60 Bible Verses about Persecution

They left the council and rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Blessed are you when men revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake.

I came to strike fire upon the earth and what do I care if it is already kindled? I have a baptism to experience and I am distressed until it is accomplished! Do you think I have come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, No, instead division. read more.
From now on there will be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. They will be divided, father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against her mother; mother in law against her daughter in law, and daughter in law against her mother in law.

Blessed are you when men revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake.

Blessed are you when men revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake.

They left the council and rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: God will render to him according to his works.

A great disturbance occurred about The Way. A man named Demetrius, a silversmith made silver shrines of Diana. He brought a lot of business to the craftsmen. They gathered together along with similar related workmen, and said: Sirs, You know we receive a good income from this business. read more.
You see and hear that Paul, in Ephesus and throughout all Asia, has persuaded and turned away many people. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. There is danger that our trade will lose its good name. The temple of the great goddess Artemis (Diana) would then become useless. The goddess who is worshiped in all Asia would be robbed of her divine majesty. When they heard this they were filled with anger. They shouted: Great is Artemis of the Ephesians. The city was filled with the confusion. They rushed with one accord into the theatre and seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel. Paul wanted to enter the theatre with the people but his disciples would not permit it. Some of the officials and his friends sent him a message begging him not to enter the theatre. Some cried one thing and others another for the crowd was in confusion. Most of them did not know why they assembled. The crowd of Jews thrust Alexander forward. Alexander motioned with his hand and wanted to make a defense to the people. They perceived that he was a Jew and all with one voice shouted for two hours: Great is Artemis of the Ephesians. The city recorder quieted the crowd. He said: You men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple-keeper of the great Artemis, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? Seeing that these things are indisputable it is fitting that you keep calm and do nothing rash. You brought these men, who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess. If Demetrius and the craftsmen that are with him have a grievance against any man, the courts are open, and there are judges. Let them accuse one another. But if you seek anything about other matters, it shall be settled in the regular assembly. For indeed we are in danger to be charged with rioting (sedition) because of today's events. We would not be able to account for this ruckus for there is no reason for it. When he finished speaking he dismissed the assembly.

We do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning our affliction that began in Asia. We were weighed down exceedingly, beyond our power, so much that we despaired even of life.

When the Jews of Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Beroea, they went there and stirred up the crowds and caused trouble. The brothers immediately sent Paul to the sea. Silas and Timothy stayed at Beroea. Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens. He sent orders to Silas and Timothy that they should come to him as soon as possible.

Yes, and all who would live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

For I think that God has placed us apostles last as men appointed to death. We are made a spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ. But you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honorable, but we are despised. Even to this present hour we both hunger and thirst. We are naked. We are treated badly and we are homeless. read more.
We labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it; being slandered, we answer kindly. We are made as the filth of the world and are the refuse of all things to this day.

As he left the temple one of his disciples said to him: Teacher look at these stones and the great buildings! Jesus said: See these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another. They will all be thrown down. He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple. Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately: read more.
Tell us when will these things be? What will be the sign when these things are all about to be accomplished? Jesus warned them: Take heed that no man lead you astray. Many will come in my name (Greek: onoma: claiming my authority), saying, I am he; and will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumors (reports) of wars do not be troubled. These things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places. There will be famines. These things are the beginning of pain (sorrow) (trouble). Be on guard for they will deliver you up to courts. You will be beaten in the meeting places. You will be taken before governors and kings for a testimony to them for my sake. And the good news must first be preached to all the nations. When they deliver you up to judgment, do not worry before hand what you shall speak. Holy Spirit will give it to you at that time. Brother shall deliver up brother to death, and the father his child; and children shall rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. All men will hate you because of my name. He who endures to the end will be saved.

I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Beware of men! They will take you to court! They will have you beaten in their meeting places. You will be taken before governors and kings for my sake. This will serve as a testimony to them and to the people of the nations. read more.
When they hand you over, do not worry about what to say and how to say it. You will be given the words to speak at that time. You will not speak on your own. Your Father's Spirit will speak through you. People will hand over their brothers to be put to death. Parents will oppose children and children will oppose parents, causing them to be put to death. Men will hate you because of me. He who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in this city, flee to the next. I tell you; before you have gone through all the cities of Israel the Son of man will come. A disciple is not greater than his teacher, nor a servant his master. It is enough for the disciple (student) that he is like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they called the master of the house Beelzebub (Satan), others of the household could also be called the same!

