53 Bible Verses about Persecution

Then they went rejoicing from the presence of the sanhedrim, that for his name's sake, they had been counted worthy to suffer this injurious treatment.

Blessed are ye, when they shall revile and persecute you, and lying, speak every thing evil against you for my sake.

I am come to cast fire on the earth, and what is my wish? that it may be now kindled. But I have a baptism to be baptised with; and how am I distressed in spirit till it is finished! Think ye that I came to bring peace upon earth? No, I tell you; but rather division: read more.
for henceforth five shall be in one house, divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall take part against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the step-mother against her daughter-in-law, and the son's wife against her mother-in-law.

Blessed are ye, when they shall revile and persecute you, and lying, speak every thing evil against you for my sake.

Blessed are ye, when they shall revile and persecute you, and lying, speak every thing evil against you for my sake.

Then they went rejoicing from the presence of the sanhedrim, that for his name's sake, they had been counted worthy to suffer this injurious treatment.

Alexander the brazier did me many ill offices: the Lord repay him according to his works:

And there happened at that time no small disturbance about this way. For a person named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made little temples in silver to represent that of Diana, brought to the artificers no small gain; whom collecting together, with the workmen also of such trinkets, he said, Sirs, ye know that by this employment we make our advantageous livelihood: read more.
and ye see and hear how not only at Ephesus, but almost through all Asia, this fellow Paul, by his persuasions, hath perverted a vast multitude, affirming that they are not gods which are made with hands: so that not only is this our trade in danger of falling into contempt, but also that this temple of the great goddess Diana should be counted as nothing, and that henceforth also her magnificence should be utterly destroyed, whom all Asia and the whole world worshippeth. On hearing this then, 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 unanimously into the theatre, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul's travelling companions. But though Paul wished to go in to the people, the disciples would not permit him. And some of the Asiarchs also, who were his friends, sent unto him, admonishing him not to venture himself into the theatre. So they were crying out some one thing and some another: for the assembly was a scene of confusion, and the greater part knew not on what account they were collected together. Then out of the crowd they brought forward Alexander, the Jews pushing him on: and Alexander, waving his hand, would fain have addressed his apology to the people. But when they knew he was a Jew, one shout burst from all, crying for about the space of two hours, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. Then the recorder having quieted the multitude, said, Men of Ephesus, who indeed is the man that doth not know that the city of the Ephesians is wholly devoted to the great goddess Diana, and to the image which fell down from Jupiter? These things being then incontrovertible, it becomes you to be quiet, and to do nothing with precipitation. For ye have brought hither these men, neither robbers of the temple, nor blasphemers of your goddess. If then indeed Demetrius and the artificers that are with him have a charge against any man, the courts are held, and there are proconsuls: let them implead one another. And if ye have any dispute about other matters, it shall be terminated in a lawful assembly, For we are even in danger of being called to account for this day's insurrection, there being no cause on account of which we can justify this tumultuary concourse: and so saying, he dissolved the assembly.

For we would not have you ignorant, brethren, of the tribulation which came to us in Asia, that above measure we have been burdened beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life:

But when the Jews of Thessalonica knew that at Berea also the word of God was preached by Paul, they came thither, and stirred up the populace. Then immediately on this the brethren sent off Paul, to go as if by sea: but Silas and Timothy abode there still. And those who conduced Paul brought him as far as Athens, and receiving an injunction for Silas and Timothy that they should come to him as speedily as possible, they departed.

And all indeed who will live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

For I think that God hath exposed us his apostles the last as devoted unto death. For we have been made a spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to men. We are counted fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are mighty; ye are honourable persons, but we despised. For even to this present hour we undergo hunger and thirst and nakedness, and are buffeted about, and have no settled abode; read more.
and work hard, labouring with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it; being injuriously spoken of, we entreat; we are made as the ordures of the world, as the sweepings of all things unto this day.

