Persécution

Hostility and suffering inflicted on believers because of their faith. Jesus warned, 'If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also' (John 15:20) and pronounced a blessing: 'Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness' (Matthew 5:10). The early church faced persecution from its inception (Acts 4-5, 7-8, 12). Paul catalogued his sufferings in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28. Romans 8:35-37 assures that 'neither death nor life... nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God.' Hebrews 11:35-38 honors those who endured terrible persecution through faith. Revelation promises vindication for the martyrs (6:9-11).