53 Bible Verses about Persecution

full of joy, that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus.

Blessed shall you be when men shall revile and persecute you, and falsely charge you with all manner of evil for your attachment to me.

I am come to purify the earth with fire, and how do I wish it were already kindled? the baptism, which I am to undergo, how do I long till it be accomplished? do you imagine that my coming will produce peace on the earth? I tell you, no; but rather division. read more.
for the future, if there are five persons in one family, they will be divided; three against two, and two against three. the father will be at variance with his son, and the son with the father: the mother with the daughter, and the daughter with the mother: the mother-in-law with the daughter-in-law, and the daughter-in-law with the mother-in-law.

Blessed shall you be when men shall revile and persecute you, and falsely charge you with all manner of evil for your attachment to me.

Blessed shall you be when men shall revile and persecute you, and falsely charge you with all manner of evil for your attachment to me.

full of joy, that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus.

Alexander the copper-smith did me many injuries: the Lord may reward him according to his actions.

It was then a tumult happen'd at Ephesus upon account of the christian sect. for one Demetrius, a silver-smith, who made little models of Diana's temple, and so furnish'd a deal of employment to the workmen in that trade, summon'd the company, and thus address'd them, "tho' you know, sirs, it is by this craft that we are in such plight, read more.
yet your own eyes and ears have inform'd you, that not only at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul by his persuasions has turn'd the heads of a world of people, asserting, that these are Gods of our own making, and not really such. so that not only our profession runs the risk of being vilified; but the temple of the great goddess Diana will be depreciated, and her majesty, so rever'd thro' all Asia, and the whole world, will be discarded." at these words, they were fir'd with indignation, and cry'd out, "great is Diana of the Ephesians." and the whole city was fill'd with confusion: all crouded in a body to the theatre, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, both of Macedonia, who had travell'd with Paul. upon this Paul was bent upon going. to the populace, but was prevented by his disciples, and by the primates of Asia, who were his friends, and sent to desire he would not venture to the theatre: there the mob were in the utmost riot, some bawling out in one cry, some in another, and the greatest part at a loss to know why they were met. at last Alexander was disengag'd from the croud, and accus'd by the Jews. then he waved his hand, desiring to make his defence before them all. but when they knew he was a Jew, they cry'd out one and all for the space of two hours, "great is Diana of the Ephesians." at length the town-clerk appeased the people, and thus began, "who is there, O Ephesians, that does not know, that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Diana, and of her statue, which fell from heaven: since this is incontestible, it behoves you to be easy, and free from any rash conduct: for the men you have brought here, have neither plunder'd your temples, nor inveigh'd against your goddess. if Demetrius and the other artists, that are with him, can lay their action against any man, the law is open, and the proconsul is near; let them begin their process. but if the contest be about other matters, it may be decided in a regular assembly. for we run the risk of being answerable for this day's sedition: there being no justifiable occasion for such a commotion." having thus harangued them, he broke up the assembly.

For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant of that insupportable weight of affliction that over-whelm'd me so in Asia that I despaired even of life:

but when the Jews of Thessalonica were inform'd that Paul had preached the word of God at Berea, they went thither to stir up the populace. Upon this the brethren immediately sent Paul away to the sea-coast, but Silas and Timothy staid there. however Paul's guides attended him to Athens: where they left him, after having received his orders for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed.

and those who will live like Christians, shall generally suffer persecution.

for it seems as if God had exposed us apostles the last upon the stage, as persons appointed to death. for we are made a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. we are made fools for our attachment to Christ, while you, who are christians too, still pass for the wise: we are in poverty, but you are in power: you meet with esteem, but we find contempt. to this very day we suffer both hunger, thirst, and penury: we are buffeted from place to place, as vagabonds: read more.
we are fatigu'd by our manual toil: when reviled, we pray: when persecuted, we don't repine: and when we are defamed, we intreat: in a word, we are look'd upon as the dregs and scum of mankind, even to this day.

