Persecution: The Cost of Following Christ

Persecution refers to targeted aggression and harsh treatment toward specific groups based on their religion, nationality, or political opinions. In contrast, tribulation originates from non-human causes and impacts all people broadly, without focusing on any particular population segment.

Expecting Persecution

The Christian life is not a sheltered, carefree existence. Because it opposes the world's values we should expect spiritual opposition (1 Thes 3:3-4). This may take various forms – persecution may be verbal (ridicule); physical (abuse); social (shunned, or talked about); or economic (prevented from getting jobs or promotion). Satan's goal is for us to reduce our fervour for God and give up, however it is those who continue faithful to the end who will be saved and reign with Him (Mt 24:13; 2 Tim 2:12).

The Bible declares persecution is one aspect of the cost of following Christ, "Everyone who wants to live a Godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" (Mt 24:9; Mk 8:34, 10:29-30; Lk 14:27; 2 Tim 3:12). Jesus was persecuted and so will His followers be (Jn 15:18-20, 16:1-4). "Blessed are you when persecuted...bless and pray for those who persecute you" (Mt 5:10-12,44-48; Lk 23:34; Rom 12:14; 2 Cor 6:4-10).

Therefore, expect to be persecuted, maybe even by unbelievers within your own family, but stand firm during this sifting period, for even if you are destroyed in this life you will come to enjoy eternal life (Mk 13:12-13; Lk 21:12-19; Jn 16:1-3).

Instead of asking for their difficulties to be taken away, the early believers prayed for strength and courage to face opposition (Acts 4:29-31). They considered it an honour to suffer for their faith in Christ, viewing challenges as opportunities to let their commitment shine even brighter. Their choice was a conscious one: to follow Christ faithfully, even if it meant giving up their own rights. Stephen became the first of many martyrs who chose death rather than denying their faith (Acts 6:15–7:60; Rev 6:9). Since Jesus gave His life for us, shouldn't we also be ready to do the same (Jn 10:11; 1 Jn 3:16)?

Lord, help me to stay loyal to you, whatever the price

Responding to Persecution

Look beyond present suffering in faith, confident of the 'crown of life' promised to all who persevere (Heb 11:24-26, 12:2; Jas 1:2-4,12; 1 Pet 1:6-7). Don't fear those who can only destroy the body but not your eternal destiny (Mt 10:28; Heb 13:6). "Rejoice in suffering...it can't compare to the coming glory...God is for us, nothing can separate us from His love" (Rom 5:3-4, 8:18,31-39). Jesus, through suffering Himself, can relate to any trial we experience (Heb 2:10, 4:15, 5:8).

Real persecution happens because we are Christians, not because of any character fault. Count it a privilege to suffer for Christ (Phil 1:29-30, 3:10-11; 1 Pet 2:19-23, 3:14,17). After Peter and John were beaten, they rejoiced that God counted them worthy to suffer for Him, continuing to preach about Jesus (Act 5:40-41). Do not retaliate – God will deal with those who cause distress in His time (Rom 12:19; 2 Thes 1:6-10).

Keep your eyes on Jesus – Hebrews 12:2

Persevere, committing yourself to your faithful Creator and continuing to do good (1 Pet 3:12-16; 4:12-19; Rom 5:3-5; Heb 10:32-39). Do I follow Jesus just for the blessings, or do I also accept the hardships as an expression of His grace, preparing me for eternity?

Persecution and Church Growth

The Old Testament Hebrews experienced significant opposition and oppression. However, rather than diminishing their numbers, persecution led to their multiplication and growth. This pattern continued in the New Testament, particularly with the church in Jerusalem, which expanded rapidly despite facing severe challenges (Ex 1:12; Acts 8:1-8).

Persecution purifies those subject to it

Persecution removes the half-hearted and nominal believers – those who follow Christ only for comfort or convenience. When the cost becomes real, only those genuinely committed remain, and the church is purified through the sifting (Mt 13:20-21; Lk 8:13).

The Book of Hebrews documents the suffering endured by some Old Testament saints, highlighting their resilience and steadfastness in the face of adversity (Heb 11:35-38).

Church growth almost invariably brings about some form of persecution. As the community of believers increases, it often draws the attention of secular governments and leaders of traditional religious groups. Feeling threatened by this expansion, these authorities may deliberately attempt to suppress or control the growth of Christ's church.

There are widely varying estimates of the number of Christians martyred every day because of their faith in Christ, yet it is considered over 600 million Christians suffer daily from discrimination, torture and restriction in over 80 countries where the gospel is not welcome.

Reflection and Application:

Am I prepared to accept persecution as a normal part of the Christian life, or do I expect only blessings and comfort from following Christ?
When opposition comes, do I pray for boldness and faithfulness, or do I seek only to escape the difficulty?
Do I respond to those who persecute me with blessing and prayer, or with resentment and retaliation?
Is my faith genuine enough to endure suffering, or will opposition cause me to fall away from Christ?