THE HISTORY OF PERSECUTION

INTRODUCTION

We will consider the meaning and occurrence of the relevant family of Greek words.

We will note instances of persecution, as recorded in the Bible, and preserved in historical accounts.

Additionally, we will consider reasons for persecution, our response to persecution, and the results of persecution.

GREEK WORD FAMILY

The verb diōkō, occurring 45x, means “to put to flight, pursue, by implication, to persecute.” Used negatively, it means “to harass someone, esp. because of beliefs, persecute.”

The noun diōgmos, occurring 10x, refers to “a program or process designed to harass and oppress someone, persecution (in our literature only for reasons of belief).”

ORDINARY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Seeking Someone (Mark 1:35-37)Following Someone (Luke 17:22-23)

CONSTRUCTIVE SPIRITUAL ACTIVITY

Practicing Hospitality (Rom. 12:13)Pressing On (Phil. 3:12, 14)Pursuing Good (1 Thess. 5:15)Pursuing Love (1 Cor. 14:1)Pursuing Peace (Rom. 14:19; Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet. 3:11)Pursuing Righteousness (Rom. 9:30, 31; 1 Tim. 6:11; 2

Tim. 2:22)

HOSTILE OPPOSITION TO THE TRUTH

Instances of PersecutionReasons for PersecutionResponse to PersecutionResults of Persecution

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES

Ishmael vs Isaac (Gal. 4:29; cf. Gen. 21:9-10)The Prophets (Acts 7:51-53, esp. vs. 52; cf.

Heb. 11:35-38)Jesus Christ (John 5:16; cf. Mark 3:1-6)

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES

Disciples of the Lord (Mark 10:28-31; Luke 21:12; 2 Thess. 1:3-4; 2 Tim. 3:12; Rev. 12:13-17)

Saul of Tarsus (Acts 8:1; 9:1-6; 22:4-5, 6-8; 26:9-11, 12-18; 1 Cor. 15:9; Gal. 1:13, 22-23; Phil. 3:6; 1 Tim. 1:12-14)

The Apostle Paul (Acts 13:50; 1 Cor. 4:11-13; 2 Cor. 4:7-12; 2 Cor. 11:23-28; 2 Cor. 12:10; 2 Tim. 3:10-12)

DURING THE ROMAN EMPIRE

NeroDomitianDiocletian

DURING THE MIDDLE AGES

Persians & JewsArab Islamic CaliphatesRoman Catholic Church

DURING THE REFORMATION

Reformation & Counter Reformation in England, Ireland & English Colonies

French Revolution

DURING THE MODERN ERA

Soviet Union & Warsaw Pact Countries

Nazi Germany

Muslim World

India

China & North Korea

Western Europe & the United States of America

REASONS FOR PERSECUTION

Wicked men hate God and reject His will (John 15:18-25).

Faithful men who follow God will thus be persecuted (Gen. 19:1-7, 9-11; 2 Pet. 2:6-9).

RESPONSE TO PERSECUTION

We should love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matt. 5:43-45).

Although we might be forced to flee, we must continue to preach the gospel (Matt. 10:23; Acts 8:4).

We should bless those who persecute us (Rom. 12:14).We should stand firm in the faith (Gal. 5:11; 6:12; Eph.

6:10-20).

NEGATIVE RESULTS OF PERSECUTION

Some fall away from the faith because of persecution (Matt. 13:20-21; Mark 4:16-17).

Those who are the source of persecution come under divine judgment (Matt. 23:34-36; Luke 11:49-51; 1 Thess. 2:14-16).

POSITIVE RESULTS OF PERSECUTION

We should rejoice and be glad when undergoing persecution (Matt. 5:10-12).

We should have confidence and persevere in the face of persecution (Rom. 8:31-39).