Topical Bible: Church: The Wicked Persecute

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The persecution of the Church by the wicked is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the spiritual conflict between the forces of good and evil. This persecution is not only a historical reality but also a spiritual truth that underscores the Church's mission and endurance in a fallen world.

Old Testament Foreshadowing

The persecution of God's people is foreshadowed in the Old Testament. The prophets, who were often the mouthpieces of God, faced significant opposition and persecution. Elijah, for instance, was pursued by Jezebel after defeating the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 19:1-3). Jeremiah was imprisoned and thrown into a cistern for his prophecies against Jerusalem (Jeremiah 38:6). These instances highlight the hostility faced by those who stand for God's truth.

Jesus' Teachings on Persecution

Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of the Church, explicitly warned His followers about the inevitability of persecution. In the Beatitudes, He stated, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). Jesus further prepared His disciples by saying, "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first" (John 15:18). These teachings emphasize that persecution is a mark of true discipleship and alignment with Christ.

The Early Church

The early Church experienced intense persecution, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was stoned to death for his bold proclamation of the Gospel (Acts 7:54-60). Saul, later known as Paul, initially persecuted Christians before his dramatic conversion (Acts 8:3; 9:1-6). The Roman Empire, under various emperors, also sought to suppress the burgeoning Christian faith through brutal means, as seen in the martyrdom of apostles and early Christians.

Pauline Epistles

The Apostle Paul, who endured numerous hardships for the sake of the Gospel, wrote extensively about persecution. In his second letter to Timothy, he stated, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12). Paul viewed persecution as a participation in the sufferings of Christ, a theme he elaborates on in his letters to the Corinthians and Philippians (2 Corinthians 1:5; Philippians 3:10).

The Book of Revelation

The Book of Revelation provides a prophetic vision of the Church's persecution in the end times. The apostle John, exiled on the island of Patmos, wrote to the seven churches, many of which were experiencing persecution. Revelation 2:10 encourages believers, "Do not fear what you are about to suffer... Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." This apocalyptic literature assures the Church of ultimate victory despite temporal suffering.

Theological Implications

Persecution serves as a refining fire for the Church, purifying and strengthening believers' faith. It is a testament to the spiritual battle between the kingdom of God and the forces of darkness. The wicked, under the influence of Satan, seek to thwart God's purposes, but Scripture assures believers that "the gates of Hades will not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18).

Contemporary Reflections

Throughout history and into the present day, the Church continues to face persecution in various forms. From physical violence to social ostracism, believers around the world endure suffering for their faith. This ongoing reality calls Christians to prayer, solidarity, and a steadfast commitment to the Gospel, trusting in God's promise of eternal reward and vindication.

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Acts 8:1-3
And Saul was consenting to his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
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1 Thessalonians 2:14,15
For you, brothers, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for you also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
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Library

Articles vii and viii: of the Church.
... In the Church itself, infinite is the multitude of the wicked who oppress it [despise,
bitterly hate, and most violently persecute the Word, as, eg, the Turks ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 11 articles vii and.htm

Of the Prophecies of the Old Testament in their visible ...
... of the earth, who formerly were wont to persecute the Christians ... and not only will
it thus separate those wicked men who are outside the Church, but also it ...
/.../on the catechising of the uninstructed/chapter 27 of the prophecies of.htm

Easter Monday
... Scriptures entire; who cease not to persecute godly and ... Rather, they must be wicked
devils, a miserable ... the worst enemies of the Christian Church; more wicked ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/easter monday.htm

Of the Right of Bishops not to be Accused or Hurt by Detraction.
... authority, and reinstated in the bosom of our holy mother the Church; since those ...
is yet worse) that too in growing measure"that the wicked persecute the good ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/ii of the right of.htm

How the Apostle Maintains that Christ is the Power of God and the ...
... You persecute Him in the faith, you persecute Him in the church, you persecute Him
with the arms of a wicked belief, you persecute Him with the sword of false ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter x how the apostle.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxii. 2, Etc. , About the ...
... Ye know the Bride; it is the Church. ... Why, by thy wicked prayers dost thou teach Me
to do, what I ... ask this very thing, ask that thou mayest persecute thine enemy ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xl on the words.htm

Caph.
... wilt Thou be avenged of them that persecute me?" (ver ... and that the words of the Church,
which were ... 85. In what followeth: "The wicked have told me pleasant tales ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/caph.htm

Of the Babylonish Captivity, and the Things Signified Thereby.
... even on to the end they find them wicked, or with ... time which the seventy years signify,
the Church shall be ... of which they were wont to persecute the Christians ...
/.../chapter 21 of the babylonish captivity.htm

On the Church
... faithful to God; but later they became wicked and undertook to ... about, it would still
be the church of that ... the cruel pagan emperors began to persecute and put ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 11 on the church.htm

Letter Lxxxvii. (AD 405. )
... 8. You answer, perhaps, that Christians ought not to persecute even the wicked. ... fall
down before him," [2095] they are now members of the Church; and you ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxxvii a d 405.htm