Scripture identifies a number of reasons why individuals and governmments may attempt to persecute believers and also the methods by which they may carry this out.

Acts 5:17-18

The motives for persecution

See also

Envy

Genesis 26:14-15; 37:4,8
1 Samuel 18:8-9
Psalms 106:16
Daniel 6:1-5
Matthew 27:18
Acts 13:45
James 3:16
Luke 22:2

See also

Fear

Exodus 1:10
1 Samuel 18:15,29
Matthew 2:3
Acts 19:23-27
1 John 3:12

See also

Hatred

Genesis 4:3-8
1 Kings 22:8
John 7:7

pp 2Ch 18:7

Psalms 38:12

The means of persecution

See also

Deception

1 Kings 21:10
Ezra 4:12-13
Psalms 35:11
Jeremiah 20:10
Amos 7:10
Matthew 5:11
John 7:12
Acts 6:11; 21:21,28; 24:5
Psalms 10:7

See also

Threats

Ezra 4:4
Daniel 3:15
John 9:22
Acts 4:17
Nehemiah 4:1-3

See also

Ridicule

Hosea 9:7
1 Corinthians 4:13
Hebrews 13:13
Revelation 2:9
Matthew 10:22

See also

Ostracism

John 9:29,34; 12:42; 16:2
Romans 8:35

See also

Violence

Jeremiah 38:6
Matthew 10:17
John 21:18-19
Acts 5:40; 16:37

pp Mk 13:9

2 Corinthians 11:25
Galatians 6:17
Hebrews 11:36-39
1 Timothy 1:13

How God deals with persecutors

See also

Daniel 4:34-35
Acts 12:1,21-23
Galatians 1:23

See also

2427 gospel, transmission
2545 Christ, opposition to
5042 name of God, significance
5561 suffering, nature of
5876 helpfulness
6146 deceit & God
8602 prayer
8734 evil
8754 fear
8819 scoffing
8820 self-confidence
8834 unbelief