Dictionary of Bible Themes: 8795 persecution, nature of

8795 persecution, nature of

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8700 Threats to the life of faith » 8794 persecution » 8795 persecution, nature of

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

Satan is the arch-persecutor of the church

Genesis 3:15 See also Job 2:6-7; Zechariah 3:1; Luke 22:3-4; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 2:10,13

The agencies of persecution

The world

John 15:18; 1 John 3:13 See also Mark 12:7; John 5:18; John 15:19; John 17:14; Acts 14:22; 1 Thessalonians 2:14-15; 1 John 3:1

Earthly governments

Religious authorities

1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 See also Jeremiah 26:8; Amos 7:12-13; Matthew 23:34-37; Acts 4:27-29; Acts 5:17-18; Acts 22:4

Powers that persecute the church are symbolised by beasts and Babylon:

Revelation 13:7,15; Revelation 17:6

Family and friends

Matthew 10:36 See also Micah 7:6; Genesis 4:8; Matthew 10:21; Mark 3:21; Galatians 4:29

The experience of persecution

2 Corinthians 12:10 See also 1 Samuel 24:14; Psalm 59:1-4; Psalm 64:1-4; 2 Corinthians 4:8-12; Corinthians 11:23-26; Hebrews 11:32-38

Believers must expect persecution

2 Timothy 3:12 See also Matthew 13:21; Mark 10:29-30; 1 Thessalonians 3:4

Persecution is part of the tribulation of the church

Matthew 24:7-10 See also 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4; Revelation 6:11

Persecution is sometimes part of God's judgment on his people

Lamentations 4:16-19 See also Jeremiah 6:22-26; Jeremiah 32:26-29; Jeremiah 39:5-10