What Does the Bible Say About Persecution?
What Does the Bible Say About Persecution? Jesus promised His followers would face persecution but also promised blessing and reward for those who endure.
Key verse: Matthew 5:10 (KJV)
Jesus promised His followers would face persecution but also promised blessing and reward for those who endure.
Jesus promised His followers would face persecution but also promised blessing and reward for those who endure.
"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." — Matthew 5:10 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Jesus said plainly, 'If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you' (John 15:18). He promised persecution as a certainty: 'In the world ye shall have tribulation' (John 16:33). The Beatitudes pronounce blessing on the persecuted: 'Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven' (Matthew 5:10). Paul confirmed, 'All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution' (2 Timothy 3:12). Yet Scripture also provides encouragement — Romans 8:35-37 declares that nothing, including persecution, can separate believers from God's love. Acts records the early church rejoicing 'that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name' (Acts 5:41). Persecution refines faith and produces perseverance (1 Peter 1:6-7).
Key Scripture References
"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution... Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
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Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Persecution?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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