As Jesus was going out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, see, master, what stone-work, and buildings are here. but Jesus answer'd him, you see this magnificent structure, which shall not be left till it be all demolished, one stone after another. and when he was sitting upon the mount of Olives over-against the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew said to him in private, tell us, read more.
when shall this happen? and what will be the sign that this is going to be accomplished? Jesus answer'd by saying, take care not to let any one impose upon you; for many shall come in my name, and say, I am the Messiah; and deceive many. but when ye shall hear the talk of wars, and the noise of wars, be not alarm'd; for that must happen; but the end is not yet. for nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: there shall be earthquakes in divers places, famines and commotions. these are the beginning of sorrows. then look to your selves: for they will deliver you up to the tribunals, and scourge you in the synagogues: you will be brought before governours, and princes upon my account, to be my witnesses against them. but the gospel must first be published among all nations. now when they shall lead you to deliver you up, be not sollicitous about your defence, don't premeditate upon it; but what shall be suggested to you at the very occasion, that deliver: for it is not you that will plead, but the holy spirit. then the brother shall betray his brother to death, and the father his son: children shall prosecute their parents, and be the instruments to take away their lives: you will be the object of universal hatred upon my account; but he that shall persevere unto the end, shall be saved.

By your mission you will be expos'd like sheep in the midst of wolves: be then as circumspect as serpents, and as inoffensive as doves: be upon your guard with such men, for they will deliver you up to their tribunals, and scourge you in their synagogues. and ye shall be brought before governors and kings upon my account, to bear testimony of me to them and the rest of the Gentiles. read more.
but when they take you. into custody, be not sollicitous, how or what ye shall speak, for at the very instant you shall be inspir'd what to say. for it is not properly you that speak, but the spirit of your father that speaketh by you. then the brother shall betray his brother to death, and the father his child: and children shall rise up against their parents, and be the instruments of their death. and ye shall be hated by all the world for professing my name: but he that perseveres unto the end, shall escape. Then if they persecute you in one city, fly to another: for I assure you, before you have preach'd thro' all the cities of the Jews, the son of man will come. the disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. if the disciple fare as well as his master, and the servant as his lord, is not that sufficient? if they style the master of the house Beelzebub, much more will they call his domestics so.

As Jesus was going from the temple, his disciples came and desired him to take a view of the buildings. Jesus said to them, observe this vast structure, I tell you for certain, there shall not be any part of it left standing, but it shall be all thrown into ruins. And when he was upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came to him in private, and said, tell us when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of this age? read more.
Jesus answered them, take care not to be deceived by any one: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am the Christ: and shall deceive many. ye shall hear likewise of wars, and rumours of wars: take care not to be disturb'd: for these things must happen, but the end of the Jewish age is not yet. for nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in divers places. yet all this is but the beginning of sorrow. then shall they deliver you up to torments, and to death: and ye shall be hated by all nations upon my account. then shall many relapse, and shall pursue one another with mutual treachery and hatred.

fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

then shall they deliver you up to torments, and to death: and ye shall be hated by all nations upon my account.

be upon your guard with such men, for they will deliver you up to their tribunals, and scourge you in their synagogues.

but before all these events, they will seize upon you and persecute you, drag you to the synagogues and to prisons, being accused before kings and governours, for professing my name.

remember what I told you, "the servant is not greater than his master." if they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you: if they have been spies upon my discourse, they will be so upon yours.

where having found a Jew nam'd Aquila, a native of Pontus, who lately came from Italy, with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had order'd all the Jews to quit Rome; he went to them:

then Herod and his retinue treated him with contempt, and in derision sent him back magnificently dress'd to Pilate.

upon which occasion the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he did such things on the sabbath-day.

and breaking up the assembly, they drove him out of the city, to the precipice of the hill, upon which it was built, in order to throw him headlong down.

After this Jesus resided in Galilee: for he would not be in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill him. now the

I know you are Abraham's offspring; but ye seek to kill me, because my doctrine doth not penetrate into you.

and he did deliver me from so terrible a death, and on him I have relied for further deliverance: especially,

my persecutions, and the sufferings that befel me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions did I endure? but the Lord deliver'd me out of them all: yes,

at the relation of which they unanimously lift up their voice to God, and said, Lord, thou art the God who hast made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all that is therein: who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, "why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? the kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ." read more.
for it was truly against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, that Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, united themselves in this city,

Saul still breathing out nothing but threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, and demanded letters for the synagogues of Damascus, that if he found any of this sect, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he was on his journey, and near Damascus, on a sudden, a light from heaven surrounded him, read more.
and he fell to the ground, and heard a voice which said to him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? and he said, who art thou, Lord? and the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: [it is hard for thee to kick against the goad. Then trembling with the fright Saul said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? and the Lord said to him,]

I am the genuine vine, and my father is the vintager. every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he takes away: as for the branch that bears fruit, he prunes it clean, to make it more fruitful. you are already clean by the instructions I have given you. read more.
be attach'd to me, and I shall be so to you. as the branch cannot bear fruit of it self, except it be attach'd to the vine: so neither can you, except you continue attach'd to me. I am the vine, you are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for independent of me ye can do nothing. if a man abide not in me, he is cast away as withered branches that are gather'd up to be thrown into the fire, where they are burned. if ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask what ye will, and you shall obtain it. my father will be honour'd by your bearing much fruit, and you will have the honour of being my disciples. as the father has loved me, and I have loved you: so do you persevere in your love to me. your love to me will be in keeping my commandments: even as I love my father by keeping his commandments. These things have I spoken to you, that you might have some present comfort, and that hereafter your joy might be compleat. this is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. there cannot be greater love than that of a man, who lays down his life for his friends. you will be my friends, if you do what I have commanded you. henceforth I do not treat you as servants; for the servant is unacquainted with his master's affairs: but I have treated you as friends; for what I have learnt of my father, I have communicated to you. it was not you that chose me, but I that chose you, and establish'd you, that your travels may be fruitful, and your fruit be lasting: so that whatever ye shall ask of the father for my sake, he will give it you. Above all I enjoin you, to love one another. if the world hate you, consider that it hated me before it hated you. if you were of the world, the world would love its own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world does hate you. remember what I told you, "the servant is not greater than his master." if they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you: if they have been spies upon my discourse, they will be so upon yours. but all these things will they do unto you, out of hatred to my name, because they know not him that sent me. if I had not appear'd, and inform'd them, they would have been innocent: but now they have no excuse for their sin. he that hateth me, hateth my father also. if I had not done among them such works as no other ever did, they had been innocent: but though they have seen them, yet they hate both me and my father. so that the passage is fulfilled that is written in their law, "they hated me without a cause."

then the man departed to acquaint the Jews, that it was Jesus who had cured him. upon which occasion the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he did such things on the sabbath-day. But Jesus answered them, my father works without intermission, and so do I. read more.
therefore the Jews were the more eager to kill him, because he had not only violated the sabbath, but likewise, because he had said that God was his proper father, making himself equal with God.

as I was upon the road, advanc'd near Damascus, about mid-day, all of a sudden a great light from heaven broke all around me. I fell to the ground, and heard a voice pronounce these words, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" I answered, who art thou, Lord? it answered, "I am Jesus the Nazarene whom thou dost persecute."

When they were gone, an angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, take the infant and his mother, flee into Egypt, and don't stir thence till I order you, for Herod will endeavour to have the child destroy'd. Joseph therefore arose,

Then if they persecute you in one city, fly to another: for I assure you, before you have preach'd thro' all the cities of the Jews, the son of man will come.

Upon this the Pharisees went out of the synagogue, and form'd a conspiracy against his life. but Jesus perceiving their design, withdrew himself thence, accompany'd by great multitudes, and he healed all their sick,

besides, my engaging with those monsters, as I may say, at Ephesus, what advantage was it to me? if the dead don't rise, "let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die."

if our expectations as christians all terminate in this life, we of all men are most to be pitied.

I JOHN, who am your brother, and partake in the tribulation, in the reign, and in the patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony I gave of Jesus Christ.

and they laid hands on them, and put them in prison, till the next day: for it was now evening. however, many who heard Peter's discourse, believed, to the number of about five thousand people. On the morrow, the rulers, senators, and doctors of the law, then at Jerusalem, assembled, read more.
with Annas the high priest, Caiphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the pontifical family. and having caused Peter and John to appear, they asked, by what influence, or by what authority have you done this? then Peter filled with the holy spirit, said to them, Rulers of the people, and senators of Israel, since we are this day to be examined about the cure of a cripple, and by what means he was recovered; be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you entirely recover'd. this is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but is become the chief of the angle. salvation is not to be had by any other: for there is no other name under heaven given to men whereby we can be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were illiterate, and of the lower rank of men, they were surpriz'd; but tho' they knew that they had been Jesus's disciples, yet seeing the man who was cured standing with them, they could not tell what to reply. having therefore order'd them to withdraw from the council, they conferred among themselves, saying, what shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all that dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. but to prevent its spreading any further among the people, let us charge them with threats not to speak for the future to any man in that name. so they called them in, and commanded them not to speak or teach upon any account, in the name of Jesus.