AND as he was going out of the temple, one of his disciples said unto him, Master, behold what vast stones, and what structures! And Jesus answering said to him, Beholdest thou these magnificent structures? 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, opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, read more.
Tell us, when shall these things be? and what is the sign when all these things shall come to pass? Then Jesus answering them, began to say, Beware that no man deceive you: for many will come in my name, saying, I am the Messiah; and shall deceive many. But when ye hear of wars, and rumours of wars, be not troubled: for these things must be; but the end is not yet. And nation shall rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and commotions: these are the beginnings of sorrows. But take ye heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to their sanhedrims, and to the synagogues; ye shall be beaten with rods, and be set before kings and governors for my name's sake, for a testimony unto them. And the Gospel must first be preached to all nations. But when delivering you up, they shall bring you to the bar, be not previously anxious what ye shall say, neither premeditate: for it shall be given to you at that very hour, what ye shall speak: for it is not you, who are speaking, but the Holy Ghost. And brother shall deliver up brother unto death, and the father the son: and children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore prudent as serpents, and harmless as doves. But be on your guard against men: for they will deliver you up to the sanhedrim, and scourge you in their synagogues. And ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the heathen. read more.
But when they shall deliver you up, be under no anxiety what ye shall say; for it shall be given you in that very hour what ye should speak: for it is not you who are speaking, but the Spirit of your Father which is speaking in you. Then brother shall surrender brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end, that man shall be saved. But when they shall persecute you in one city, flee unto another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not complete your circuit through the cities of Israel before the Son of man comes. The disciple is not superior to his teacher, nor the servant above his master. It is sufficient if the disciple be as his teacher, and the servant as his master. If they have called the master of the family Beelzebub, how much more his domestics?

AND Jesus departing was going his way from the temple: and his disciples came to him, to point out to his observation the buildings of the temple. But Jesus said unto them, Do you not see all these things? I tell you of a certainty, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, which shall not be utterly thrown down. Then as he was sitting upon the mount of Olives, his disciples came to him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall there things be? and what is the sign of thy coming, and of the consummation of the age? read more.
And Jesus answering said unto them, Beware that no man deceive you. For many will come in my name, saying, I am the Messiah; and shall deceive multitudes. And ye shall hear of wars, and rumours of wars: see that ye be not terrified: for these things must first be, but the end is not yet. For nation shall be roused up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in diverse places. Now all these things are the beginning of the travailing pangs. Then shall they deliver you up to affliction, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and hate one another.

Fear nothing from the things which thou shalt suffer: lo! the devil will cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have a ten day's tribulation: be thou faithful until death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Then shall they deliver you up to affliction, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.

But be on your guard against men: for they will deliver you up to the sanhedrim, and scourge you in their synagogues.

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

Remember the word which I spake unto you, The servant is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also; if they have observed my words, they will observe your's also.

and finding a certain Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, lately arrived from Italy, with Priscilla his wife, (because Claudius had issued an order that all Jews should depart from Rome,) he turned in to them.

Then Herod with his guards treated him with contempt, and in derision clothed him in a splendid robe, and sent him back to Pilate.

And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to kill him, because he had done these things on the sabbath-day.

and rising up, dragged him out of the city, and led him to the brow of the hill, on which their city was built, in order to cast him down headlong:

AND Jesus after these things travelled about in Galilee: for he would not go about in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill him.

I know that ye are Abraham's seed; yet ye seek to kill me, because my word has no place in you.

Who from so imminent a prospect of death hath delivered us, and still delivers: in whom we trust also that he will yet deliver us:

the persecutions, the sufferings, which beset me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, yet out of them all the Lord delivered me.

Now when they heard it, they lifted up their united voice to God, and said, Lord, thou art the God which made the heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and all things which are in them: who by the mouth of David thy servant saidst, Why do the heathen so furiously rage, and the people meditate vain things? The kings of the earth rose up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah. read more.
For they have been in truth collected together against thy holy Son Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, even Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the heathen, and the people of Israel,

BUT Saul, still breathing out threatenings and murder against the disciples of the Lord, applying to the high-priest, besought of him letters for the synagogues at Damascus, that if he should find any persons of this way, whether men or women, he might bring them in chains to Jerusalem. So advancing on his journey, he was drawing nigh to Damascus: and suddenly there shone around him a light from heaven: read more.
and falling on the ground, he heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? Then said he, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou art persecuting: It is difficult for thee to kick against the goads.

