolic
times



After the death of the apostles, the
Christian faith continued to spread
Most of the early persecution was from
the Roman empire, and tended to be
periodic
There was not much persecution from
other religions or from Christians
themselves

415. Persecution 100-250



Emperor Tragan – 112 – don’t seek out
Christians, but if one is so, ask three
times. If affirmative – kill him
Later in Smyrna – Polycarp killed
Marcus Aurelius persecuted Christians –
he was a Stoic who believed Christians
caused the problems in his time – Killed
Justyn Martyr

416. The martyrs of Lyons 177AD



There was great persecution at this
time because Rome could not endure
Christians say “Christ is Lord.”
Many Christians were tried and cast into
prison and tortured horribly
Some recanted but were returned to
prison

417. Lyons martyrs

Several outstanding martyrs were
present

Blandina, a slave woman, endured
incredible tortures until her torturers were
worn out. She was forced to watch the
torture of others and finally gored by bulls
after having been burned in an iron seat.
She encouraged many

418. Lyons Martyrs





Bishop Plothinus – 90 years old but steadfast
Sanctus – horribly tortured
Vellitus, a nobleman who defended the
Christians
They defeated the satanic opposition
Even those who recanted returned to make
confession and were martyred

419. A survivor of Lyons explains

The torture was instigated by satan




The horrible cruel torture
The kind words of the judge to recant
The steadfastness of the martyrs dealt
a tremendous blow to satan
God gave them the ability to withstand
inhumane torture

420. Blandina – of the martyrs of
Lyons

421. Perpetua





Her father, a nobleman, pled with her to
recant; she refused.
He took a beating to try to get her free
She had a new-born, and also her slave girl
had just delivered
She at last pushed the family away
Perpetua gored by a bull, then
beheaded

422. Perpetua had visions before
death



She saw a golden ladder with the devil
blocking the entrance, and she must
smash the devil’s head
She saw her brother in hell; she prayed
and he went to heaven
She saw a vision of fighting an Egyptian

423. Unscriptural teachings begin


Emphasis that the martyr will win
eternal life on his own efforts
That the martyr has special privileges to
pray for others

424. Window depicting Perpetua and
her slave Felicia martyrdom

425. Vitalius, Roman nobleman,
buried alive

426. Ignatius, a follower of John,
devoured by lions

427. Here are a few martyrs in the
original apostolic times


Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna - very
effective. Burned at age 86 after he
refused to deny Christ - a number came
to Christ later from his witness
Justin Martyr - beheaded because of his
teaching Christians in their homes

428. Polycarp was known and
hated by unbelievers





He glorified Jesus Christ
He spoke against idolatry
He was effective not only in Smyrna,
but also traveled to Rome
He was powerful in prayer
His strong testimony led to his being
burned to death A. D. 156

429. Phocus, bishop of Sineppe,
thrown in lime kiln

430. Justyn Martyr – apologist
beheaded for his faith

431. Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna

432. Persecution 250-313


Decius demanded every citizen to make
a yearly sacrifice to the genius of the
emperor, and received a certificate.
Origen was tortured – later died
Diocletian, a powerful military ruler, no
longer shared power with the senate,
and tolerated no other religion. Severe
persecution broke out 303-305

433. Persecution – Diocletian




Churches were burned, leaders captured and
killed if they refused to make a sacrifice. Jails
were too full to have regular criminals in
them
311 – Galerius – edict of toleration
313 – Constantine – freedom of all religions
Showed importance of separation of church
and state

434. Results of persecution




Christianity was first strong in the east
2e – reached the Greek-speaking masses –
esp. Alexandria
3e – moved into Latin areas, with Carthage as
a strong church
There was the problem of what to do with
Christians who denied the faith or gave over
scriptures, and came back when the
persecution was over

435. Extreme honor given to martyrs




The name of the martyr was inscribed
in the catalogue of saints, and they
ordered a public recognition.
2. His/her intercession was invoked at
public prayers
3. Churches were dedicated to God in
his/her memory.
4. The eucharist and divine office were
celebrated in his/her honor

436. Extreme honor given to martyrs



5. His/her festival was observed
6. They made representations of
him/her surrounded by divine light
7. His/her relics were enclosed in
precious vessels and publicly honored.

437. Further development of saints


Clement of Alexandria and then Origen
began to look at asceticism as equal to
martyrdom.
Then they attributed some of the
benefits to the monks, who often
withdrew totally from society instead of
serving it. They no longer preached the
gospel to a hostile people

438. Soon churches wed the state
and had false teachings



Baptismal regeneration
Infant baptism – first by immersion
Bishops began to claim precedence, and
also a split between Rome and
Constantinople. The clergy dominated,
and then joined the state

439. In 416 infant baptism by law


Now churches filled with unbelievers
and compulsion not freedom
The true churches rejected these laws.
The false church called themselves
Christian and had all sorts of names for
the loyal churches – Montanist,
Tertullianist, Anabaptist, etc.