After Jesus left the temple, his disciples came to him to show him the buildings of the temple. He said to them: Do you see these things? I tell you, not one stone will be left upon another. They will all be thrown down. He sat on the Mount of Olives. The disciples came to him privately, saying: Tell us when these things will be? What will be the sign of your presence and of the end of the age? read more.
Jesus answered: Be careful that no man misleads you. Many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. Do not be troubled, for this must happen, but the end is not yet. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many places. These things are the beginning of birth pains (Greek: odin': in the throws of pain, such as childbirth). People will cause you tribulation, and kill you. You will be hated by all the nations for my name's sake. Many will stumble and betray and hate one another.

([Psalm of David]) O Jehovah my God, in you I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers, and deliver me,

My future is in your hands. Rescue me from my enemies, from those who persecute me.

All your commandments are faithful. They have persecuted me with a lie; help me!

Many are my persecutors and my adversaries. Even so I do not turn aside from your law.

Powerful people persecute me without cause. Yet my heart stands in awe of your words.

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil (false accuser) (Devil) is about to throw you into prison, that you may be tested. You will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful even if you must die, and I will give you the crown of life.

People will cause you tribulation, and kill you. You will be hated by all the nations for my name's sake.

Beware of men! They will take you to court! They will have you beaten in their meeting places.

Even before all these things, they will capture you, and persecute you. You will be delivered to synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake.

Remember the word I said to you. A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they obeyed my word, they will obey yours also.

There he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus who is currently from Italy with his wife Priscilla. Claudius commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. So he came to them.

Then the king of Edom got Elath back for Edom, and sent the Jews out of Elath. The Edomites returned to Elath where they are living to this day.

Runners delivered letters to every division of the kingdom. They ordered the death and destruction of all Jews, young and old, little children and women, on the same day, even the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month Adar, and the taking of all their goods by force.

They said in their hearts: We will destroy them completely. They burned up all the synagogues of God in the land.

They say: Come and let us destroy them as a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more.

The king commanded Jerahmeel the king's son, Seraiah son of Azriel, and Shelemiah son of Abdeel to arrest the scribe Baruch and the prophet Jeremiah. But Jehovah had hidden Baruch and Jeremiah.

Sadness is mine! Why did my mother bring me into the world? I have to quarrel and argue with everyone in the whole earth. I have not lent any money or borrowed any; yet everyone curses me.

At that time the army of the king of Babylon was blockading Jerusalem. The prophet Jeremiah was locked up in the courtyard of the prison. This prison was in the palace of the king of Judah.

Then I said: O Jehovah you understand. Remember me and help me. Let me have revenge on those who persecute me. Do not be so patient with them that they succeed in killing me. Remember that it is for your sake that I have suffered reproach.

The word of Jehovah came to Jeremiah the second time, while he was still confined in the court of the guard:

And Herod with his soldiers despised him with contempt, and mocked him. They arrayed him in magnificent apparel. Then they sent him back to Pilate.

The Jews persecuted Jesus because he did these things on the Sabbath.

They rose up to drive him out of the city. They led him to the top of the hill where their city was built to throw him down the hill.

After that Jesus walked in Galilee. He would not walk in Judea because the Jews looked for ways to kill him.

I know that you are Abraham's seed. Yet you seek to kill me. That is because my word has no place among you.

God delivered us out of so great a death, and will deliver us. We have set our hope on him. He will deliver us!

He said: Look, I see four men walking in the midst of the fire. They are not hurt! The appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!

Nebuchadnezzar said: Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel and delivered his servants who trusted in him. They violated the king's command and have yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.

and also persecutions and sufferings. The things that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured. Out of them the Lord delivered me.

When they heard they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said: Jehovah, you are God, who made heaven and earth, the sea and all in them. You spoke by the mouth of your servant David: Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? (Psalm 2:1) The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against Jehovah, and against his Christ. (Psalm 2:2) read more.
Truly both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the people of the nations and the people of Israel, were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you have anointed.

Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest. He asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, that if he found any there who belonged to The Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he journeyed to Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven shined around him. read more.
He fell to the earth and heard a voice saying: Saul, Saul! Why do you persecute me? Who are you Lord? He asked. The Lord said: I am Jesus whom you persecute.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the cultivator. He takes away the branches in me that do not bear fruit. He cleans every branch that bears fruit. That way it may bear more fruit. You are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. read more.
Remain with me, and I with you. The branch cannot bear fruit by itself. It must remain on the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain with me. I am the vine and you are the branches. He that remains with me, and I with him, the same bears much fruit. You can do nothing apart from me. If a man does not remain with me, he is removed as a branch, and withers. They gather them and throw them into the fire where they are burned (destroyed) (consumed). If you remain with me, and my words remain with you, ask whatever you will, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified when you bear much fruit. You will be my disciples. I love you just as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. If you obey my commandments you will remain in my love. I have obeyed my Father's commandments and remain in his love. I spoke these things in order that my joy may continue with you and your joy may be made full. This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you. No man has greater love then this that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do the things that I command you. I no longer call you servants for the servant does not know what the lord does. I have called you friends; for all things that I heard from my Father, I have made known to you. You did not choose me. I chose you and appointed you. You should go and bear fruit and your fruit should remain. Whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, that you may love one another. If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. I chose you out of the world. The world hates you because you are not of the world. Remember the word I said to you. A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they obeyed my word, they will obey yours also. They will do all these things to you for my name's sake. It is because they do not know the one that sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin. Now they have no excuse for their sin! He who hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would have no sin. They have seen and hated both my Father and me. This took place that the word written in the Law may be fulfilled: They hated me without a cause.

The man went away and told the Jews Jesus made him whole. The Jews persecuted Jesus because he did these things on the Sabbath. Jesus responded to them: My Father works until now and I work. read more.
The Jews intensified their efforts to kill him for these reasons: he broke the Sabbath and he also called God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

While I was traveling I came near Damascus about midday. Suddenly a bright light from the sky flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me: 'Saul, Saul! Why do you persecute me?' Who are you, Lord? I asked. I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you persecute, he said to me.

When they left, the angel of God appeared to Joseph in a dream and said: Herod is looking to kill the young child. Arise, take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you to leave.

When they persecute you in this city, flee to the next. I tell you; before you have gone through all the cities of Israel the Son of man will come.

The Pharisees left and took counsel against him, to decide how they might destroy him. Jesus was aware of this and withdrew from the place. Many followed him and were healed by him.

Men younger than I am make fun of me now! Their fathers have always been so worthless that I would not let them help dogs guard sheep. They were a bunch of worn-out men, too weak to do any work for me. Shriveled up from need and hunger, they gnaw at the dry and barren ground during the night. read more.
They pick mallow (salt herb) from the underbrush, and the roots of the broom plant are their food. They are driven from the community. People shout at them in the same way they shout at thieves. They have to live in dry riverbeds (the clefts of the valleys) (wadis), in holes in the ground, and among rocks. They howl in bushes and huddle together under thorn bushes. Godless fools and worthless people are forced out of the land with whips. Now they make fun of me with songs. I have become a joke to them. Since they consider me disgusting, they keep their distance from me and don't hesitate to spit in my face.

You are smearing me with lies. As doctors you are worthless, all of you! If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom. Hear my argument. Listen to the plea of my lips. read more.
Will you speak wickedly on God's behalf? Will you speak deceitfully for him? Will you show him partiality? Will you argue the case for God? Would it turn out well if he examined you? Could you deceive him as you might deceive men? He would rebuke you if you secretly showed partiality. Would not his excellence terrify you? Would not the dread of him fall on you? Your platitudes are proverbs of ashes. Your defenses are defenses of clay. Keep silent and let me speak! Then let come to me what may.

JOB ANSWERED: I have heard many such things. You are all miserable comforters! Is there no limit to windy words? Or what provokes you that you answer? read more.
I too could speak like you, if I were in your place. I could compose words against you. And I would shake my head at you.

Mockers surrounded me. My eye dwells on their provocation.

JOB REPLIED: How long will you torment me and depress me with words? You have insulted me ten times now. You are not even ashamed of hurting me. read more.
Even if it were true that I made a mistake without realizing it, my mistake would affect only me. If you are trying to make yourselves look better than me by using my disgrace as an argument against me,

If I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage was it to me if the dead do not rise? Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die.

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

I, John, your brother and companion in tribulation and kingdom and perseverance (patience) of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, because of the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

They laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day for it was already evening. Many who heard the word believed. There were about five thousand men. The next morning their rulers, elders, scribes, read more.
Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. They stood them in their presence and asked: By what power or by what name do you do this? Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said: You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we are on trial for a good deed done to a sick man, concerning how this man was made well; Let it be known to you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you impaled and whom God raised from the dead, even by him this man stands before you healed. This is the stone that was rejected by you builders. It became the chief corner stone. There is no salvation in anyone else. For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. They observed the confidence of Peter and John. Yet they thought they were uneducated (not formally educated) and ordinary men. They were amazed and recognized them as having been with Jesus. Seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply. They ordered them to leave the council. Then they conferred among themselves. They said: What shall we do to these men? The fact that a notable miracle has been done by them is evident to all who live in Jerusalem. And we cannot deny it. We must warn these men not to speak about it in order to stop this from spreading further among the people. They called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

