53 Bible Verses about Persecution

And they departed from the presence of the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer disgrace for his name.

Blessed are ye when men shall revile and persecute you, and utter all manner of reproach against you falsly, for my sake:

I am come to send fire on the earth, and how do I desire that it were already kindled? for I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how I am straitened till it be accomplished? Do ye think that I am come to give peace on the earth? I tell you, nay; but rather division. read more.
For from this time there shall be five in one family divided, three against two and two against three: the father will be against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.

Blessed are ye when men shall revile and persecute you, and utter all manner of reproach against you falsly, for my sake:

Blessed are ye when men shall revile and persecute you, and utter all manner of reproach against you falsly, for my sake:

And they departed from the presence of the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer disgrace for his name.

Alexander the brazier did me many ill turns: the Lord will reward him according to his deeds.

Now there happened at that time no small disturbance about the way which he taught. For one Demetrius, a silver-smith, who made silver models of Diana's temple, brought no small gain to the artificers: whom he got together, and with them the workmen they employed about such things, and said, My friends, ye know that by this employment we get our wealth. read more.
And ye see and hear, that not only at Ephesus, but in almost all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and perverted many people, saying, that they are no gods which are made by hands. So that we are not only in danger of this, that the business we follow will come to nothing; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana will be despised; and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the whole world worshippeth. Hearing this and being filled with rage, they cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And the whole city was filled with confusion: and they rushed with one accord into the theatre, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus two Macedonians, fellow-travellers with Paul. And when Paul would have gone in unto the people, the disciples would not let him. And some also of the chief men of Asia, being his friends, sent to him and desired him not to venture himself into the theatre. Some therefore cried one thing, and some another; for the assembly was confused, and the greater part did not know for what they were come together. And they brought Alexander forward out of the multitude, the Jews urging him on. And Alexander beckoning with the hand, would have made a defence to the people. But when they knew that he was a Jew, they all cried out with one voice, for near two hours, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And when the Secretary had appeased the multitude, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there who doth not know that the city of the Ephesians is devoted to the service of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? Since therefore these things are incontestible, ye ought to be quiet and composed, and to do nothing rashly. For ye have brought these men hither, who are neither robbers of temples, nor blasphemers of your goddess. If Demetrius therefore, and the artificers that are with him, have a charge against any one, the law-courts are open, and there are Roman proconsuls likewise: let them implead one another. But if ye are enquiring any thing about other matters, let it be decided in a lawful assembly: for we are in danger of being charged with sedition for what has happened this day, there being no cause by which we can give a reason for this concourse. And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.

For we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning our affliction which befel us in Asia, that we were exceedingly pressed above our strength, so that we despaired even of life:

But when the Jews of Thessalonica knew that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came thither also, to stir up the people. Then the brethren immediately sent away Paul towards the sea: but Silas and Timothy remained there. And they that conducted Paul attended him to Athens: and receiving an order to Silas and Timothy, to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.

And indeed all, that are desirous to live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution.

For it seems to me that God hath as it were exhibited us the apostles last upon the stage as appointed to death; for we are made a spectacle to the world, and to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ: we are weak, but ye are strong: ye are honoured, but we are despised. Even to this present time we suffer both hunger, and thirst, and nakedness, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling: read more.
and we labour working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless: when persecuted, we bear it: when defamed, we intreat. We are made as the filth of the world, and the refuse of all things to this day.