440. Further councils promoted




Worship of Mary
Worship use of images
No salvation outside the Catholic church
Some of the persecuted groups strayed
from true doctrine as it was difficult to
have scriptures, and those who did
were tortured and the scriptures
destroyed – Donatists, Paulicians,

441. Indulgences


Required a “bank account” of excess of
good works in heaven obtained by the
saints, but accessible to the church,
who could sell them
Purgatory – where people would stay
until cleansed of their sins

442. Further doctrinal deviations in
the 10-13th centuries



Transubstantiation accepted as an
official doctrine
The Inquisition
The denial of the Bible to laymen

443. Terrible persecution of
Albigenses and Waldenses

These individuals were primarily Bible
believing individuals, most of whom
also practiced non-resistance. They
were hunted down and persecuted by
the Roman Catholics, and many burned.

444. During the Reformation

Catholics persecuted



Protestants
Anabaptists
Protestants persecuted

anabaptists

445. John Wycliffe 1320-1384



Was against the corruption within the
church and its riches
He translated the Bible into English –
finished by Nicholas of Herford
He opposed the Pope, transubstantiation, and felt that the Bible should
take priority over the traditions of the
church

446. John Wycliffe


He had influence on the Lollards and
Mennonites (through John Huss)
He died of a stroke. The Roman
Catholic church declared that he was a
heretic, banned his books, and
exhumed his body, burned the bones
and cast them in the River Swift

447. John Wycliffe

448. John Wycliffe preaching to
Lollards

449. Burning the bones of John
Wycliffe

450. John Huss 1373-1415

Richard II married Anne from Bohemia,
and the ideas of Wycliffe went to
Bohemia, where they were accepted by
Huss. Huss was called to appear before
the pope and guaranteed safe conduct
But there he was condemned to death
and burned. His group continued as
the United Brothers of Moravia

451. John Huss

452. Savonorola 1452-1498

This priest complained to the pope and
wanted reform within the church. The church
instead condemned and hanged him. During
this period, councils no succeeded in
reformation, and once they had 3 popes at the
same time. Finally the popes regained power
and they did NOT have a constitutional sort of
government

453. Savonorola

Some of Savonorola’s problems appeared
when he gained secular power in Florence,
and acted as governor. Some of his policies
were very strong, and he developed powerful
political enemies, and lost public support. He
was opposed by the Roman Catholic church
and burned as a heretic

454. Savanorola

455. The inquisition


The Catholics retaliated from the
Protestant Reformation with the ban of
books and the inquisition.
This was especially vicious in Spain,
with an estimated 10,000 deaths from
torture

456. Priests asking a “heretic” to
repent

457. Inquisition – the rack

458. The Portuguese and Spanish
inquisition

459. Galileo & the inquisition

460. The Inquisition

461. William Tyndale (1494-1536)




Brilliant scholar in 8 languages
He accepted reformed theology
Hid in Europe and translated much of
the Bible from the original Hebrew and
Greek in excellent translation
He was betrayed, imprisoned, and
burned as a heretic

462. William Tyndale

463. Execution of Tyndale

464. Persecution in England,
especially with Mary

Henry VIII wanted to divorce his wife
Catherine, a devout Catholic, and marry
Anne Boleyn. The pope declined to permit
it, and at the suggestion of Thomas
Cromwell, Henry VIII declared himself the
head of the church of England. No change
in Catholic doctrine was present, and Henry
VIII died a Catholic.

465. Persecution in England


Henry was succeeded by Edward VI, a
Protestant, and bishops Cranmer,
Latimer and Ridley began to make
changes in the church of England
At the death of Edward, however, Mary,
a devout Catholic, came to power
determined to return England to the
Catholic church

466. Persecution in England,
especially with Mary

There was a struggle of power between the
Anglicans and the Catholics, and many were
martyred when Catherine’s daughter, “Bloody
Mary”, came to power. She killed 275
persons during her 5 year reign, declaring
them “heretics” by the Catholic church. Jane
Grey, queen for only 9 days, was executed
(as a martyr). Then Elizabeth became queen
and reestablished the church of England.