They captured the apostles and put them in the common prison. During the night God's angel opened the prison doors, brought them out and said: Go stand in the temple and speak to the people all the sayings about this life. read more.
When they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and those who were with him. He called the council together and all the senate of the children of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought. The officers did not find them in the prison when they came. So they returned and said, We found the prison locked with the guards standing before the doors. When we opened it we did not find a man. When the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted them. They wondered what this would come to. Someone came to them and told them: The men you put in prison are standing in the temple teaching the people. Then the captain with the officers brought them in without violence. They feared the people lest they should have been stoned. They brought them before the council and the high priest asked them: Did we command you not to teach in this name? Look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and are willing to bring this man's blood upon us. Peter and the other apostles answered: We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed. You hanged him on a stake. God exalted him to his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. We are witnesses of these things. The Holy Spirit, which God gave to those who obey him, also witnessed. When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to kill them. One of the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had a reputation among all the people. He commanded to put the apostles outside for a while. He said to them: You men of Israel be careful what you intend to do to these men. Sometime ago Theudas claimed to be somebody. About four hundred men joined and obeyed him. He was killed and they finally dispersed. After this man Judas of Galilee rose in the days of the taxing, and drew away many people after him. He also perished and all who obeyed him dispersed. I tell you: Leave these men alone. If this message and this work are from men it will come to nothing. But if it is from God, you cannot overthrow it; otherwise you may find yourselves fighting against God. They agreed with him and called the apostles. They beat them and commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus. Then they let them go. They left the council and rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. They taught daily in the temple and in every house. They did not cease to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

At that time Herod the king mistreated those of the congregation. He killed James the brother of John with a sword. He saw that it pleased the Jews so he captured Peter also. This happened during the feast of unleavened bread. read more.
When he apprehended him, he put him in prison. He turned him over to four squads of four soldiers each to guard him. After Passover he would be presented to the people. Peter was kept in prison. Prayer was made without ceasing by the congregation to God for him. It was the night before Herod was to bring him to trial. Peter was sleeping between two soldiers. He was bound with two chains. Sentries stood guard at the prison door. Suddenly God's angel came to him. A light shined in the prison. He struck Peter on the side, and woke him up saying: Get up quickly. And his chains fell off of his hands. The angel said: Dress yourself and put on sandals. Put on your coat and follow me. So Peter did as he was told. Peter followed him out of the prison. He did not know what the angel was doing was really happening. He thought he saw a vision. They went past the first and second guard to the Iron Gate that leads to the city. The gate opened and went out on the street. The angel then departed from him. Peter came to himself and he said: Now I know for sure that God sent his angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jews. After he thought about what happened he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, surnamed Mark. Many were gathered there to pray. Peter knocked on the door and a young woman named Rhoda answered. When she recognized Peter's voice she was so overjoyed she ran back into the house to tell others he was there. She forgot to open the door for him. They said to her: You are mad. But she kept insisting that it was so. Then they said: It must be his angel. But Peter continued knocking. When they opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. Peter motioned for them to be quiet. Then he told them how God brought him out of the prison. He said: Tell James and the brothers. Then he went away to another place. When day came the soldiers were disturbed by what happened to Peter. Herod had a thorough search made for him and could not find him. He cross examined the guards and ordered that they be executed. Herod went from Judea to Caesarea to stay for a while.

Even before all these things, they will capture you, and persecute you. You will be delivered to synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake.

Remember the word I said to you. A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they obeyed my word, they will obey yours also.

will receive a hundred times as much now in this time, and in the age to come everlasting life.

Those who were scattered abroad because of the persecution of Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word only to the Jews. Some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene. When they came to Antioch they spoke to the Greeks and preached the Lord Jesus. The hand (Spirit) of God was with them. A great number believed, and turned to the Lord.

Saul agreed to his death. There was at that time a great persecution against the congregation at Jerusalem. All but the apostles were scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria.

They who were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.

I would have you know, brothers that the things that happened to me turned out for the greater progress of the good news. My imprisonment in Christ became known throughout the whole Praetorian Guard, and to all brothers. Most of the brothers trust in the Lord and boldly speak the word of God without fear because of my bonds.

as touching zeal, persecuting the church; as touching the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.

I was a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and a violent aggressor. I was shown mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

The Jews persecuted Jesus because he did these things on the Sabbath.

They killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out. They did not please God and are contrary to all men.

A new king, who knew nothing about Joseph, began to rule in Egypt. He said to his people: There are too many Israelites! They are stronger than we are. We must outsmart them or they will increase in number. If war breaks out they will leave the country and join our enemies to fight against us. read more.
So the Egyptians put slave masters over them in order to oppress them through forced labor. They built Pithom and Rameses as supply (storage) cities for Pharaoh. However the more the Israelites were oppressed, the more they increased in number and spread out. The Egyptians could not stand them any longer. They forced the Israelites to work hard as slaves. They made their lives bitter with backbreaking work in mortar and bricks and every kind of work in the fields. All the jobs the Egyptians gave them were brutally hard work.

It is a righteous thing for God to repay with affliction (great suffering and distress) those who afflict you.

He has prepared his deadly weapons, making his arrows fiery shafts.

For the enemy has persecuted me. He has crushed my life to the ground. He has made me dwell in dark places, like those who have long been dead.

Those who went after us were quicker than the eagles of the heaven. They drive us before them on the mountains. They wait secretly for us in the wasteland.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice, and be filled with joy, for great is your reward in heaven. The prophets, who came before you, were also persecuted.

Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they separate you from their company, and reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy. For your reward is great in heaven. Your fathers treated the prophets the same way.

Then he sent an officer with fifty men to get Elijah. The officer found him sitting on a hill and said to him: Man of God, the king orders you to come down.

Elisha left Jericho to go to Bethel. On the way some boys came out of a town and taunted and made fun of him. They shouted: Get out of here, baldy!

By the life of Jehovah your God, there is not a nation or kingdom where my lord has not sent in search of you. When they said: He is not here; he made them take an oath that they had not seen you.

My enemy will say: I have overpowered him. My opponents will rejoice because I have been shaken.

The inhabitants of the earth will celebrate and rejoice over them. They will rejoice and send gifts to one another. This is because these two prophets tormented those who lived on the earth.

Rejoice, and be filled with joy, for great is your reward in heaven. The prophets, who came before you, were also persecuted.

As much as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy.

You are responsible for all the righteous blood shed on earth. That includes the blood of the righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, whom you killed between the sanctuary and the altar.

We should not be like Cain who was of the evil one, and killed his brother. Why did he murder him? It was because his works were evil, and his brother's were righteous.

While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

Jehovah of Hosts proclaims: 'He sent me after glory! He sent me to the nations that plundered you. For he that touches you touches the pupil of his eye.'

He fell to the earth and heard a voice saying: Saul, Saul! Why do you persecute me? Who are you Lord? He asked. The Lord said: I am Jesus whom you persecute.

The Jews incited the devout and honorable women and the leading men of the city. They caused persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their coasts.

I was convinced that I should oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. That I did in Jerusalem. I locked up many of the holy ones in prison. I received authority from the chief priests and gave the command to put them to death. I punished them in every synagogue and tried to force them to recant their beliefs. I was exceedingly mad against them. I persecuted them even in strange cities.

([Psalm of David]) O Jehovah my God, in you I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers, and deliver me,

All your commandments are faithful. They have persecuted me with a lie; help me!

Saul agreed to his death. There was at that time a great persecution against the congregation at Jerusalem. All but the apostles were scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria.

You heard about the way I lived as a Jew. How I persecuted the congregation of God beyond measure. In fact I tried to destroy it!

Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest. He asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, that if he found any there who belonged to The Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he journeyed to Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven shined around him. read more.
He fell to the earth and heard a voice saying: Saul, Saul! Why do you persecute me? Who are you Lord? He asked. The Lord said: I am Jesus whom you persecute. Get up and go into the city, and it will be told to you what you must do. The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. Saul got up from the ground. Even though he opened his eyes, he saw nothing. They led him by the hand into Damascus. He went for three days without sight. He did not eat or drink. The disciple Ananias was in Damascus. The Lord spoke to Ananias in a vision: Ananias. He replied: Yes, I am here, Lord. The Lord said to him, Arise, and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus for he is praying. He has seen a man named Ananias in a vision. He came in and laid his hand on him that he might receive his sight. Ananias answered: Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your holy ones at Jerusalem. He has authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.

For they persecute him whom you have wounded. They tell of the sorrow of those whom you have hurt.

The wicked proudly persecutes the poor people. He will be caught in the schemes that he contrived.

Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they separate you from their company, and reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

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

If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would have no sin. They have seen and hated both my Father and me.