And as He was going out of the temple, one of his disciples saith to Him, Master, behold what fine stones are here, and what stately buildings! And Jesus answering said unto him, Thou seest these grand buildings: but there shall not be left one stone upon another, which shall not be thrown down. And as He was sitting on the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked Him privately, read more.
saying, Tell us when these things shall be, and what shall be the sign when all these things are to be accomplished. But Jesus answered them and said, Beware least any one deceive you: for many shall come in my name saying, I am the Christ, and shall deceive many. And when ye hear of wars, and rumors of wars, be not troubled; for such things must happen; but the end will not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and famines and troubles: these will be the beginnings of sorrows. But look to yourselves; for they will deliver you up to councils, and synagogues: and ye shall be scourged, and set before governors and kings on my account, for a testimony against them. And the gospel must first be published to all nations. But when they shall lead you to deliver you up, be not anxiously careful beforehand what ye shall speak, neither premeditate: but whatever shall be suggested to you at that very time, this speak: for it is not you that speak, but the holy Spirit. One brother shall betray another to death, and the father the son: and children shall appear against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated by all men for my sake: but he that endures to the end shall be saved.

Behold I send you forth as sheep into the midst of wolves: be ye therefore prudent as serpents, and innocent as doves. Beware of evil men; for they will deliver you up to their councils, and will scourge you in their synagogues. And ye shall be brought before governors and kings on my account, for a testimony to them and to the nations: read more.
but when they take you up, be not sollicitous how, or what ye shall say; for ye shall be taught in that very instant what ye shall speak: for it is not you that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh by you. Brother shall betray his brother to death, and the father his child: and children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death: and ye shall be hated by all men for professing my name; but he that perseveres to the end shall certainly be saved. But when they persecute you in one city, flee into another: for verily I tell you, ye shall not finish your commission through the cities of Israel, before the Son of man shall come. The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord: it is sufficient sure for the disciple that he be treated as his master, and the servant as his lord. If then they call the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more his domestics?

And as Jesus went out, and was departing from the temple, his disciples came to observe to Him the magnificent buildings. But Jesus said unto them, Do ye see all these things? Verily I tell you, there shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be demolished. And when He was got to the mount of olives, the disciples came to Him in private and said, Tell us when these things shall be, and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world. read more.
And Jesus answered them, See that no one deceive you: for many shall come in my name saying, I am the Christ, and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars, but be not troubled; for all these must indeed come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in several places: all which are but the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they afflict you, and kill you; and ye shall be hated by all nations for my name: and then will many take offense, and betray one another, and hate one another: and many false prophets will rise up and deceive many:

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

Then shall they afflict you, and kill you; and ye shall be hated by all nations for my name:

Beware of evil men; for they will deliver you up to their councils, and will scourge you in their synagogues.

But before all these things they will lay hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to synagogues, and prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake:

Remember what I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you: if they have observed my word, they will also observe yours.

And finding there a certain Jew, named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who was lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla, (because Claudius Cesar had ordered all the Jews to depart from Rome,) he went to them;

But Herod with his soldiers set Him at nought and insulted Him, and put on Him a gaudy robe, and sent Him back to Pilate.

And for this did the Jews persecute Jesus, and endeavoured to put Him to death; because He had done these things on the sabbath-day.

and they rose up and drove Him out of the city, and dragged Him to the brow of the hill, on which their city was built, in order to throw Him down the precipice.

After these things Jesus resided in Galilee: for He would not appear in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him.

I know that ye are the seed of Abraham, but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.

who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver, in whom we trust that He will yet deliver us:

sufferings, which befel me at Antioch, in Iconium, in Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and how the Lord delivered me out of them all.

And when they heard it, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, Thou art God, who hast made heaven and earth, and sea, and all things 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 set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against his anointed. read more.
For of a truth both Herod and Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles and the people of Israel, combined against thy holy child Jesus,

