Persecution and Protection
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Persecution

Persecution is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the trials and tribulations faced by the faithful as they uphold their beliefs in a world often hostile to God's truth. The concept of persecution is introduced early in the Scriptures and is a significant aspect of the Christian experience.

In the Old Testament, persecution is often seen in the lives of the prophets and the people of Israel. For instance, the prophet Jeremiah faced severe opposition and threats to his life for delivering God's messages (Jeremiah 20:1-2). Similarly, the Israelites endured persecution during their captivity in Egypt, as described in Exodus 1:11-14.

The New Testament further elaborates on the theme of persecution, particularly in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus warned His disciples of the persecution they would face for His name's sake, saying, "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first" (John 15:18). The early church experienced persecution from both Jewish and Roman authorities, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was stoned to death for his faith (Acts 7:54-60).

The Apostle Paul frequently addressed the issue of persecution in his epistles, encouraging believers to remain steadfast. In 2 Timothy 3:12, he writes, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" . Paul himself endured numerous hardships, including imprisonment and beatings, for the sake of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23-27).

Protection

Despite the reality of persecution, the Bible assures believers of God's protection and presence amidst trials. The Psalms are replete with affirmations of God's protective nature. Psalm 91:1-2 declares, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust'" .

In the New Testament, Jesus promises His followers that they are not alone in their struggles. In Matthew 28:20, He assures them, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" . This promise of divine presence is a source of comfort and strength for believers facing persecution.

The Apostle Peter encourages Christians to cast their anxieties on God, knowing that He cares for them (1 Peter 5:7). Furthermore, Paul reminds the Romans that nothing can separate them from the love of God in Christ Jesus, not even persecution (Romans 8:35-39).

The Book of Revelation offers a vision of ultimate protection and victory for those who endure persecution. Revelation 7:14-17 describes a multitude who have come out of great tribulation, standing before the throne of God, where "He will shelter them with His presence" .

In summary, while persecution is an inevitable part of the Christian journey, the Bible consistently affirms God's unwavering protection and presence, offering hope and encouragement to the faithful.
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 Perseverance
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