Remember the word I said to you. A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they obeyed my word, they will obey yours also.

For they persecute him whom you have wounded. They tell of the sorrow of those whom you have hurt.

The Jews persecuted Jesus because he did these things on the Sabbath.

The king of Israel said: Take Micaiah and send him back to Amon, the ruler of the town, and to Joash, the king's son.

Say: This is what the king says: 'Put this man in prison, and feed him nothing but bread and water until I return home safely.'

You are responsible for all the righteous blood shed on earth. That includes the blood of the righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, whom you killed between the sanctuary and the altar.

They plotted against Zechariah. Then they followed the king's order and stoned him to death in the courtyard of Jehovah's Temple.

Pray that we may be delivered (rescued) from perverse and evil men, for not all have faith.

We labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it;

It was evening of the first day of the week. The disciples shut the doors where they stayed for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them: May you have Peace.

They answered: You were born in sin and you teach us? Then they threw him out.

The parents said these things because they feared the Jews. The Jews had agreed that if any man should confess him to be Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.

All these blessings and curses I have spoken about will happen to you. Take them to heart when you are among all the nations where Jehovah your God will scatter you. If you and your children return to Jehovah your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your being, doing everything I command you today, he will restore your fortunes. He will have mercy on you and gather you from all the nations of the world where he has scattered you. read more.
Jehovah your God will gather you from the ends of the earth. He will bring you back. Jehovah your God will bring you into the land your fathers possessed. You will possess it. He will prosper you and multiply you more than your fathers. Jehovah your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, to LOVE JEHOVAH YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR BEING, that you may live. Jehovah your God will inflict all these curses on your enemies and on those who hate you and who persecute you.

We are persecuted, yet not forsaken. We are struck down, yet not destroyed.

I have heard the whispering of many people, terror on every side, while they made plans together against me. They were plotting to take my life.

([[Psalm of David] when Saul sent men to watch and kill him:]) Rescue me from my enemies, O my God. Protect me from those who attack me. Deliver me from troublemakers. Save me from bloodthirsty people.

Listen to another illustration. A master of a house made a vineyard, and put a wall around it. He made a wine press and built a tower. Then he rented it to workers and traveled to another country. When the time for the fruit came near, he sent his servants to the workmen, to get the fruit. The workmen attacked his servants, striking one with a stone and killing the other. read more.
He sent other servants more in number than the first. They did the same to them. Finally he sent his son to them, saying, 'Certainly they will respect my son.' When the workmen saw the son, they said, 'Let us put him to death and take his heritage, for someday he will own this property.' They took him out of the vineyard and killed him.

The officials went to the king and said: This man must be put to death. By talking like this he is making the soldiers in the city lose their courage. He is doing the same thing to everyone else left in the city. He is not trying to help the people. He only wants to hurt them. King Zedekiah answered: Very well, then, do what you want to with him. I cannot stop you. So they took me and let me down by ropes into Prince Malchiah's well, which was in the palace courtyard. There was no water in the well, only mud, and I sank down in it.

Many times they have persecuted me from my youth up, Let Israel now say: Many times they have persecuted me from my youth up. Yet they have not prevailed against me.

He also said: Why are you my lord pursuing your servant? What have I done? Or what evil is in my hand?

Yes, and all who would live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

But I, brothers, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then has the stumbling block of the stake been done away?

Then I said: O Jehovah you understand. Remember me and help me. Let me have revenge on those who persecute me. Do not be so patient with them that they succeed in killing me. Remember that it is for your sake that I have suffered reproach.

Those who desire to make a showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised. This is done so they may not be persecuted for the stake of Christ.

Just like then, the son who was conceived in a natural way according to the flesh persecuted the son conceived in a spiritual way. That is exactly what is happening now!

And others had trial of cruel mocking and scourging and bonds and imprisonment.

At that time the army of the king of Babylon was blockading Jerusalem. The prophet Jeremiah was locked up in the courtyard of the prison. This prison was in the palace of the king of Judah.