I AM the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth no fruit, he taketh it away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he pruneth it clean, that it may bring forth more fruit. Ye are already clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. read more.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, 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, this person beareth much fruit: because without me ye can do nothing. If any man abide not in me, he is cast out as a branch, and withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done for you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye should bring forth much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. Just as the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you: abide in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and as I abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may abide in you, and your joy may be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever things I command you. I no more call you servants; for the servant knoweth not what his master is doing: but I have called you friends because I have made known to you all things which I have heard of my Father. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and appointed you that ye should go forth and bear fruit, and that your fruit should be permanent: that so whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before you. If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have elected you out of the world, for this very cause the world hateth you. Remember the word which I spake unto you, The servant is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also; if they have observed my words, they will observe your's also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. Had I not come and spoken to them, they would not have 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 the works which no other ever did, they would not have had sin: but now they have both seen and hated both me and my Father. But it is in order that the word may be fulfilled which is written in their law, "They hated me without a cause."

The man went, and informed the Jews, that it was Jesus who had made him whole. And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to kill him, because he had done these things on the sabbath-day. Then Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. read more.
Therefore sought they the more to kill him, because he had not only broken the sabbath, but called God his own Father, setting himself on an equality with God.

But as I went and drew nigh to Damascus, at noon-day, suddenly there shone a great light from heaven around me. And I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said to me, I am Jesus the Nazarean, whom thou persecutest.

Now when they were gone, behold an angel of the Lord appeared unto Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the infant and his mother by night, and flee into Egypt, and stay there, till I speak to thee, for Herod will search for the infant to destroy it.

But when they shall persecute you in one city, flee unto another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not complete your circuit through the cities of Israel before the Son of man comes.

Then the Pharisees went out, and held a consultation against him, how they might make away with him. But Jesus knew it, and retired from thence, and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all,

If after the manner of men I have fought with wild beasts at Ephesus, of what advantage would it be to me, if the dead did not rise again? shall we eat and drink; because to-morrow we die?

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are more miserable than all other men.

I John, your brother and companion also with you in the tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the island which is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

And they laid hands on them, and committed them to prison till the next day: for it was then evening. But many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. Now it came to pass that the next morning, their rulers, and elders, and scribes, were assembled at Jerusalem, read more.
and Annas the high-priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were the high-priest's relations. And placing them in the midst, they interrogated them, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this thing? Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, if we are this day examined relative to the good deed done to the infirm man, by what means he was restored; be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarean, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him doth this man stand here sound in your presence. This is the stone which, though set at nought by you builders, is become the head of the corner. And there is no salvation in any other person: for there is no other name under heaven given unto men, whereby we must be saved. Attentively regarding then the noble confidence of Peter and John, and perceiving that they were men unlettered, and destitute of education, they were astonished; and they recollected them, that they had been with Jesus. But seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they had not a word to reply in contradiction. But bidding them retire out of the council-chamber, they conferred among themselves, saying, What shall we do with these men? for that an acknowledged miracle hath been wrought by them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it be no farther spread among the people, we will menace them with threats, no more to speak in this name to any man. So calling them in, they charged them not to speak in any manner, nor to teach, in the name of Jesus.

and laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. But the angel of the Lord by night opened the doors of the prison, and conducting them forth, said, Go, and taking your station in the temple, speak to the people all the words of this life. read more.
Having heard this therefore, they entered very early in the morning into the temple, and taught. But when the high-priest came, and those who were with him, they convoked the sanhedrim, and all the assembly of elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to bring them. But the officers, on their arrival, found them not in the prison: and returning, informed them, saying; The prison indeed found we fast locked with all security, and the guards standing without, before the door: but when we opened it, we found no person within. Now when they heard these words, both the priest and captain of the temple and the chief priests were in the utmost perplexity concerning these things, what could be the meaning of it. Then came a person and informed them, saying, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. Then went the captain, with the officers, and brought them; not forcibly, for they were afraid of the people, lest they should stone them. But when they had conducted them, they placed them in the sanhedrim: and the high-priest interrogated them, saying, Did we not lay our strict injunction upon you, that you should not teach in this name? and, lo, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and would fain bring this man's blood upon us. Then Peter and the apostles answering said, We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers hath raised up Jesus, whom ye had killed, suspending him on a tree. Him hath God exalted at his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance unto Israel, and remission of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; and the Holy Ghost also, which God hath given to those who obey him. But when they heard this, they were cut asunder as with a saw, and took counsel how to make away with them. Then arose a certain Pharisee, in the sanhedrim, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, held in high esteem by all the people, and ordered the apostles to be taken out for a little space; and he said unto them, Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves respecting these men, what ye mean to do to them. For before these days arose Theudas, saying that he himself was a singular personage: to whom a number of men, about four hundred, attached themselves: who was taken off; and as many as obeyed him, were dispersed, and came to nothing. And after him arose Judas the Galilean, in the days of the enrolment, and drew away a multitude of the populace after him: he also perished, and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And as to the matters now before you, I say unto you, Abstain from these men, and leave them to themselves: for if this design or this work be of men, it will come to nothing: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; and in that case would be found fighters against God. And to him they assented: and calling in the apostles, after scourging them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them. Then they went rejoicing from the presence of the sanhedrim, that for his name's sake, they had been counted worthy to suffer this injurious treatment. And all the day long in the temple, and from house to house, they never ceased teaching and preaching Jesus Christ.