467. Execution of Jane Grey

468. Ridley and Latimer executed


During Bloody Mary’s reign, she
condemned Ridley and Latimer as
heretics and burned them at the stake.
What is ironic is that they themselves
had persecuted anabaptists

469. Ridley and Latimer burned at
the stake

470. Five different established
churches persecuted anabaptists






Rome
Greek orthodox
Lutheran
Presbyterian
Anglican
All were state churches with state
power behind them

471. 50 million anabaptists and
others murdered in 12 centuries


At one place in Europe, the road had
stakes every few feet with the head of
a martyred “heretic” impaled on a stake
They were called by many names,
usually from a strong leader, but also
the name “ana-baptist” Rebaptizer

472. A new persecuted church
turned persecutor



The Congregational church arose in the
16th century, repudiating the rule of the
clergy and having congregational rule
However, they still agreed with infant
baptism
Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, and
Presbyterians persecuted them

473. Peace of Westphalia 1648


Catholics, Lutherans and Presbyterians
would not fight each other
However, severe persecution existed
against the Waldensians & Anabaptists

474. Zwingli – a “great reformer”
and a “great persecutor”


Zwingli in Geneva persecuted the
anabaptists who fled there unmercifully.
He had apparently agreed with his
personal friend Balthazar Hubmaier that
infant baptism was wrong but changed
his mind, and later put Hubmaier on the
rack. He was later apprehended,
burned to death and his wife drowned

475. Zwingli

Once he locked up 20 persons – men,
women, pregnant women and young
girls in a dark tower with bread and
water until all had died together.

476. Ulrich Zwingli

477. John Bunyan


A Puritan or non-conformist preacher,
he was arrested for preaching which
was “unauthorized” and to failing to
attend compulsory Anglican church
services.
He wrote Pilgrim’s Progress while in jail

478. John Bunyan

479. John Bunyan – Bedford jail

480. Persecution during the 16-18th
centuries



During this time, incredible persecution
took place.
The Hugenots were basically wiped out of
France
The anabaptists were hunted throughout
Europe

481. Persecution of Hugenots in
France

482. St. Barthomew Day Massacre
of Hugenots

483. Dirk Willems

This anabaptist escaped from prison
and headed over thin ice away from
prison. A guard pursued him but fell
through the ice and was in danger of
death. Dirk returned and saved the
man, who wanted to release him but
the balliff would not permit it. He was
condemned and executed.

484. Dirk Willems saves his captor

485. The Baptists were persecuted

Crimes such as



Preaching the gospel
Refusing to have infants baptized
Punishment




Whipping
Banishment
Fines
Property confiscated

486. Anabaptist beliefs




They believed in baptism following a
personal encounter with Jesus Christ.
They expected a visible transformation
of the individual’s life.
They expected obedience to the Lord’s
commands.
They expected to imitate the Lord in all
areas, including suffering.

487. Anabaptists & communion


Bread showed community, but also
crushing the grain first
The cup likewise showed unity but first
the crushing of the grapes

488. Anabaptists and 2 kingdoms –
the world & God



The Kingdom of God is ultimately
victorious but many members must
suffer and die
They must fight for the truth, which the
world only recognizes after self-sacrifice
They wrote hymns and letters filled with
scripture

489. In America before the
constitution





Puritans, Anglicans and
Congregationalists persecuted or
discriminated against the baptists
Taxation
Loss of property
Whipping
Incarceration

490. Roger Williams

Main proponent of:
Separatism,
freedom of religion
separation of church and state
Founded the first Baptist Church

491. Roger Williams


Because of his strong views on
separation, he was to be arrested, but
walked 100 plus miles in the snow and
was rescued by the Indians
He basically set up Rhode Island as the
first colony with complete religious
freedom in the USA

492. Roger Williams and Indians

493. Roger Williams and John
Clarke in Rhode Island


Went to England to get a charter –
Williams returned without success from
Oliver Cromwell, but after 12 years,
John Clarke received the charter
Rhode Island – first place with religious
liberty ever 1663 – Clarke had set up
the first baptist church in 1638

494. First Baptist church in USA –
by Williams & Clarke

495. Obadiah Holmes whipped

Clarke, Holmes & visiting preacher Crandall
visited a parishoner just inside Massachusetts
Bay. They were bound and brought into a
Congregational church with hands tied and
then charged with failure to remove their
hats during a religious service. They were
fined (also mentioned about infant baptism)

496. Obadiah Holmes

Holmes, a former Congregationalist,
refused to have his fine paid, and was
whipped so badly that blood overflowed
his boots – for weeks he could not lay
on his back

497. Obadiah Holmes whipping

498. Persecution by the
Presbyterians

A small colony of 5 Baptist families was
taxed to build a Presbyterian church.
They were unable to pay, and their
properties were sold at 10% of the
value, much bought by the Presbyterian
minister who was to move there

499. Persecutions under the Anglicans
– James Ireland 1748-1806



22 years old arrested for preaching without
authorization from the bishop
Placed in Culpepper Jail – they abused him,
tried to kill him with sulfur fumes, blow him up
with gunpowder, poison him through a doctor,
cursed and rode horses through those who
gathered to hear him preach
Eventually a small church was built on the site
of the infamous jail