These men said: We shall not find any charge against Daniel, unless we find it against him in the Law of his God. Then these commissioners and governors assembled before the king, and said: King Darius, may you live for a very long time. All the governors of the kingdom, the deputies and the governors, the counselors consulted together to establish a royal statute. They made a strong decree, that whoever prays to any god or man for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the den of lions. read more.
Now, O king, establish the decree by signing the document. That it will not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be altered. King Darius signed the document for the decree. Daniel knew that the decree was signed. He went into his house. His windows were open in his chamber toward Jerusalem. He kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, like he did before. These men assembled together. They found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. They approached the king about his decree: Did you sign a decree stating that every man that shall make petition to any god or man within thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the den of lions? The king answered: The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be altered. Then they said: Daniel, who is of the children of the captivity of Judah, does not show you respect, O king, nor the decree that you signed. He offers his prayer three times a day. Then the king, when he heard these words, was very displeased with himself. He was determined that Daniel not be delivered to him; and he labored all day to rescue him. Then these men assembled before the king and said: Know, O king that it is a law of the Medes and Persians, that no decree or statute that the king establishes may be changed. Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and threw him into the den of lions. The king spoke to Daniel: Your God whom you serve will deliver you. A stone was placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel.

Powerful people persecute me without cause. Yet my heart stands in awe of your words.

There is no root in him. He endures for a while. When he has tribulation or persecution because of the word, he falls away.

When Pharaoh heard of this matter, he tried to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the presence of Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian by a well.

Moses cried out to Jehovah: What should I do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me!

Jesus told him: Put your sword in its place. Those who take up the sword will perish by the sword.

Tell them: 'It is the king's order that this man is to be put in prison and given prison food till I come again in peace.'

I say love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!

Let them also that suffer according to the will of God commend themselves in well doing to a faithful Creator.

If a man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name.

Certain men arose from the synagogue. It was called the synagogue of the Libertines, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians. Some of them were from Cilicia and Asia. They argued with Stephen. They were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke. They secretly induced me to say: We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. read more.
They stirred up the people, the elders and the scribes, and pursued him. They caught him and brought him to the council. They brought false witnesses, which said: This man will not stop speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law. We heard him say: 'This Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.' All who sat in the council looked intently at him and saw his face was like the face of an angel.

From that time on Jesus preached this message: Repent for the Kingdom of heaven is near.

Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse.

The workmen attacked his servants, striking one with a stone and killing the other. He sent other servants more in number than the first. They did the same to them.

They say: God has abandoned him. Pursue him and grab him because there is no one to rescue him.

The wicked proudly persecutes the poor people. He will be caught in the schemes that he contrived.

I will offer my back to those who whip me. I will offer my cheeks to those who pluck hairs out of my beard. I will not turn my face away from those who humiliate me and spit on me.

Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

He was oppressed and afflicted and yet he did not open his mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. He was silent like sheep ready to be sheared. He did not open his mouth.

The Jews incited the devout and honorable women and the leading men of the city. They caused persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their coasts.

After they were severely beaten, they threw them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safe.

The wicked proudly persecutes the poor people. He will be caught in the schemes that he contrived.

Herod locked John in prison to please Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. For John had said to him: It is not lawful for you to have her. Herod wanted to put him to death but he feared the people since they believed John was a prophet. read more.
It was Herod's birthday. The daughter of Herodias danced for him and pleased him. So he promised with an oath to give her anything she wanted. Prompted by her mother, she said: Give me John the Baptist's head on a platter. The king was grieved. He gave his oath and many were watching so he commanded that it be done. He gave the order to behead John in prison. His head was brought on a platter to the young lady. She in turn gave it to her mother. John the Baptist's disciples took the corpse and buried him, and then came and told Jesus.

The people in town got up early the next morning. They found that the altar to Baal and the symbol of Asherah had been cut down. The second bull had been burned on the altar that was built there. They asked each other: Who did this? They investigated and found out that Gideon, son of Joash, did it. They said to Joash: Bring your son here. We will kill him! He tore down the altar to Baal and cut down the symbol of Asherah! read more.
Joash replied: Are you arguing for Baal? Are you defending him? Anyone who argues for him will be killed before morning. If Baal really is a god he can defend himself. It is his altar that was torn down. From then on Gideon was known as Jerubbaal, because Joash said: Let Baal defend himself for his altar was torn down.

Which of the prophets have your fathers not persecuted? They killed those who announced in advance the coming of the righteous one whom you have betrayed and murdered.

They captured the apostles and put them in the common prison.

At that time Herod the king mistreated those of the congregation.

But they do these things because they do not know the Father or me.

