Topical Bible: Persecution: Originates: Hated to God and Christ

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Originates: Hated to God and Christ

Persecution, as understood within the biblical context, refers to the hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of religious beliefs, that followers of God and Christ have historically faced. This concept is deeply rooted in the narrative of the Bible, where the people of God often encounter opposition from those who reject divine authority and truth.

Old Testament Context

The seeds of persecution can be traced back to the earliest accounts of the Bible. The prophets, who were messengers of God, frequently faced persecution for their unwavering commitment to proclaiming God's truth. For instance, Elijah faced hostility from King Ahab and Queen Jezebel for denouncing idolatry (1 Kings 19:1-2). Similarly, Jeremiah was imprisoned and thrown into a cistern for prophesying against Jerusalem (Jeremiah 38:6).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, persecution becomes more pronounced with the advent of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself warned His followers of the inevitability of persecution, stating, "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first" (John 15:18). This hatred towards Christ and His teachings is a central theme in the New Testament, where the early Christians faced severe persecution from both Jewish and Roman authorities.

The Apostle Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became one of the most persecuted figures after his conversion. He recounted his sufferings in 2 Corinthians 11:24-25 : "Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea."

Theological Implications

Persecution is often seen as a manifestation of the world's hatred towards God and His righteousness. Jesus explained this dynamic in John 15:19 : "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." This enmity is not merely against the followers of Christ but is fundamentally directed against God Himself.

Responses to Persecution

The Bible provides guidance on how believers should respond to persecution. Jesus taught, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). The early church exemplified this attitude, as seen in Acts 5:41 , where the apostles rejoiced "that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name."

Furthermore, believers are encouraged to endure persecution with patience and love, following the example of Christ, who "when He was reviled, did not revile in return" (1 Peter 2:23). The Apostle Paul also exhorted Christians to "bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse" (Romans 12:14).

Conclusion

Persecution, originating from the world's hatred towards God and Christ, is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. It serves as a testament to the spiritual conflict between the kingdom of God and the forces of darkness. Believers are called to endure persecution with faith and love, trusting in the ultimate victory of God's kingdom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 15:20,24
Remember the word that I said to you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Confessions and Letters of St
... and the Empty Fables of the Poets, But Hated the Elements ... Chapter XIII.--Love Originates
from Grace and Beauty ... at Milan; Of the Ambrosian Persecution Raised by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/the confessions and letters of st/

General Index to Sozomen's Ecclesiastical History.
... Church and State, [2845]208; in persecution, [2846]210 ... Fatherhood of God, Arian
discussion concerning, [3275]388 ... a source for Sozomen, [3347]223; hated by Julian ...
/.../general index to sozomens ecclesiastical.htm