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).
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