Persecution by the world and secular powers is a likely consequence of faith. Scripture identifies a number of potential sources of such persistent harassment.
Persecution is characteristic of this world
See also
Satan is the arch-persecutor of the church
The agencies of persecution
The world
Earthly governments
Religious authorities
Powers that persecute the church are symbolised by beasts and Babylon:
Family and friends
The experience of persecution
Believers must expect persecution
Persecution is part of the tribulation of the church
Persecution is sometimes part of God's judgment on his people