Some Chaldean Astrologers brought accusation against the Jews. They said to Nebuchadnezzar the king, O king, may you live for a very long time. You, O king, made a decree, that every man that hears the sound of the horn, flute, harp, zither, pipes, and all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image. read more.
Whoever does not fall down and worship, will be thrown into the midst of a blazing furnace. The Jews whom you appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego have not listened to you. They do not serve your gods. They do not worship the golden image that you set up. Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. They brought these men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar said to them: Is it true Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that you do not serve my god, nor worship the golden image that I set up? Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, zither, pipes, and all kinds of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, good! But if you do not worship it you will be thrown into the midst of a blazing furnace that same hour. What god will be able to rescue you from my hand? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king: O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If it is so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the blazing furnace. He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. If not you should know O king that we will not serve your gods. We will not worship the golden image that you set up! Nebuchadnezzar was furious. The expression on his face changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than its required heat. He commanded the mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to throw them into the blazing furnace. Then these men were bound in their coats, caps and their other garments. They were thrown into the midst of the blazing furnace. Because of the urgency of the king's commandment and the exceeding hot furnace, the flame of the fire killed the men who delivered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the blazing furnace.

To the angel of the congregation in Smyrna write: This is the message from the one who is the 'First and the Last', who died and came to life again. I know your troubles. I know that you are poor, but you are rich! I know the evil things said against you by those who claim to be Jews but are not. Their synagogue belongs to Satan! Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil (false accuser) (Devil) is about to throw you into prison, that you may be tested. You will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful even if you must die, and I will give you the crown of life.

The chief priests took counsel that they might put Lazarus also to death.

Asa was so angry with the prophet that he had him put in chains. It was at this same time that Asa began treating some of the people cruelly.

They brought Uriah from Egypt and took him to King Jehoiakim. The king executed Uriah and threw his body into the burial ground for the common people.

Do you know that brother Timothy has been released? If he comes shortly, I will see you.

I persecuted the people who followed this Way to the point of death. I arrested men and women and threw them into prison.

Saul agreed to his death. There was at that time a great persecution against the congregation at Jerusalem. All but the apostles were scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria.

When Jezebel massacred the prophets of Jehovah, Obadiah took a hundred of them, and hid them secretly in a hole in the rock, fifty at a time, and gave them bread and water.

Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus was passing by on the road. They compelled (forced) him to go with them, that he might carry his stake.

He exclaimed: May God strike me dead if Elisha is not beheaded before the day is over!

I know where you live and where the throne of Satan is. You cling to my name and have not denied my faith, even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness. He was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

He killed James the brother of John with a sword.

Stand back! they shouted. Who do you think you are? We let you settle among us, and now you are trying to tell us what to do! We will treat you far worse than those other men! They pushed Lot and began breaking down the door.

Judah has been taken away as a prisoner because of trouble and hard work. She dwells among the nations. There is no rest for her. Her attackers have overtaken her in the midst of her distress.

I, John, your brother and companion in tribulation and kingdom and perseverance (patience) of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, because of the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Yet not a hair of your head will perish.

They left the council and rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

When Paul saw that part of them were Sadducees and the other part Pharisees, he cried out in the Sanhedrin: Men! Brothers! I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee! I am being judged because of the hope and resurrection of the dead.

You can easily verify that it was no more than twelve days ago that I went to worship in Jerusalem. They did not find me in the Temple, in the synagogues nor in the city disputing with any man. Neither did I cause a riot with the people. Neither can they prove the things for which they now accuse me. read more.
This I confess to you that according to The Way, which they call a sect, I serve the God of our fathers. I believe all the things written in the law and the prophets. I have hope toward God, which they also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the righteous and the unrighteous.

Blessed are you when men revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake.

([Psalm of David]) O Jehovah my God, in you I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers, and deliver me,

My future is in your hands. Rescue me from my enemies, from those who persecute me.

All your commandments are faithful. They have persecuted me with a lie; help me!

Many are my persecutors and my adversaries. Even so I do not turn aside from your law.

Powerful people persecute me without cause. Yet my heart stands in awe of your words.

Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil (false accuser) (Devil) is about to throw you into prison, that you may be tested. You will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful even if you must die, and I will give you the crown of life.

People will cause you tribulation, and kill you. You will be hated by all the nations for my name's sake.

Beware of men! They will take you to court! They will have you beaten in their meeting places.

Even before all these things, they will capture you, and persecute you. You will be delivered to synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake.

Remember the word I said to you. A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they obeyed my word, they will obey yours also.

And Herod with his soldiers despised him with contempt, and mocked him. They arrayed him in magnificent apparel. Then they sent him back to Pilate.

The Jews persecuted Jesus because he did these things on the Sabbath.

They rose up to drive him out of the city. They led him to the top of the hill where their city was built to throw him down the hill.

After that Jesus walked in Galilee. He would not walk in Judea because the Jews looked for ways to kill him.

I know that you are Abraham's seed. Yet you seek to kill me. That is because my word has no place among you.

Blessed are you when men revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake.