Scripture outlines the attitudes which believers should adopt in the face of persecution, laying particular emphasis upon the faithfulness of God, the example of Jesus Christ and the need for patience and hope by believers.
The call to endure in the face of persecution
Passively
Psalm 119:87 See also Matthew 10:22, Matthew 10:28; 1 Corinthians 4:12; 2 Thessalonians 1:4; James 5:8
They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken Your precepts.
Actively
Hebrews 12:1 See also Ephesians 6:10–20; 2 Timothy 2:3; 1 Peter 5:9; Revelation 2:3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.
Attitudes believers are to adopt in facing persecution
Living holy and forgiving lives
1 Peter 2:12 See also Matthew 5:44; Romans 12:19–20; 1 Peter 2:15, 1 Peter 2:23, 1 Peter 3:16
Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.
Rejoicing in suffering
Romans 5:3–5 See also Psalm 30:5; Matthew 5:11–12 parallel Luke 6:22–23; Acts 5:41, Acts 16:22–25; Romans 12:15; Colossians 1:24; 1 Peter 1:6, 1 Peter 1:8, 1 Peter 4:12, 1 Peter 4:16
Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.
Relying on the promise of God's grace to endure
Lamentations 3:22–23 See also Psalm 18:17–19; Nahum 1:7–8; Romans 8:18, Romans 8:35–39; 2 Timothy 3:10–11; Hebrews 13:6; Revelation 3:10
Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!
Trusting in the promise of God's presence
Hebrews 13:5 See also Psalm 23:4; Isaiah 43:2, Isaiah 43:5; Matthew 28:20; 2 Corinthians 4:9
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”
Praying always
Ephesians 6:18 See also Psalm 35:24, Psalm 38:15–16, Psalm 129:5, Psalm 143:9; Micah 7:7–8; Luke 6:28, Luke 18:7–8; 1 Peter 4:7
Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.
The certain prospect of victory over persecution
The triumph of Jesus Christ
1 Corinthians 15:25 See also Obadiah 1:21; Philippians 3:20–21; 2 Thessalonians 1:6–8; Revelation 11:15
For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.
The vindication of the saints
Jude 1:24 See also Ezra 6:8; Esther 6:11–13; Psalm 126:1; Daniel 6:26; Haggai 2:22–23; 2 Timothy 1:12; Revelation 2:10, Revelation 7:13–17, Revelation 12:11
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished in His glorious presence, with great joy —
Believers are to take heart from the example of Jesus Christ in facing persecution
The persecution of Jesus Christ was predicted in the OT
Psalm 22:1–18; Isaiah 50:6, Isaiah 53:7–12
The fulfilment of these predictions
Matthew 27:26–31 parallel Mark 15:15–20
The relevance of Jesus Christ's innocent suffering to believers
1 Peter 2:20–23 See also 1 Peter 3:14–17 suffering for the sake of righteousness; 1 Peter 4:13–14 rejoicing at sharing in Christ's sufferings
How is it to your credit if you are beaten for doing wrong and you endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps: “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.