Persecution and Expulsion
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Definition and Overview:

Persecution and expulsion are significant themes throughout the Bible, reflecting the trials and tribulations faced by God's people. Persecution refers to the systematic mistreatment and hostility directed towards individuals or groups, often because of their faith or beliefs. Expulsion involves the forced removal or exile from a community or land, frequently as a result of persecution.

Old Testament Context:

In the Old Testament, persecution and expulsion are often seen in the context of the Israelites' relationship with surrounding nations and their own internal struggles. The Israelites faced oppression in Egypt, where they were enslaved and subjected to harsh treatment. This period of suffering is a foundational narrative in the Bible, culminating in the Exodus, where God delivers His people from bondage (Exodus 1-14).

The prophets also experienced persecution as they delivered God's messages. Jeremiah, for example, was mocked, imprisoned, and threatened with death for prophesying against Judah (Jeremiah 20:1-2, 38:6). Elijah faced persecution from King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, who sought to kill him for opposing the worship of Baal (1 Kings 19:1-2).

New Testament Context:

In the New Testament, persecution becomes a central theme in the life of Jesus and the early Church. Jesus Himself warned His disciples of the persecution they would face: "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first" (John 15:18). The Gospels recount various instances where Jesus faced opposition from religious leaders, ultimately leading to His crucifixion.

The early Christians experienced persecution from both Jewish authorities and the Roman Empire. The Book of Acts details the trials faced by the apostles, including the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:54-60), and the imprisonment of Peter and John (Acts 4:1-3). The apostle Paul, once a persecutor of Christians himself, endured numerous hardships for the sake of the Gospel, including beatings, imprisonment, and eventual martyrdom (2 Corinthians 11:23-27).

Theological Significance:

Persecution is often portrayed in the Bible as a test of faith and a means of spiritual refinement. Jesus taught that those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake are blessed, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:10). The apostles rejoiced in their sufferings, seeing them as a participation in Christ's own sufferings and a testament to their faithfulness (1 Peter 4:12-14).

Expulsion, while a form of suffering, is also depicted as a catalyst for the spread of the Gospel. The scattering of believers due to persecution led to the establishment of new Christian communities and the wider dissemination of the message of Christ (Acts 8:1-4).

Historical and Eschatological Perspectives:

Historically, persecution has been a constant reality for Christians, from the Roman Empire to modern times. The Bible anticipates ongoing persecution, with Jesus foretelling that His followers would be hated by all nations for His name's sake (Matthew 24:9).

Eschatologically, persecution is seen as a precursor to the end times, where believers are called to endure and remain faithful. The Book of Revelation speaks of those who have been slain for the word of God and their testimony, promising them ultimate vindication and reward (Revelation 6:9-11).

Practical Implications:

For believers, the biblical accounts of persecution and expulsion serve as both a warning and an encouragement. They are reminded to stand firm in their faith, to expect opposition, and to trust in God's ultimate justice and deliverance. The Church is called to support those who suffer for their faith and to pray for the strength to endure trials with grace and courage.
Subtopics

Persecution

Persecution is Inconsistent With the Spirit of the Gospel

Persecution is Sometimes to Death

Persecution of Abel

Persecution of Antipas

Persecution of Daniel

Persecution of David

Persecution of Elijah

Persecution of Elisha

Persecution of Gideon

Persecution of Hanani

Persecution of James

Persecution of Jeremiah

Persecution of Jesus

Persecution of Job

Persecution of John

Persecution of John the Baptist

Persecution of Lazarus

Persecution of Lot

Persecution of Micaiah

Persecution of Moses

Persecution of Prophets

Persecution of Prophets Martyred by Jezebel

Persecution of Saints, is a Persecution of Christ

Persecution of Simon

Persecution of Stephen

Persecution of the Apostles

Persecution of the Congregation at Smyrna

Persecution of the Disciples

Persecution of the Ekklesia (Body of Christ)

Persecution of the Jews

Persecution of the Righteous

Persecution of the Righteous: A Mode of Divine Chastisement

Persecution of the Righteous: Deliverance From

Persecution of the Righteous: Diffuses the Gospel

Persecution of the Three Hebrew Young Men (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego) of the Captivity

Persecution of Timothy

Persecution of Urijah

Persecution of Zachariah

Persecution: All That Live Godly in Christ, Shall Suffer

Persecution: Blessedness of Enduring, for Christ's Sake

Persecution: Cannot Separated from Christ

Persecution: Christ Suffered

Persecution: Christ Voluntarily Submitted To

Persecution: Christ Was Patient Under

Persecution: False Teachers Shrink From

Persecution: God Delivers out of

Persecution: God Forsakes not his Saints Under

Persecution: Hypocrites Cannot Endure

Persecution: Lawful Means May be Used to Escape

Persecution: Men by Nature Addicted To

Persecution: Originates: Hated to God and Christ

Persecution: Originates: Hatred to the Gospel

Persecution: Originates: Ignorance of God and Christ

Persecution: Originates: Mistaken Zeal

Persecution: Originates: Pride

Persecution: Pray for Those Suffering

Persecution: Preacher of the Gospel Subject To

Persecution: Saints May Expect

Persecution: Saints Suffer, for the Sake of God

Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Commit Themselves to God

Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Exhibit Patience

Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Glorify God

Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Pray for Deliverance

Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Pray for Those Who Inflict

Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Rejoice

Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Return Blessing For

Persecution: Spirit of Chaldeans

Persecution: Spirit of Gentiles

Persecution: Spirit of Herod

Persecution: Spirit of Jews

Persecution: Spirit of Jezebel

Persecution: Spirit of Paul

Persecution: Spirit of Pharaoh

Persecution: Spirit of Pharisees

Persecution: Spirit of Saul

Persecution: Spirit of Zedekiah

Persecution: Suffering of Apostles

Persecution: Suffering of Daniel

Persecution: Suffering of David

Persecution: Suffering of Hebrews

Persecution: Suffering of Jeremiah

Persecution: Suffering of Micaiah

Persecution: Suffering of Paul and Barnabas

Persecution: Suffering of Paul and Silas

Persecution: Suffering of Peter

Persecution: Suffering of Saints of Old

Persecution: Suffering of The Church

Persecution: Suffering of The Prophets

Persecution: The Hope of Future Blessedness Supports Under

Persecution: The Wicked: Active In

Persecution: The Wicked: Addicted To

Persecution: The Wicked: Encourage Each Other In

Persecution: The Wicked: Illustrated

Persecution: The Wicked: Punishment For

Persecution: The Wicked: Rejoice in Its Success

Related Terms

Afflictions (24 Occurrences)

Sufferings (27 Occurrences)

Ico'nium (6 Occurrences)

Rescued (49 Occurrences)

Endured (22 Occurrences)

Eunice (1 Occurrence)

Befel (1 Occurrence)

Befell (8 Occurrences)

Amid (31 Occurrences)

Kinds (110 Occurrences)

Purim (5 Occurrences)

Pur (3 Occurrences)

Iconium (6 Occurrences)

Timothy (28 Occurrences)

Discomfiture (6 Occurrences)

Lystra (6 Occurrences)

Persecution (22 Occurrences)

Antioch (21 Occurrences)

Deliver (397 Occurrences)

Necessities (7 Occurrences)

Lands (226 Occurrences)

Grievous (73 Occurrences)

Weaknesses (7 Occurrences)

Increases (24 Occurrences)

Injuries (1 Occurrence)

Insults (34 Occurrences)

Infirm (25 Occurrences)

Infirmities (17 Occurrences)

Fields (199 Occurrences)

Farms (5 Occurrences)

Trials (11 Occurrences)

Tribulations (11 Occurrences)

Reproaches (19 Occurrences)

Endurance (31 Occurrences)

Enduring (25 Occurrences)

Damages (7 Occurrences)

Distresses (20 Occurrences)

Difficulties (4 Occurrences)

Millennium

Mention (41 Occurrences)

Mothers (27 Occurrences)

Homes (43 Occurrences)

Proudly (23 Occurrences)

Premillennial

Persecutor (3 Occurrences)

Powerful (93 Occurrences)

Boldness (25 Occurrences)

Claudius (3 Occurrences)

Content (30 Occurrences)

Collection (7 Occurrences)

Calamities (16 Occurrences)

Apostate (5 Occurrences)

Antiochians

Age-during (167 Occurrences)

Allowing (5 Occurrences)

Atheism

Apostasy (6 Occurrences)

Asmoneans

Spectacle (6 Occurrences)

Straits (9 Occurrences)

Stephen (13 Occurrences)

Sisters (20 Occurrences)

Sharers (14 Occurrences)

Sustaining (3 Occurrences)

Steadfastness (15 Occurrences)

Hebrews (24 Occurrences)

Age (404 Occurrences)

Publicly (31 Occurrences)

Distress (169 Occurrences)

Brothers (574 Occurrences)

Honourable (72 Occurrences)

Endure (90 Occurrences)

Assemblies (48 Occurrences)

Delight (213 Occurrences)

Christ's (64 Occurrences)

Along (500 Occurrences)

Perseverance (27 Occurrences)

Armenian

Persecution and Endurance
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