NOW at that time Herod the king stretched forth his hand to treat cruelly certain persons belonging to the church. And he slew James the brother of John with a sword. And seeing how agreeable this was to the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) read more.
Whom having apprehended, he put him in prison, delivering him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep guard over him; intending after the Passover to bring him forth to the people [for execution]. So then Peter was kept in prison: but fervent prayer was offered up by the church to God for him. Now when Herod was going to bring him forth, the same night was Peter fast asleep between the two soldiers, fastened to them with two chains: and the guards before the door kept the prison. And, lo! an angel of the Lord stood there, and light glared through the apartment: then with a stroke on Peter's side, he roused him up, and said, Arise quickly. And his chains fell from his hands. And the angel said to him, Gird thyself up, and bind on thy sandals. And he did so. And he said unto him, Wrap thyself in thy mantle, and follow me. And going out, he followed him; and knew not that it was a reality which was done by the angel; but he supposed he saw a vision. So passing through the first ward and the second, they came to the iron door which leads into the city, which opened to them spontaneously: and being come out, they walked forward through one street; and immediately the angel departed from him. And Peter coming to himself, said, Now I know assuredly, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me from the hand of Herod, and all the eager expectation of the people of the Jews. And after considering with himself, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, who is surnamed Mark; where many were thronged together, and praying. Peter then knocking at the door of the gatetway, there came a damsel to ask who was there, named Rhoda. And well knowing Peter's voice, she opened not the door for joy; but running in, told that Peter was standing before the door. But they said, Thou art raving. But she confidently persisted that it was so. Then they said, It is his angel. But Peter continued knocking: and they opened the door and saw him, and were astonished. Then beckoning with the hand that they should be silent, he informed them in what manner the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Tell James and the brethren these things. And departing thence he went into another place. Now when the day broke, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what could possibly become of Peter. And Herod sought him out earnestly, but not being able to find him, after having examined the guards strictly, he commanded them to be executed. And going down from Jerusalem to Caesarea, took up his abode there.

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

Remember the word which I spake unto you, The servant is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also; if they have observed my words, they will observe your's also.

who shall not receive an hundred-fold more now, at this very time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecution, and in the world to come life everlasting.

Now those also who were dispersed by the persecution which arose on account of Stephen passed on as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no man except the Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they arrived at Antioch, spake to the Grecian proselytes, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a vast multitude believing, turned to the Lord.

BUT Saul was delighted with his execution. Now on that very day commenced a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and all, besides the apostles, were dispersed through the regions of Judea and Samaria.

Those therefore who were dispersed, travelled through the country, preaching the word.

Now I wish you, brethren, to know, that the things which have befallen me have rather conduced to the progress of the gospel; so that my bonds are manifest in Christ through the whole palace, and all other places; and very many of our brethren in the Lord, assuming confidence from my chains, are more abundantly bold, fearlessly to preach the word.

respecting the law, a Pharisee; with regard to zeal, persecuting the church; as touching the righteousness which is by the law, blameless.

who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and insolently violent, But I was admitted to mercy, for I did it ignorantly in unbelief;

And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to kill him, because he had done these things on the sabbath-day.

who both murdered the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us, and please not God, and are in opposition to all mankind;

seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness sake: for their's is the kingdom in heaven. Blessed are ye, when they shall revile and persecute you, and lying, speak every thing evil against you for my sake. Rejoice and exult; for plenteous is your reward in the heavens: for just so they persecuted the prophets who went before you.

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from them, and shall revile you, and shall cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy; for, lo! your reward is great in heaven: for after the same manner did your fathers to the prophets.

