Topical Bible: The Afflictions of the Wicked: Their Persecution of Saints, a Cause of

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The persecution of the saints by the wicked is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating the tension between righteousness and unrighteousness. This persecution is often depicted as a cause of the afflictions experienced by the wicked themselves, serving as a divine response to their actions against God's people.

Biblical Context

The Bible consistently portrays the wicked as those who oppose God's will and His people. Their persecution of the saints is not only an expression of their rebellion against God but also a catalyst for their own downfall. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that highlight this dynamic.

Old Testament Insights

In the Old Testament, the persecution of the righteous by the wicked is evident in various narratives. For instance, the account of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-16) illustrates the first act of persecution, where Cain's jealousy and anger lead him to murder his righteous brother Abel. This act of violence results in Cain's own affliction, as he becomes a restless wanderer, marked by God.

The Psalms frequently address the theme of the wicked persecuting the righteous. Psalm 37:12-15 states, "The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming. The wicked have drawn the sword and bent the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken." This passage underscores the idea that the wicked's persecution of the righteous ultimately leads to their own ruin.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing the spiritual battle between the forces of good and evil. Jesus Himself warned His followers of persecution, stating in John 15:18-20 , "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. Remember the word that I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well."

The Apostle Paul also addresses the persecution of the saints, noting that it is a sign of the wicked's impending judgment. In 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7 , he writes, "After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels."

Divine Justice and Retribution

The persecution of the saints by the wicked is often met with divine justice. The Bible assures believers that God is aware of their suffering and will ultimately vindicate them. Proverbs 11:21 declares, "Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape."

Revelation 6:9-11 provides a vivid depiction of the martyrs who have suffered for their faith, crying out for justice. They are told to rest a little longer until the full number of their fellow servants and brothers are killed, as they had been. This passage highlights the certainty of divine retribution against those who persecute God's people.

Conclusion

The afflictions of the wicked, as a result of their persecution of the saints, serve as a powerful reminder of the moral order established by God. The Scriptures consistently affirm that while the righteous may suffer temporarily, the wicked will ultimately face the consequences of their actions. This theme underscores the hope and assurance that believers have in God's justice and the ultimate triumph of righteousness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 30:7
And the LORD your God will put all these curses on your enemies, and on them that hate you, which persecuted you.
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Psalm 55:19
God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that stays of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.
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Zechariah 2:9
For, behold, I will shake my hand on them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me.
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2 Thessalonians 1:6
Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
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Library

Persecution in the First Centuries.
... They "endured a great fight of afflictions."(58) They "had ... persecution at the hand
of the wicked, has been ... Some are even ready to cast away their confidence in ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /2 persecution in the first.htm

Persecution in the First Centuries
... They "endured a great fight of afflictions." Hebrews 10:32 ... suffer persecution at
the hand of the wicked has been ... are even ready to cast away their confidence in ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 2 persecution in the.htm

Persecution Every Christian's Lot
... Wicked men hat God, and therefore cannot but ... Whilst others are boasting of their
great perferments ... Paul rejoiced that he suffered afflictions and persecutions ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/persecution every christians lot.htm

Calvin -- Enduring Persecution for Christ
... as it is said (Psalm 7. 15), "The wicked with all ... us to hope from Him, to console
us in our afflictions. ... do what they may, even with Satan at their head, will ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/calvin enduring persecution for.htm

Letter xi. --For 339. Coss. Constantius Augustus ii, Constans I ...
... such a proverb as this: The wicked is held ... to the words which are written, Afflictions
and distresses ... and Philetus [4322] .' In what their wickedness consisted ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xi for 339 coss constantius.htm

Concerning Persecution
... When afflictions are upon the wicked, they fret against God ... we may be delivered from
unreasonable and wicked men.' (2 ... be no leak of guilt in their conscience. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

Prosperity under Persecution
... take heed unto our ways, because the wicked watch our ... them for the ministry, so that
with their hands and ... Rejoice, therefore, in your afflictions, if so be you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/prosperity under persecution.htm

Letter x. --For 338. Coss. Ursus and Polemius; Pr??f. The Same ...
... the enemy draws near to us in afflictions, and trials ... Him who is their Helper with
their tongue, and ... unthankful opponent of Christ, altogether wicked, and the ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter x for 338 coss ursus.htm

Moab is My Washpot
... the purity of the saints; its afflictions and troubles may ... saith my God, to the wicked."
Their Marah is ... Their opposition, slander, and persecution, are a rough ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/moab is my washpot.htm

Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Paul's Care and Prayer for the ...
... pleasing to them by speaking of these afflictions in unusual ... known to them who is
the object of their persecution. ... here to reply to those wicked and illiterate ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/sixteenth sunday after trinity pauls.htm