What Does the Bible Say About Persecution?

Throughout history, true Christians—those working to “fear God and keep His commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)—have faced persecution.

Persecution introduces a complication to the path of Christian progress. More than just a stumbling block or a temporary setback, persecution can derail progress completely.

Let’s take a deeper look at this sobering and thorny reality.

“If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you”

Christians have often been persecuted.

This should not surprise anyone.

Jesus cautioned, “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). Are you a Christian in progress? If so, you will be persecuted.

Paul shared something similar: “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).

Paul knew this from personal experience. Before being called, Paul (then called Saul) was “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” (Acts 9:1). After being called, Paul endured persecution from those who “plotted to kill him” (verse 23).

What is persecution?

Persecution is more than just a trial or a test of faith.

The Complete Word Study Dictionary New Testament explains that the Greek word translated persecute can mean to “pursue with repeated acts of enmity.” Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines persecute as “to harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict.”

Persecution is a willful, targeted antagonism. It can take many forms.

In extreme cases, persecution includes physical violence. Paul recalled: “Five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned” (2 Corinthians 11:24-25).

Jesus suffered persecution—facing repeated verbal assaults and being arrested, scourged and crucified.

Jesus prophesied, “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble . . . The time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service” (John 16:1-2).

Even today, in some parts of the world, converting to a different religion can bring violent persecution and even death.

Persecution also comes in less violent forms. A Christian might be fired from a job or blocked from a promotion because of observing the Sabbath. A Christian might be harassed or ostracized by others for upholding God’s expectations regarding language or observing God’s festivals.

Aquila and Priscilla, a first-century Christian couple, were forced into exile due to a Roman decree targeting religious minorities (Acts 18:1-2).

Why does persecution happen?

When the Bible speaks of people facing persecution, it is primarily because of obeying God’s laws and following Jesus’ example.

Jesus specified, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake” (Matthew 5:10, emphasis added throughout). He added, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake” (verse 11). Peter echoed this sentiment (1 Peter 4:14-16).

Persecution is not an indication of sinfulness. Rather, the basic reason for persecution is that Satan hates God, His plan and the Body of Christ. “The god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4) strives against those following God.

Paul explained, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might . . . for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness” (Ephesians 6:10-12).

One tactic of the devil is to stir up “tribulation or persecution” to cause someone who received God’s calling to stumble (Matthew 13:20-21).

Why does God allow it?

Persecution often produces situations where God’s power is exhibited. In some cases, those being persecuted are delivered through divine intervention. For example, during a period of government-sanctioned violence against Christians that took the life of James, Peter was imprisoned. Constant prayer was offered to God, and Peter was miraculously freed from prison (Acts 12:1-19).

Enduring persecution provides encouragement to others. Paul referred to a time when Priscilla and Aquila “risked their own necks” for his life (Romans 16:3-4). The specifics are not included, but the encouraging example of their faithful endurance remains.

Persecution for Christ’s sake is humbling. When met appropriately, persecution has the added effect of centering our focus on our relationship with God.

Preparing for persecution

Understanding that persecution is a predictable part of our calling should motivate us to prepare to face persecution.

Preparation begins by strengthening and solidifying our relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ.

David wrote, “O LORD my God, in You I put my trust; save me from all those who persecute me; and deliver me, lest they tear me like a lion, rending me in pieces, while there is none to deliver” (Psalm 7:1-2).

Jeremiah declared, “But the LORD is with me as a mighty, awesome One. Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and will not prevail. They will be greatly ashamed, for they will not prosper” (Jeremiah 20:11).

A robust relationship with God is vital. This is accomplished through prayer, Bible study, meditation, fasting and Christian fellowship.

Paul observed, “Therefore I take pleasure . . . in persecutions . . . for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

How should we respond to persecution?

What should we do when facing persecution?

Beyond the preparatory work, the appropriate response can be more nuanced. There is no verse that says, “When being persecuted, do this,” followed by a uniform action applicable to every situation.

Instead, Christians must use wisdom and discernment. Insight can be drawn from the examples of others who faced persecution, such as Joseph, Jeremiah, Esther, the apostles, etc.

In some situations, Christians can resort to the legal system. Paul occasionally asserted his legal rights (Acts 16:35-38; 22:23-29). Other times, a Christian may not engage the legal system but may need to be willing to suffer loss (Matthew 5:25, 38-41).

In other circumstances, the appropriate response is to flee. Jesus counseled, “When they persecute you in this city, flee to another” (Matthew 10:23). Jesus withdrew from Judea, not out of fear or a lack of faith, but because He was attuned to the Father’s will (John 6:15).

Often, the correct response is to stand still and endure. Paul acknowledged times when a Christian must simply endure persecution (1 Corinthians 4:12).

It should be noted that there is no positive scriptural example of Christians fighting back physically when being persecuted. Jesus was clear: “But I say to you, love your enemies . . . pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Paul summarized Jesus’ direction: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” (Romans 12:14).

Christians should discern how to respond—sometimes we assert legal rights, sometimes we flee, and sometimes we stand still and endure—confident that God is with us. Christians must prayerfully discern how to respond.

Consider the example of Paul and Silas in Philippi. They were attacked, beaten and locked away in prison (Acts 16:16-24). Then a mighty earthquake shook the prison, and “all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed” (verse 26). Paul and Silas chose to stay put in prison (verses 27-28), and God used these events in the conversion of the Philippian jailor and his family.

How did Paul and Silas discern they should stay and not run? Even during their shared persecution, “Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God” (verse 25).

Discernment on how specifically to respond to persecution is available to those who maintain a close relationship with God.

Comfort in persecution

There is another encouraging element of persecution.

Remember when Saul was busily “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” (Acts 9:1)? It was a difficult, unsettling time for Christians.

In a great miracle, Jesus directly intervened in Saul’s life (Acts 9:3-4). Jesus asked, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (verse 4).

Did you catch that? “Why are you persecuting Me?” Not the Church, the members or those preaching the gospel—“Me”!

Consider what this reveals about persecution. From God’s viewpoint, Saul was persecuting Jesus Christ. If Christ is living in us (Galatians 2:20), we are never alone in persecution—whether it be in prison, at work, at school or anywhere else. Jesus faces it with us. This can be incredibly encouraging.

Paul personally endured many persecutions. Yet Paul observed, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” (Romans 8:35).

When facing stoning, beating and prison, Paul focused on the love and support provided by Jesus Christ.

Christians under persecution

Persecution is a reality of the Christian’s life.

We should actively prepare—pray, implant the Word of God in our minds (Psalm 119:11; James 1:21) and encourage each other in adversity.

Christians should discern how to respond—sometimes we assert legal rights, sometimes we flee, and sometimes we stand still and endure—confident that God is with us.

As Christians in progress, we will face persecution. Let’s face it together, knowing we will never face it alone.

Learn more about persecution and end-time prophecies of persecution in our online articles “Blessed Are Those Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake” and “You Will Be Hated.”