And the dwellers upon earth will rejoice over them, and be very glad, and will send gifts to each other; because these two prophets were a torment to those who dwell on the earth.

Rejoice and exult; for plenteous is your reward in the heavens: for just so they persecuted the prophets who went before you.

but as ye share in the sufferings of Christ rejoice, that at the revelation of his glory also ye may hail him with exultations.

that upon you may come all the righteous blood which hath been poured out upon the earth, from the blood of the righteous Abel, to the blood of Zachariah, son of Barachiah, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

Not as Cain, who was of the wicked one, and slew his brother: and wherefore did he slay him? Because his own works were wicked, and those of his brother righteous.

and falling on the ground, he heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? Then said he, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou art persecuting: It is difficult for thee to kick against the goads.

Then the Jews stirred up the devout women, and those who were respectable, and the principal persons of the city, and raised up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and cast them out of their borders.

I indeed then thought in myself, that I ought to do many things in opposition to the name of Jesus the Nazarean. Which also I did at Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were killed, I gave my vote against them. And in every synagogue oftentimes punishing them, I compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly maddened with rage against them, I persecuted them even to the cities that are without.

BUT Saul was delighted with his execution. Now on that very day commenced a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and all, besides the apostles, were dispersed through the regions of Judea and Samaria.

For ye have heard of my former manner of life, when I professed Judaism, that in the most outrageous manner I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

BUT Saul, still breathing out threatenings and murder against the disciples of the Lord, applying to the high-priest, besought of him letters for the synagogues at Damascus, that if he should find any persons of this way, whether men or women, he might bring them in chains to Jerusalem. So advancing on his journey, he was drawing nigh to Damascus: and suddenly there shone around him a light from heaven: read more.
and falling on the ground, he heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? Then said he, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou art persecuting: It is difficult for thee to kick against the goads. And trembling and amazed he 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 who travelled with him stood astonished, hearing indeed a voice, but seeing no man. Then Paul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. And he was three days seeing nothing, and did neither eat nor drink. Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said unto him in a vision, Ananias! And he said, Here I am, Lord. Then the Lord said to him, Arise, go into the street called Strait, and inquire at the house of Judas for one named Saul a man of Tarsus: for, behold, he is praying, and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming to him, and laying his hand upon him, that he may recover his sight. But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many of this man, how many evils he hath inflicted on thy saints at Jerusalem: and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call upon thy name.

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from them, and shall revile you, and shall cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness sake: for their's is the kingdom in heaven.

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

Remember the word which I spake unto you, The servant is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also; if they have observed my words, they will observe your's also.

And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to kill him, because he had done these things on the sabbath-day.

that upon you may come all the righteous blood which hath been poured out upon the earth, from the blood of the righteous Abel, to the blood of Zachariah, son of Barachiah, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for there is not faith in all.

and work hard, labouring with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it;

When the evening therefore was come, on the same first day of the week, and the doors being fastened where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said unto them, Peace be to you.

They answered and said unto him, Thou wast wholly born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.

So spake his parents, because they were afraid of the Jews: for the Jews had already come to a resolution, that if any person acknowledged him Messiah, he should be excluded the synagogue.

persecuted, yet not abandoned; cast down, but not destroyed;

Hear another parable: There was a certain man, the master of a family, who planted a vineyard, and set a hedge about it, and digged in it a wine-press, and built a tower, and hired it out to husbandmen, and went into a distant country. But when the season for fruits drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen to receive his fruits. And the husbandmen took his servants, one they beat, and another they killed, and a third they stoned. read more.
Again he sent other servants more than the first, and they treated them in the same manner. Then at last he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But the husbandmen, when they saw the son, said among themselves, This is the heir, come let us kill him, and let us seize on the inheritance. And they took him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.

And all indeed who will live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

But I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? then indeed the offence of the cross is at an end.

As many as wish to make a fair appearance in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.

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

and others had trials of mockeries and whippings, yea and farther of chains and imprisonment:

hath not really root in himself, but is merely temporary: and when tribulation or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately he is stumbled.

Then saith Jesus unto him, Return thy sword into its sheath: for all who take the sword, shall perish by the sword.

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who treat you insolently, and persecute you;

Wherefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to him in well-doing as to the faithful Creator.

But if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him give glory to God on this very account.