But Saul still breathing out threatnings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, came to the high priest, and desired of him letters to the synagogues at Damascus, that if he should find any of this persuasion, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. And as he was on his journey, and came near to Damascus, suddenly there shone round about him a light from heaven; read more.
and he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art Thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus the Nazarene whom thou art persecuting: it is hard for thee to kick against the goads.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman: every branch in me that beareth not fruit He taketh away, and every one that beareth fruit, He purgeth, that it may bear more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. read more.
Abide therefore in me, and I will abide in you: for as the branch cannot bear fruit of it self, unless it abide in the vine; so neither can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches; he that abideth in me, and I in him, beareth much fruit: but without me ye can do nothing. If any one abide not in me, he is cast out as a useless branch and withereth: and they gather them up, and throw them into the fire, and they are burnt. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask what ye will, and it shall be granted you. Herein is my father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; and so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, and I have loved you, continue in my love: and if ye keep my commandments ye will continue in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and continue in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy in you may continue, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no one than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends: and ye are my friends, if ye do what I command you. I no longer stile you servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doth: but I have called you friends; for whatsoever I have heard from my Father, I have made known to you. Ye did not first choose me, but I chose you, and have appointed you to go forth, and bear fruit, and that your fruit should be lasting: that whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name, He may give it you. These commands I give you, that ye should love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me first. If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember what I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you: if they have observed my word, they will also observe yours. But all these things will they do unto you, on my account, because they know not Him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: 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 not comparatively had sin: but now they have both seen, and hated, both me and my Father. But thus it is that the word might be fulfilled, which is written in their law, they hated me without a cause.

And the man went away, and told the Jews, that it was Jesus who had healed him. And for this did the Jews persecute Jesus, and endeavoured to put Him to death; because He had done these things on the sabbath-day. But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh without intermission, and so do I. read more.
For this therefore the Jews sought the more to kill Him, because He had not only broken the sabbath, but had also called God his own Father, making Himself equal with God.

And it came to pass that as I was on my journey and drew nigh to Damascus, about mid-day, on a sudden a great light from heaven shone round about me: and I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And He said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.

And when they were departed, behold an angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Rise and take the child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and continue there, untill I tell thee to return: for Herod will seek the child to destroy Him.

But when they persecute you in one city, flee into another: for verily I tell you, ye shall not finish your commission through the cities of Israel, before the Son of man shall come.

But the pharisees went out of the synagogue and took counsel together against Him, how they might destroy Him: but Jesus knew it, and withdrew from thence; and great multitudes followed Him with their sick,

If, to speak as a man, I fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage have I, if the dead rise not? Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die. ---

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

I John, who am also your brother, and companion in the affliction, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the island called Patmos, for the sake of the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

And they laid hands on them, and put them into custody till the next day: for it was now evening. But many of them who heard the word, believed: and the number of the men was about five thousand. And on the morrow their rulers, and elders, and scribes were gathered together at Jerusalem: read more.
and with them Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked them, By what power, or in what name have ye done this? Then Peter filled with the holy Spirit said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, if we are this day examined about the benefit done to the impotent man, by what means he is cured, be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, but whom God hath raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone that was set at nought by you builders, which is become the head of the corner. And there is salvation in no other; for there is no other name under heaven given among men, by which we can be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were plain and illiterate men, they were amazed; and they knew them again that they had been with Jesus: but seeing the man that was cured standing with them, they had nothing to say against it. Therefore they ordered them to withdraw from the council, and conferred among themselves, saying, What shall we do with these men? for that indeed an evident miracle hath been wrought by them is manifest to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But that it may spread no farther among the people, let us severely charge them to speak no more to any man in this name. So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all, nor teach in the name of Jesus.

and laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the public prison. But an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison by night, and having brought them out said, "Go stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life." read more.
And hearing this, they went early in the morning into the temple and taught the people. But the high priest being come, and they that were with him, to the council-chamber, they called together the Sanhedrim, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent orders to the prison that they should be brought before them. But when the officers came they found them not in the prison: so they returned, and told them, saying, the prison we found shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we opened them, we found no body within. Now when the high priest, and the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these words, they were in doubt concerning them, what this would come to; when there came one and told them, saying, behold, the men whom ye put in prison, are in the temple teaching the people. Then the captain went with the officers and brought them, but not with violence; for they were afraid of the people least they should be stoned: and when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, Did not we strictly charge you not to teach in this name? and behold ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and would bring this man's blood upon us. But Peter, and the other apostles, answered, and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers hath raised up Jesus whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand as a prince and saviour, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins: and we are his witnesses of what we declare; and so is the holy Spirit, whom God hath given to them that obey Him. And when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to put them to death. But a certain pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, held in much esteem by all the people, stood up in the council, and ordered the apostles to be taken out a little while; and then he said unto them, Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves, what ye are about to do, as to these men. For some time ago one Theudas arose, pretending to be some extraordinary person, to whom was joined a number of men, about four hundred: who was slain, and all that followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After him arose Judas the Galilean, at the time of the registring, and drew much people after him: but he also perished, and all that followed him were dispersed. And therefore as to the present affair I advise you to refrain from these men and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nothing; but if it be of God, ye cannot defeat it, least ye be found fighting even against God. So they took his advice, and having called for the apostles and scourged them, they charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer disgrace for his name. And every day in the temple and from house to house they ceased not from teaching and preaching that Jesus was the Christ.

