Topical Bible: Persecution of the Apostles

Bible > Topical > Persecution of the Apostles

◄ Persecution of the Apostles ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The persecution of the apostles is a significant theme in the New Testament, reflecting the early church's struggles and the fulfillment of Jesus' warnings about the trials His followers would face. The apostles, as the primary messengers of the Gospel, encountered various forms of opposition, including imprisonment, physical beatings, and martyrdom. This persecution served to spread the Gospel further, as the apostles' steadfastness in the face of adversity became a powerful testimony to their faith.

Biblical Background

Jesus forewarned His disciples about the persecution they would face. In the Gospel of John, He states, "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first" (John 15:18). He further elaborates, "In this world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!" (John 16:33). These warnings set the stage for the experiences of the apostles as they embarked on their mission to spread the Gospel.

Acts of the Apostles

The Book of Acts provides a detailed account of the persecution faced by the apostles. Early in the narrative, Peter and John are arrested for preaching about Jesus and healing in His name (Acts 4:1-3). Despite being warned and threatened by the Sanhedrin, they boldly proclaim, "We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20).

Stephen, one of the first deacons, becomes the first Christian martyr. His powerful testimony and subsequent stoning are recorded in Acts 7. His death marks the beginning of a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, leading to the scattering of believers and the spread of the Gospel beyond the city (Acts 8:1).

The apostle Paul, formerly a persecutor of Christians, becomes one of the most persecuted apostles after his conversion. He recounts his sufferings in 2 Corinthians 11:24-27 , detailing beatings, imprisonments, and other hardships. Despite these trials, Paul remains resolute, declaring, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13).

Martyrdom and Legacy

Tradition holds that most of the apostles met martyrdom. James, the brother of John, is the first apostle to be martyred, as recorded in Acts 12:2 . Peter and Paul are believed to have been martyred in Rome under Emperor Nero. The steadfastness of the apostles in the face of persecution is seen as a testament to their unwavering faith and commitment to Christ's commission.

Theological Significance

The persecution of the apostles is seen as a fulfillment of Jesus' prophecies and a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit working through them. Their willingness to suffer and die for their faith underscores the transformative impact of the resurrection and the truth of the Gospel message. The apostles' experiences serve as an enduring example for Christians, encouraging them to remain faithful amidst trials and to trust in God's ultimate victory over evil.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 4:3-18
And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold to the next day: for it was now eventide.
Nave's Topical Index

Acts 5:18-42
And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.
Nave's Topical Index

Acts 12:1-19
Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
Nave's Topical Index

Revelation 1:9
I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

From the Ascension to the Church at Antioch.
... results. (3) The first persecution of the Apostles, with Peter's sermon and
the measures taken by the Sanhedrin to stop the movement. (4 ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xix from the ascension.htm

The Age of the Apostles (Ad 33-100)
... persecution that St. John was banished to the island of Patmos, where he saw the
visions which are described in his "Revelation." All the other Apostles had ...
/.../chapter i the age of.htm

The Persecution under Nero in which Paul and Peter were Honored at ...
... Roman church to exhibit the true trophies of the greatest of all the apostles. ... the
Vatican hill, where Nero's circus was, and where the persecution took place. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxv the persecution under nero.htm

Persecution in the First Centuries.
... Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."(68) Why is it, then, that persecution seems
in ... that marked the Christian faith in the days of Christ and His apostles. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /2 persecution in the first.htm

The Acts of the Apostles
... Paul's conversion: viii.-xii."Church scattered by persecution, Philip in Samaria,
Simon Magus ... of Paul, his baptism, he is introduced to the apostles, Peter at ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter vii the acts of.htm

Persecution in the First Centuries
... Why is it, then, that persecution seems in a great degree to slumber ... and holy character
that marked the Christian faith in the days of Christ and His apostles. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 2 persecution in the.htm

The Acts of the Apostles.
... Gal.1:15-17; 1:Cor.15:8; 1:Tim.1:13-16. Paul's Persecution and Escape at Damascus.
Acts 9:23-25. ... Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles. Gal.1:18. ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 85 the acts of.htm

On the Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul (June 29).
... Persecution does not diminish but increase the church, and the Lord's field is ... by
the thousands of blessed martyrs, who, rivalling the Apostles' triumphs, have ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon lxxxii on the feast.htm

It Remains for Us, Lest Ancient Times May Perhaps have had the ...
... Though, even if He had appointed all this persecution in case He were obeyed for
those only who were then apostles, assuredly through them along with the ...
/.../scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter ix it remains for.htm

The Roman Conflagration and the Neronian Persecution.
... the earth." [535] The seer must have in view the Neronian persecution, the most ... her
downfall as a matter of rejoicing for the "saints and apostles and prophets ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 37 the roman conflagration.htm