Then rose up certain men of the synagogue of the freed-men, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they could not resist the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke. Then they suborned men to say, We heard him speak blasphemous things against Moses, and against God. read more.
And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and coming upon him, they seized him together, and dragged him to the sanhedrim; and they set up false witnesses, saying, This man doth not cease speaking blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: for we have heard him affirm, that Jesus the Nazarean, even he, will destroy this place, and change the accustomed ordinances which Moses delivered to us. And fixing their eyes upon him, all who sat in the sanhedrim, beheld his face as the face of an angel.

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

Bless them who persecute you; bless, and curse not.

And the husbandmen took his servants, one they beat, and another they killed, and a third they stoned. Again he sent other servants more than the first, and they treated them in the same manner.

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

Then the Jews stirred up the devout women, and those who were respectable, and the principal persons of the city, and raised up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and cast them out of their borders.

And laying on them many stripes, cast them into prison, commanding the jailor to keep them in safe custody:

For Herod having seized John, had bound him, and put him in prison, for the sake of Herodias, the wife of Philip his brother. For John said unto him, It is unlawful for thee to have her. And though he wished to kill him, he was afraid of the multitude, for they held him as a prophet. read more.
But when Herod's birth-day was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced in the circle, and pleased Herod: so that with an oath he promised to give her whatever she should ask. And she, being previously urged on by her mother, said, Give me here, in a spacious dish, the head of John the Baptist. And the king was grieved: but for his oath's sake, and on account of those who were with him, he commanded it to be given her. And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. And his head was brought on a large dish, and was given to the young lady: and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came and took the body, and buried it, and they came and told Jesus.

Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they killed those who before published the tidings of the coming of that Righteous Person; of whom ye have now been the betrayers and murderers:

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

NOW at that time Herod the king stretched forth his hand to treat cruelly certain persons belonging to 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 of the Smyrnians write, These things saith the first and the last, who was dead, and is alive: I know thy works, and thy tribulation, and thy poverty (though thou art rich), and the calumnies of those who say they are Jews, yet are not, but are Satan's synagogue. Fear nothing from the things which thou shalt suffer: lo! the devil will cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have a ten day's tribulation: be thou faithful until death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Then the chief priests consulted how they might kill Lazarus also;

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

so much so that I persecuted this way unto death, binding and delivering up to prisons both men and women.

BUT Saul was delighted with his execution. Now on that very day commenced a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and all, besides the apostles, were dispersed through the regions of Judea and Samaria.

And they compel one Simon, a Cyrenian, who was passing by, coming out of the field, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.

I know thy works and where thou hast thy abode, even where Satan's throne [is erected]: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days when Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was put to death among you, where Satan dwelleth.

And he slew James the brother of John with a sword.

I John, your brother and companion also with you in the tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the island which is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Though a hair of your head shall in nowise perish.

Then they went rejoicing from the presence of the sanhedrim, that for his name's sake, they had been counted worthy to suffer this injurious treatment.

Now when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried in the sanhedrim, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: for the hope and resurrection of the dead am I brought to this bar.

as thou mayest be ascertained, that it is not more than twelve days ago since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. And neither in the temple found they me disputing with any man, nor raising any sedition among the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: neither can they produce any proof of the facts of which they accuse me. read more.
But this I confess to thee, that after the way which they call a sect, so worship I the God of our ancestors, believing all things that are written in the law, and in the prophets: and having hope in God, the same which they also profess to look for, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and of the unjust.

Blessed are ye, when they shall revile and persecute you, and lying, speak every thing evil against you for my sake.

Fear nothing from the things which thou shalt suffer: lo! the devil will cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have a ten day's tribulation: be thou faithful until death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Then shall they deliver you up to affliction, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.

But be on your guard against men: for they will deliver you up to the sanhedrim, and scourge you in their synagogues.

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

Remember the word which I spake unto you, The servant is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also; if they have observed my words, they will observe your's also.

Then Herod with his guards treated him with contempt, and in derision clothed him in a splendid robe, and sent him back to Pilate.

And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to kill him, because he had done these things on the sabbath-day.

and rising up, dragged him out of the city, and led him to the brow of the hill, on which their city was built, in order to cast him down headlong:

AND Jesus after these things travelled about in Galilee: for he would not go about in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill him.

I know that ye are Abraham's seed; yet ye seek to kill me, because my word has no place in you.

Blessed are ye, when they shall revile and persecute you, and lying, speak every thing evil against you for my sake.