Topical Bible: Persecution: Lawful Means May be Used to Escape

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Persecution has been a reality for believers throughout the history of the Christian faith. The Bible provides numerous accounts of persecution and offers guidance on how believers might respond to such trials. While enduring persecution is often seen as a testament to one's faith, Scripture also acknowledges the use of lawful means to escape persecution when possible.

Biblical Precedents

The Bible records several instances where individuals used lawful means to avoid persecution. One notable example is the Apostle Paul, who, on multiple occasions, utilized his rights as a Roman citizen to protect himself from unjust treatment. In Acts 22:25-29, when Paul was about to be flogged, he questioned the legality of flogging a Roman citizen without a trial, thereby averting the punishment. The Berean Standard Bible states: "But as they stretched him out to strap him down, Paul said to the centurion standing there, 'Is it lawful for you to flog a Roman citizen without a trial?'"

Similarly, in Acts 23:12-24, Paul learns of a plot against his life and informs the Roman commander, who then arranges for his safe transfer to Caesarea. This strategic use of legal rights and resources demonstrates that seeking protection from persecution is not contrary to faith.

Jesus' Instructions

Jesus Himself advised His followers to be prudent in the face of danger. In Matthew 10:23 , He instructed, "When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next." This directive suggests that escaping persecution is not only permissible but also wise. Jesus emphasized the importance of continuing the mission of spreading the Gospel, which sometimes necessitates avoiding unnecessary harm.

The Role of Wisdom and Prudence

The Bible encourages believers to exercise wisdom and prudence in all circumstances, including persecution. Proverbs 22:3 states, "The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences." This principle can be applied to situations of persecution, where taking lawful measures to avoid harm is seen as an act of wisdom rather than cowardice.

Balancing Faith and Practicality

While the early church faced severe persecution, believers were encouraged to balance their faith with practical measures. The account of the early Christians in Acts 8:1-4 shows that after the stoning of Stephen, a great persecution arose, and many believers scattered to different regions. This dispersion was not an act of fear but a strategic move that resulted in the spread of the Gospel.

Conclusion

The Bible provides a framework for understanding that while persecution is an expected part of the Christian journey, using lawful means to escape it is both biblically supported and wise. Believers are called to be shrewd and discerning, ensuring that their actions align with God's purposes while also safeguarding their ability to continue His work.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 2:13
And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be you there until I bring you word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 10:23
But when they persecute you in this city, flee you into another: for truly I say to you, You shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 12:14,15
Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.
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Library

Concerning Persecution
... We are bound by all lawful means to preserve our own lives ... Because our prayers may
be a means to convert them ... Canticles 8:7). No, not the waters of persecution. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

part vii.
... to touch [1698] the Ark, which it was not lawful for them ... General Persecution at
Alexandria. ... so, since they cannot recommend themselves by fair means, they may ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/part vii.htm

The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... Singing is not indispensable, but lawful and desirable. ... does not bind election to
the visible means of grace ... not so much in the principle of persecution as in ...
/.../ 55 the second helvetic.htm

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ...
... argument; which is to prove, that it is lawful to hold ... in one another, in the use
of private means, as private ... men as holy as you can, that they may be fitted ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/differences in judgment about water.htm

Defence against the Arians.
... against him, and requested either that a lawful Council of ... have in all respects acted
by means of that ... of compelling to offer sacrifice in time of persecution. ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/defence against the arians.htm

Covenanting a Duty.
... the carrying of them into effect, would not be persecution. ... subject to swear allegiance
to his lawful sovereign; at ... may not acquiesce in the means employed by ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iii covenanting a duty.htm

Knox's Writings from Abroad: Beginning of the Scottish Revolution ...
... December 1558) had claimed it as lawful, we know ... to proof that no plan of persecution
in Scotland ... means to persecute extremely in Poitou, Guienne, and Scotland. ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter viii knoxs writings from.htm

Knox -- the First Temptation of Christ
... whether it be against your bodies by persecution, or inwardly in ... and opinion of men,
then it is lawful for me ... For God has means to feed, preserve, and maintain ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/knox the first temptation.htm

Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters Purely ...
... follows they ought to use all means possible to ... burned, and afterwards defending
that it was lawful to burn ... excellent rule, that in time of persecution do not ...
/.../proposition xiv concerning the power.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... for a while; for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because ... he then do that
which is lawful and right ... with judgment; when Christ, by his means, hath been ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm