Topical Bible: Persecution: Originates: Hatred to the Gospel

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Topical Encyclopedia

Persecution, as understood within the Christian tradition, is the suffering or hostility that believers endure due to their faith in Jesus Christ and adherence to the Gospel. This adversity is not merely a social or political phenomenon but is deeply rooted in a spiritual opposition to the message of the Gospel itself. The Bible provides numerous insights into the origins and nature of persecution, emphasizing that it stems from a fundamental hatred towards the truth and transformative power of the Gospel.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament frequently addresses the theme of persecution, highlighting its inevitability for those who follow Christ. Jesus Himself warned His disciples of the persecution they would face, linking it directly to the world's hatred of Him and His message. In John 15:18-20 , Jesus states, "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. 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. Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well."

This passage underscores the spiritual origin of persecution: a rejection of Christ and His teachings. The world, under the influence of sin and darkness, is inherently opposed to the light and truth of the Gospel. As believers align themselves with Christ, they become targets of the same animosity that was directed towards Him.

Historical Context

The early church experienced significant persecution, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles and the epistles. The stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, exemplifies the violent opposition faced by early believers (Acts 7:54-60). Saul of Tarsus, who later became the Apostle Paul, was initially a fervent persecutor of the church, illustrating how zeal against the Gospel can manifest in aggressive actions (Acts 8:1-3).

Paul, after his conversion, became a prominent figure in spreading the Gospel and subsequently endured extensive persecution. In 2 Timothy 3:12 , he writes, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." This statement reflects the expectation that persecution is a normative experience for Christians, rooted in the world's resistance to godliness and truth.

Spiritual Warfare

Persecution is also understood within the framework of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 reminds believers, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This verse highlights that the ultimate source of persecution is not merely human opposition but a spiritual battle against forces that oppose God's kingdom.

Response to Persecution

The Bible encourages believers to respond to persecution with perseverance, faith, and love. In Matthew 5:10-12 , Jesus teaches, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you."

This call to rejoice in the face of persecution is rooted in the assurance of divine reward and the honor of sharing in Christ's sufferings. The apostolic writings further encourage believers to pray for those who persecute them (Romans 12:14) and to continue proclaiming the Gospel boldly, despite opposition (Acts 4:29).

In summary, persecution originates from a deep-seated hatred towards the Gospel and the transformative truth it represents. It is an expected reality for followers of Christ, who are called to endure with faith and love, trusting in God's ultimate justice and reward.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 13:21
Yet has he not root in himself, but endures for a while: for when tribulation or persecution rises because of the word, by and by he is offended.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letter Lxxxii. (AD 405. )
... endeavouring to raise odium and persecution against him ... all the more pernicious because
it originates not in ... mutual affection, and without hatred being kindled ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxxii a d 405.htm

Summa Theologica
Summa Theologica. <. Summa Theologica Saint Thomas Aquinas. Table
of Contents. Title Page. Whether, besides philosophy, any ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/