went and seized on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. but an angel of the Lord opened the prison-doors by night, and having brought them out, said to them, go, stand in the temple, and declare to the people, the whole doctrine of life. read more.
when they heard that, they entred into the temple early in the morning, and taught. in the mean time, the high priest, and those of his party, being arrived at the council-chamber, summon'd all the Jewish senate to meet, and sent to the prison to bring the apostles before them. but the officers who went there not finding them in the prison, returned, and made this report, the prison we found shut very secure, and the keepers posted before the doors: but when we had opened it, we found no body within. Upon hearing this, the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests wonder'd bow this could be. when somebody came and told them, the men whom ye order'd to prison, are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. upon which the captain went with his officers, and brought them, without offering any violence, for fear of being stoned, he and his men by the people. when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, saying, did not we strictly command you, not to teach in this name? and yet you have spread your doctrine through Jerusalem, and you endeavour to make us responsible for this man's blood. then Peter and the other apostles made answer, we ought to obey God rather than men. the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree. him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins. and we are his witnesses in what we say, and so is the holy spirit, whom God hath given to those that obey him. When they heard that, they were so enraged, they consulted to take away their lives. when a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of law, who was respected by all the people, rose up in the council, and moved the apostles might withdraw for some time. and then he said, "ye men of Israel, be cautious how you proceed with regard to these men. for some time ago one Theudas started up, pretending to be something extraordinary, who was join'd indeed by about four hundred men: but he was no sooner put to death, than his followers all dispers'd, and were reduc'd to nothing. after this man, Judas of Galilee appear'd, at the time of the registry, and seduc'd many people: he also perished, and all his followers were dispersed. my opinion therefore is, not to meddle with these men, but to let them go on: for if the design be a human project, it will fall of it self. but if it be from God, you cannot defeat it; perhaps you may be found warring against heaven." To him they agreed: and after the apostles were called in, and scourged, they charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then releas'd them. out they went from the council, full of joy, that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus. and every day either in the temple or in private houses they continued to preach and proclaim Jesus to be the Christ.

About that time, king Herod Agrippa began to persecute some of the church. he caus'd James the brother of John to be beheaded. and perceiving that the Jews were pleas'd with this, he proceeded to secure Peter during the feast of unleavened bread: read more.
having apprehended Peter, he put him into prison, appointing a detachment of sixteen soldiers to guard him, intending to have him brought to publick execution, after Easter. thus Peter was kept in prison, but the Church prayed to God, without ceasing, for him, now the very night preceding the day which Herod design'd for his execution, Peter bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while the other guards secured the prison door; when an angel of the Lord suddenly appear'd and fill'd the room with light, and touching Peter on the side, awak'd him, saying, rise, be quick. and immediately his chains fell from his hands. put on your girdle, continu'd the angel, and bind on your sandals: which he did. throw your cloak over you, said the angel, and follow me. so he went out after the angel without knowing that what the angel had done, was real; but thinking it was all a vision. when they had pass'd the first and second guard, they came to the iron-gate that leads to the city, which open'd to them of itself: so they went out and pass'd together thro' one street: when all of a sudden the angel quitted Peter. Then coming to himself; now, said he, I know for certain, that the Lord has sent his angel, and has deliver'd me from the hands of Herod, and from what the Jews were in expectation of. then recollecting where he was, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, surnam'd Mark, where many were assembled at prayers. when he had knock'd at the door of the gate, a servant named Rhoda came to ask who was there. upon hearing Peter tell his name, instead of opening the gate, she ran, out of joy, to tell them, that Peter was there. are you mad? said they. but she persisting that it was even so, they reply'd, it is then his angel. as Peter still continued knocking, they let him in, and seeing it was he, they were extremely surpriz'd: but he made a sign to them with his hand, to be silent: and related to them, how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. go, said he, and acquaint James and the other brethren with this affair. after which he departed and went to another place. As soon as it was day, the soldiers were in a world of confusion to know what was become of Peter. Herod having caus'd diligent search to be made, without being able to find him, after examining the guards, he order'd them to execution. after which he departed from Judea, and went to Cesarea, where he resided.