About that time Herod the king exerted his power to distress some of the church. And he cut off James, the brother of John, with the sword. And seeing that it was pleasing to the Jews, he proceeded to apprehend Peter also, (in the days of unleavened bread:) read more.
whom he seized and put into prison, delivering him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him; intending, after the passover, to bring him out to the people. Peter was therefore kept in custody: but incessant prayer was made to God for him by the church. And when Herod was about to bring him forth, that very night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the guards at the door watched the prison. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the room; and smiting Peter on the side, he waked him, and said, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself and tie on thy sandals: and he did so. And he saith unto him, Throw thy garment round thee, and follow me. So he went out and followed him; and he did not know, that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he saw a vision. And passing through the first and second guard, they came to the iron gate, that leadeth into the city, which of its own accord opened to them: and they went out and passed on through one street; and then the angel departed from him. And Peter being come to himself said, Now I know truly, that the Lord hath sent his angel and hath delivered me from the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. And considering with himself, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, who was sirnamed Mark, where many were gathered together and praying. And when Peter knocked at the door of the porch, a servant named Rhoda came to ask who was there. And knowing Peter's voice, through excess of joy she did not open the door, but ran in and told them, that Peter was standing at the door. And they said to her, Thou art mad: but she confidently affirmed that it was so. Then said they, It is his angel. But Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door, they saw him, and were astonished. 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. And he said, Go, tell these things to James and to the other brethren. And he departed and went to another place. Now as soon as it was day, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. And Herod searching for him, and not finding him, brought the keepers to a trial, and ordered them to be executed. Then he went down from Judea to Cesarea, and abode there.

But before all these things they will lay hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to synagogues, and prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake:

Remember what I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you: if they have observed my word, they will also observe yours.

or lands for my sake and the gospel's, but he shall receive an hundred-fold: now in this time indeed, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands with persecutions; but in the world to come life everlasting.

Now they that were dispersed by the trouble, which arose about Stephen, travelled as far as Phenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but the Jews only. But some of them were Cyprians, and Cyrenians, who when they came to Antioch, discoursed with the Grecians also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

And Saul was well pleased with his execution. For at that time there was a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all dispersed through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Now they that were dispersed went about preaching the word.

But I would have you know, my brethren, that the things, which have befallen me, have proved rather to the advancement of the gospel: so that my bonds are manifest in all the palace, and all other places, to be for the sake of Christ; and many of the brethren in the Lord, encouraged by my bonds, are much more bold to publish the word without fear.

as to zeal persecuting the church, as to the righteousness of the law blameless: but those things,

who before was a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and an oppressor. But I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief: and the grace of our Lord superabounded,

And for this did the Jews persecute Jesus, and endeavoured to put Him to death; because He had done these things on the sabbath-day.

who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; who are displeasing to God, and contrary to all men:

seeing it is a righteous thing with God to render affliction to those that afflict you;

Blessed are they, who are persecuted for righteousness sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when men shall revile and persecute you, and utter all manner of reproach against you falsly, for my sake: rejoice and be exceeding glad; for great will be your reward in heaven: for so they persecuted the prophets, that were before you.