500. James Ireland memorial

501. Persecutions endured – from
court records

“
pelted with apples and stone"
"ducked and nearly drowned by 20 men"
"commanded to take a dram, or be whipped"
" jailed for permitting a man to pray"
"meeting broken up by a mob"
"arrested as a vagabond and schismatic"
"pulled down and hauled about by hair"
"tried to suffocate him with smoke"
"tried to blow him up with gun powder"

502. Persecutions endured – from
court records

"
"dragged off stage, kicked, and cuffed about"
"shot with a shot-gun"
" ruffians armed with bludgeons beat him"
"severely beaten with a whip"
"whipped severely by the Sheriff"
"hands slashed while preaching“

503. Virginia – Anglican laws which
gave a little freedom


Patrick Henry volunteered to defend
three baptist preachers – with success
One baptist preacher/county who could
preach once every two months in one
location and never at night. No mission
work. They were convinced a church
could not survive without government
support. Freedom finally came in 1786

504. Summary observations thus
far

As we began, we saw that the unsaved
(children of the flesh) persecute the
saved (children of the Spirit). Although
the example in Galatians was of
Ishmael and Isaac, that example
remains true today and has been true
since the beginning of the unsaved in
the line of Cain.

505. Summary observations


Thus we can expect in any age that
there will be religious persecution of the
saved by the unsaved
With the beginning of Christianity, that
persecution was outside the church,
primarily from the Roman government

506. Summary observations

However, when Christianity was no longer a
persecuted religion, unbelievers flooded into
the church. Many unbiblical heathen
concepts entered the church, especially with
the unsaved. And now the church became
powerful, wealthy, and began persecuting
true believers. We saw the beginning in the
Old Testament, with kings and others
persecuting the prophets

507. Summary observations


The monolithic corrupt Catholic church
began persecuting many, although at all
times God has had His chosen believers
within the church. When the concept of the
state church arose, the Protestant churches
also used the same methods.
The one church which has never persecuted
by conviction is the Baptists

508. Summary observations

The concept of the state-church created may
problems



All are in the church – saved and unsaved, by
virtue of their birth into a location
Infant baptism is a way to ensure that all are in
the state church, and insisting on freedom of
choice is a threat to the state church existence
The more monolithic the structure, the greater
opportunity for abuse

509. Persecution in Expansion



With expansion of outreach especially since
the 19th century, new sources of persecution
came forth
There was competition between churches
over various new lands
There was direct conflict with other religions
– Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, etc

510. Summary and conclusions


Persecution of believers started with
Abel and has persisted to the present,
and we can anticipate its continuation
at least until Christ returns.
The righteous have been persecuted by
the unrighteous, and especially the
religious unrighteous, throughout the
ages

511. Conclusions…


The Old Testament prophets and the
New Testament apostles experienced
persecution, and many experienced
martyrdom.
Jesus, who is PERFECT RIGHTEOUSNESS, suffered the worst persecution
and abrogation of justice

512. Conclusions


The religious persecutors often believe
that they are doing God’s work. The
unreligious may simply enjoy showing
their might.
When there is a union of the church
and the state, there is almost inevitably
persecution. Sometimes the persecuted
turn persecutors when they gain power

513. Conclusions




We are not to fear persecution or persecutors,
but rejoice that we are counted worthy to
suffer for His sake
We must be careful that it is indeed for
Christ’s sake that we suffer, and not for our
own misdeeds or foolishness
We must not deny Christ
We must not place life or family above Christ

514. Conclusions


We have a responsibility to stand with those
who are persecuted for righteousness sake –
example Corrie Ten Boom, who hid Jews
from the Nazis
The Lord promises to sustain us during all
our trials, and never leave us or forsake us

515. Conclusions


Trials can purify or motives and
demonstrate our priorities and our faith
in a very tangible way
We are servants to our tormentors, and
need to pray for them. Many have
been saved – like Saul of Tarsus after
the death of Stephan

516. Conclusions

God can show his great power when we
choose to forgive our tormentors, and
especially when we overcome evil with
good. Repaying evil with good
demands God’s supernatural power and
can transform our suffering into an
offering to Him

517. Forgiveness transforms


When Zacharias the high priest was stoned
at the order of King Joash, he asked for
revenge – and got it. Joash was later killed
by his own servants and buried to the relief
of all.
But when Jesus and Stephan forgave their
persecutors, God’s great power was
demonstrated transforming sinners to saints.

518. God uses persecution for
witnessing opportunities


Paul looked at his imprisonment in this
way, testifying before Kings and also
presumably the emperor himself
He was very clear that his imprisonment
was for the furtherance of the gospel
(See Phil 1)

519. God uses persecution to purify
us and prepare us for heaven


We see that all things that are
permitted in our lives as Christians to
conform us to the image of His son –
with the goal of spending eternity with
Him
Furthermore, there are great rewards
for faithfulness in times of persecution