but before all these events, they will seize upon you and persecute you, drag you to the synagogues and to prisons, being accused before kings and governours, for professing my name.

remember what I told you, "the servant is not greater than his master." if they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you: if they have been spies upon my discourse, they will be so upon yours.

but shall receive at present in this age, what will be a hundred times better to him, than houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, tho' with persecution: and in the age to come eternal life.

In the mean time they who were dispers'd upon the persecution that arose after Stephen's time, had travell'd as far as Phenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, without preaching the gospel to any, but Jews only. some of them were of Cyprus and Cyrene, and upon their arrival at Antioch they address'd themselves to the Greeks, and preach'd to them the Lord Jesus. and as the divine assistance accompany'd them, a great number of persons believed and became converts.

and Saul was accessory to his death. At that time the persecution was so violent against the church at Jerusalem, they were all dispers'd through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles,

but they that were dispers'd, preach'd the gospel wherever they went.

Now I would have you know, my brethren, that what has happen'd to me, has only conduc'd to the progress of the gospel; so that the whole court and publick are well appriz'd that I am a prisoner upon the account of Jesus Christ. even many of our brethren, encourag'd by my bonds, preach the word with greater freedom and intrepidity.

if zeal is to be regarded, I persecuted the church; if the integrity prescrib'd by the law, I am without reproach;

who was before a blasphemer, and a violent persecutor; but I obtained mercy, because I acted thro' ignorance in incrudelity.

upon which occasion the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he did such things on the sabbath-day.

the very men who have persecuted the Lord Jesus, and the prophets even to death; who have persecuted us; they who are regardless of pleasing the deity, and are enemies to all mankind;

since it is agreeable to his justice to afflict those in their turn, who afflict you:

Blessed are they who are persecuted upon the account of righteousness: for their's is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed shall you be when men shall revile and persecute you, and falsely charge you with all manner of evil for your attachment to me. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great will be your reward in heaven: for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

blessed are you, when men shall hate you, discard you, reproach you, and treat you as infamous, for your attachment to the son of man. then you may triumph with joy; secure of being greatly rewarded in heaven: for such was the treatment the prophets received from their forefathers.

the inhabitants of the land will rejoice, and triumph over them, they will send presents to one another; because the two prophets had gall'd the inhabitants of the land.

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great will be your reward in heaven: for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

on the contrary, rejoice at the share you have of sufferings, as well as Christ: that you may likewise triumph, when he shall appear in his glory.

so that you maybe charg'd with all the innocent blood shed upon earth, from the blood of Abel the just, unto the blood of Zacharias, the son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

not acting like Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother: but why did he slay him? because his own actions were evil, and his brother's were virtuous.

and he fell to the ground, and heard a voice which said to him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? and he said, who art thou, Lord? and the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: [it is hard for thee to kick against the goad. Then trembling with the fright Saul said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? and the Lord said to him,]

but the Jews having animated the women of quality of their religion, and the leading men of the city, raised a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and banish'd them from their territorys.

I myself too once thought myself oblig'd strenuously to oppose the professors of Jesus the Nazarene, as I actually did at Jerusalem, where numbers of converts I threw into jail, by warrant from the high priests: and when they were put to death, I myself was an accomplice. it was I that persecuted them from synagogue to synagogue, and tortured them even to blaspheme: and in the transport of my rage I pursued them to foreign cities.

and Saul was accessory to his death. At that time the persecution was so violent against the church at Jerusalem, they were all dispers'd through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles,

you have heard of my former behaviour, whilst I was of the Jewish religion, with what excessive violence I persecuted the church of God, and laid it waste:

Saul still breathing out nothing but threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, and demanded letters for the synagogues of Damascus, that if he found any of this sect, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he was on his journey, and near Damascus, on a sudden, a light from heaven surrounded him, read more.
and he fell to the ground, and heard a voice which said to him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? and he said, who art thou, Lord? and the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: [it is hard for thee to kick against the goad. Then trembling with the fright Saul said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? and the Lord said to him,] but rise, and go into the city, and you shall be told what you must do. the mean while the men who accompany'd him, remain'd astonish'd, hearing a voice, but seeing no one. at length Saul rose from the ground; and when he opened his eyes, he could not see: so that they led him by the hand, and brought him to Damascus, where he was three days without sight, and did neither eat nor drink. Now there was a disciple at Damascus, named Ananias, to whom the Lord said in a vision, Ananias! and he said, Lord, here I am. and the Lord said unto him, arise, and go to the street called Straight, and enquire at the house of Judas, for one Saul of Tarsus: for he is there at prayer. (at that very instant Saul saw in a vision the said Ananias come in, and put his hand on him, to restore his sight.) then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many that this man has done a world of mischief to thy saints at Jerusalem: he is now here, and is impower'd by the chief priests, to imprison all that make profession of thy name.

blessed are you, when men shall hate you, discard you, reproach you, and treat you as infamous, for your attachment to the son of man.

Blessed are they who are persecuted upon the account of righteousness: for their's is the kingdom of heaven.

if I had not done among them such works as no other ever did, they had been innocent: but though they have seen them, yet they hate both me and my father.

remember what I told you, "the servant is not greater than his master." if they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you: if they have been spies upon my discourse, they will be so upon yours.

upon which occasion the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he did such things on the sabbath-day.

so that you maybe charg'd with all the innocent blood shed upon earth, from the blood of Abel the just, unto the blood of Zacharias, the son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

and that we may be delivered from vexatious wicked men; for all have not the faith.

we are fatigu'd by our manual toil: when reviled, we pray: when persecuted, we don't repine:

The same day at evening, being the first day of the week, the doors of the house where the disciples were, being shut, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, peace be with you.

they answered, you were a vicious fellow from your very birth, and do you pretend to preach to us? and then they excommunicated him.

his parents said this, because they were afraid of the Jews: for the Jews had agreed in this, that if any man did own him for the Messias, he should be excommunicated.

persecuted, but not forsaken; dejected, but not destroyed;

Hear another parable: a certain landlord planted a vineyard, hedged it round, set up a wine-press in it, and built a tower, then lett it out to tenants, and went into a foreign country. and when the fruit-season came on, he sent his servants to the tenants, to receive the fruits of it. but they seiz'd his servants, beat some, killed one, and stoned another. read more.
then he sent a greater number of servants, than at first: who met with the same treatment. but last of all, he sent his son, saying, they will reverence my son. but when the tenants saw the son, they said among themselves, this is the heir, come, let us kill him, and then seize on his inheritance. so seizing upon him, they turn'd him out of the vineyard, and slew him.

and those who will live like Christians, shall generally suffer persecution.

as for me, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why am I yet persecuted? for then there would not be so much objection to the doctrine of the cross.

they who desire to make a figure in the world, constrain you to be circumcised, only to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ.

but as then, he that was born in the ordinary course of nature, persecuted him, who was born by an extraordinary power; even so it is now.

others suffer'd cruel indignities and scourgings, besides chains and imprisonment.

but having no root in him he has only an occasional faith: for as soon as any oppression or persecution arises upon account of the gospel, he presently relapses.

but Jesus said to him, put up your sword in its place: for all that take to the sword, shall perish by the sword.

but I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who traduce you, and persecute you:

let those then, whom God calls to sufferings, by virtue recommend their souls to him, as to a creator, who will make good his promise.

but whoever suffers as a christian, let him not be asham'd, but rather give thanks to God upon that account.

when some out of the several synagogues, belonging to the freed men, to the Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and to those of Cilicia, and of Asia, came to dispute with Stephen. but as they were not able to withstand the force of that sublime knowledge which appeared in his discourse, they suborned men, who said, we have heard him speak irreverently of Moses, and of God. read more.
and they stirred up the people, the senators, and the doctors of law, who came and seiz'd him, and brought him to the council, where they produc'd false witnesses, who said, this man is continually inveighing against the holy place, and against the law. for we have heard him say, that Jesus the Nazarene shall destroy this place, and change the customs which Moses delivered us. and all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw an air of majesty in his aspect.

from that time Jesus began to preach, "Repent, said he, for the kingdom of the Messiah draws nigh."

bless them who persecute you:

but they seiz'd his servants, beat some, killed one, and stoned another. then he sent a greater number of servants, than at first: who met with the same treatment.

what shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or penury, or peril, or sword?

but the Jews having animated the women of quality of their religion, and the leading men of the city, raised a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and banish'd them from their territorys.

after they had been severely lash'd, they were thrown into prison, the jayler being charg'd to keep them safe.

for Herod having secur'd John, bound him, and put him in prison to please Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. for John had said to him, it is not lawful for thee to have her. he would have put him to death, but for fear of the people, who reckoned him a prophet. read more.
but when Herod's birth-day was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced in publick, and made such an impression upon Herod, that he promised her upon oath, to give whatever she should ask; who being before instructed by her mother, pray, said she, order John Baptist's head to be brought here in a charger. and the king relented: nevertheless out of regard to the oath, and to those who sat with him at table, he commanded it to be brought to her. and pursuant to order, John was beheaded in the prison, whence his head was brought in a charger, and given to the young lady, who carried it to her mother. upon which, his disciples came to take away the body, and having buried it, they went to tell Jesus what had happened.

was there ever any prophet whom your fathers did not persecute? have they not slain those who predicted the coming of that just person whom you have so lately betrayed and murder'd?

went and seized on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

About that time, king Herod Agrippa began to persecute some of the church.

and thus will they treat you, because they have not known the father, nor me.

And to the angel of the church in Smyrna, write, "THESE things saith the first and last, who was dead, and is alive." "I know thy works, thy tribulation and poverty (tho' thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of satan. fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

for the chief priests had resolved to put even Lazarus to death;

know, that our brother Timothy is set at liberty. if he comes quickly, I shall make YOU a visit with him.

for I persecuted this sect even to death, throwing them into chains and prisons both men and women:

and Saul was accessory to his death. At that time the persecution was so violent against the church at Jerusalem, they were all dispers'd through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles,

one Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he pass'd by in his return out of the country, was compell'd to carry the cross.

I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where the throne of satan is: thou maintainest my name, and hast not renounced your faith in me, even at a time when Antipas my faithful martyr was slain among you, where Satan dwells.

he caus'd James the brother of John to be beheaded.

I JOHN, who am your brother, and partake in the tribulation, in the reign, and in the patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony I gave of Jesus Christ.

however a single hair of your head shall not be lost.

full of joy, that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus.

But as Paul knew that one part of the Sanhedrim were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out, my brethren, "I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee, and I am now prosecuted for believing the resurrection of the dead."

possibly you are appriz'd, that it is not above twelve days since, that I went to Jerusalem to worship. they neither found me in conference with any one in the temple, nor working up the people either in the assemblies or in the streets: so far are they from proving what they lay to my charge. read more.
I do indeed own, that I serve the God of our nation according to the discipline they call sect: and believe whatever is written in the law and in the prophets. I have the same expectations from the DEITY, which they themselves entertain, that of the resurrection both of the just and of the unjust.

Blessed shall you be when men shall revile and persecute you, and falsely charge you with all manner of evil for your attachment to me.

fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

then shall they deliver you up to torments, and to death: and ye shall be hated by all nations upon my account.

be upon your guard with such men, for they will deliver you up to their tribunals, and scourge you in their synagogues.

but before all these events, they will seize upon you and persecute you, drag you to the synagogues and to prisons, being accused before kings and governours, for professing my name.

remember what I told you, "the servant is not greater than his master." if they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you: if they have been spies upon my discourse, they will be so upon yours.

then Herod and his retinue treated him with contempt, and in derision sent him back magnificently dress'd to Pilate.

upon which occasion the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he did such things on the sabbath-day.

and breaking up the assembly, they drove him out of the city, to the precipice of the hill, upon which it was built, in order to throw him headlong down.

After this Jesus resided in Galilee: for he would not be in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill him. now the

I know you are Abraham's offspring; but ye seek to kill me, because my doctrine doth not penetrate into you.

Blessed shall you be when men shall revile and persecute you, and falsely charge you with all manner of evil for your attachment to me.