Blessed are ye when men shall hate you, and reject you, and reproach you, and cast out your name as infamous on account of the Son of man. Rejoice in that day, and be exceeding glad; for behold, your reward is great in heaven: for thus did their fathers to the prophets.

And those that dwell upon the earth shall triumph over them, and be merry, and send presents to one another: because these two prophets had tormented those that dwelt on the earth.

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

but rejoice in that ye are partakers in the sufferings of Christ; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may also rejoice with exceeding joy.

that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel, to the blood of Zacharias the son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

and why did he slay him? because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

and he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art Thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus the Nazarene whom thou art persecuting: it is hard for thee to kick against the goads.

but the Jews stirred up devout and honorable women, and the heads of the city, and raised a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their territories.

I indeed once thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus the Nazarene: which I also did in Jerusalem; and I shut up many of the saints in prison, having received authority for it from the chief priests; and when they were put to death I gave my voice against them. And often punishing them in all the synagogues, I compelled them to blaspheme, and being excessively enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

And Saul was well pleased with his execution. For at that time there was a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all dispersed through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

For ye have heard of my conversation formerly in Judaism, that I outragiously persecuted the church of God, and laid it waste:

But Saul still breathing out threatnings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, came to the high priest, and desired of him letters to the synagogues at Damascus, that if he should find any of this persuasion, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. And as he was on his journey, and came near to Damascus, suddenly there shone round about him a light from heaven; read more.
and he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art Thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus the Nazarene whom thou art persecuting: it is hard for thee to kick against the goads. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise and go into the city, and it shall be told thee, what thou must do. And the men that went along with him, stood astonished, hearing the voice, but seeing no one. And Saul rose from the earth, but when he opened his eyes he could not see: so they led him by the hand, and brought him to Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and did neither eat nor drink. Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, Ananias, and he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise and go into the street which is called Strait, and enquire in the house of Judas for one Saul, of Tarsus: for behold he is praying, and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias, coming in and putting his hand upon him, that he might recover his sight. And Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many of this man, how much mischief he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: and here too he hath authority from the chief priests to apprehend all that call upon thy name.

Blessed are ye when men shall hate you, and reject you, and reproach you, and cast out your name as infamous on account of the Son of man.

Blessed are they, who are persecuted for righteousness sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

If I had not done among them such works as no other ever did, they had not comparatively had sin: but now they have both seen, and hated, both me and my Father.

Remember what I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you: if they have observed my word, they will also observe yours.

And for this did the Jews persecute Jesus, and endeavoured to put Him to death; because He had done these things on the sabbath-day.

that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel, to the blood of Zacharias the son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

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

and we labour working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless: when persecuted, we bear it: when defamed, we intreat.

Now the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, and the doors where the disciples were being shut, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be to you.

They answered, and said unto him, Thou wast wholly born in sins, and dost thou teach us?

These things said his parents, because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed, that if any one confessed Him to be Christ, he should be turned out of the synagogue.

persecuted, but not forsaken;

Hear another parable, There was a certain man, a master of a family, that planted a vineyard, and made a fence about it, and put a wine-press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and travelled abroad. And when the fruit-season drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, to receive the fruits of it: and the husbandmen took his servants and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. read more.
And he sent again other servants more than the first: and they did the like to them. At last he sent unto them his Son, saying, They will reverence my Son. But when the husbandmen saw the Son, they said among themselves, This is the heir, come, let us kill him, and seize on his inheritance: so they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and slew him.

And indeed all, that are desirous to live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution.

And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted by the Jews? for then the offence of the cross is ceased.

They, who want to make a fair appearance in the flesh, would constrain you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.

But as then he that was born after the flesh, persecuted him who was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.

And others had the trial of mockings and scourgings, and of bonds too and imprisonment.

yet hath he no root in himself, and therefore is but for a short season; and when affliction cometh, or persecution on account of the word, he is as soon disgusted.

Then said Jesus to him, Put up thy sword into it's place; for they that take 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 that abuse you and persecute you;

Wherefore let them, that suffer according to the will of God, commit their souls in well-doing to Him as to a faithful Creator.

But if any suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God herein.

But there rose up some of the synagogue, which is called that of the libertines, and some of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia, and Asia, to dispute with Stephen: and they were not able to resist the wisdom and spirit by which he spake. Then they suborned men to say, we heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God. read more.
And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, and forced him along with them, and brought him to the council: and they set up false witnesses; who said, This man is continually speaking blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law. For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and change the rites which Moses delivered to us. (And all that were sitting in the council, looking stedfastly at him, saw his face like the face of an angel.)

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Bless them that persecute you: bless them, I say, and do not curse them.

and the husbandmen took his servants and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. And he sent again other servants more than the first: and they did the like to them.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall affliction, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

but the Jews stirred up devout and honorable women, and the heads of the city, and raised a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their territories.

And when they had given them many stripes, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely.

for Herod had apprehended John, and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; for John said to Him, It is not lawful for thee to have her: and he would have put him to death, but that he was afraid of the people; for they esteemed him as a prophet. read more.
But when Herod's birth-day was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod, so that he promised her with an oath to give her whatever she would ask: and she, being before instructed by her mother, said, Give me here in a dish the head of John the baptist: at which the king was distressed, but because of his oath, and of those who sat at table with him, he ordered it to be given her; and he sent and beheaded John in the prison, and his head was brought in a dish, and given to the young princess, who carried it to her mother: and his disciples came and took up the body and buried it, and then went and told Jesus.

Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute? and slew those who prophesied concerning the coming of that righteous One, of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers;

and laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the public prison.

About that time Herod the king exerted his power to distress some of the church.

And these things will they do unto 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 the Last, who was dead and is alive; I know thy works and affliction and poverty (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of those that say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of the things which thou wilt suffer: behold the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall suffer affliction ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Wherefore the chief priests took counsel to put Lazarus also to death.

Know that our brother Timothy is set at liberty, with whom (if he come soon) I will see you.

And I persecuted those of this persuasion even unto death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

And Saul was well pleased with his execution. For at that time there was a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all dispersed through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was passing by, coming out of the country, to carry his cross:

I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and yet thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr; who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

And he cut off James, the brother of John, with the sword.

I John, who am also your brother, and companion in the affliction, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the island called Patmos, for the sake of the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

But not an hair of your head shall perish.

And they departed from the presence of the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer disgrace for his name.

But Paul, knowing that the one part were sadducees, and the other pharisees, cried out in the sanhedrim, "Brethren, I am a pharisee, the son of a pharisee: for the hope of a resurrection of the dead I am now prosecuted."

because thou mayst know, that there are not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem: and they neither found me disputing with any one in the temple, or making sedition among the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me. read more.
But this I confess unto thee, that after the way, which they call heresy, so do I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law, and the prophets: having hope in God, (which they themselves also expect) that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

Blessed are ye when men shall revile and persecute you, and utter all manner of reproach against you falsly, for my sake:

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

Then shall they afflict you, and kill you; and ye shall be hated by all nations for my name:

Beware of evil men; for they will deliver you up to their councils, and will scourge you in their synagogues.

But before all these things they will lay hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to synagogues, and prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake:

Remember what I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you: if they have observed my word, they will also observe yours.

But Herod with his soldiers set Him at nought and insulted Him, and put on Him a gaudy robe, and sent Him back to Pilate.

And for this did the Jews persecute Jesus, and endeavoured to put Him to death; because He had done these things on the sabbath-day.

and they rose up and drove Him out of the city, and dragged Him to the brow of the hill, on which their city was built, in order to throw Him down the precipice.

After these things Jesus resided in Galilee: for He would not appear in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him.

I know that ye are the seed of Abraham, but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.

Blessed are ye when men shall revile and persecute you, and utter all manner of reproach against you falsly, for my sake: