53 Bible Verses about Persecution

They, therefore, were going from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they were accounted worthy to suffer dishonor in behalf of The Name.

"Happy are ye, when they shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake.

"I came to cast fire on the earth; and what wish I, if it were already kindled? But I have an immersion to be immersed with; and how am I constrained until it be accomplished! Think ye that I came to give peace in the earth? I tell you, nay, but rather division. read more.
For from this time forth five in one house will be 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 the mother; mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against the mother-in-law."

"Happy are ye, when they shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake.

"Happy are ye, when they shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake.

They, therefore, were going from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they were accounted worthy to suffer dishonor in behalf of The Name.

Alexander, the coppersmith, showed me much evil; the Lord will reward him according to his works:

And about that time there arose no small stir concerning the Way. For a certain one, Demetrius by name, a silver-smith, making silver shrines of Diana, was bringing to the artisans no small business; gathering whom together, and the workmen of like occupation, be said, "Men, ye know that out of this business we have our wealth. read more.
And ye perceive and hear that, not only at Ephesus, but almost in all Asia, this Paul, having persuaded, turned away a great multitude, saying, that they are not gods that are made with hands. And not only is there danger to us that this branch of our business will come into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana be reckoned of no account, and also her magnificence will be destroyed, whom all Asia and the inhabited earth worship." And, hearing this, and becoming full of wrath, they were crying aloud, saying, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" And the city was filled with the confusion; and they rushed with one accord into the theater, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus??acedonians??ellow-travelers of Paul. And, Paul purposing to enter in unto the people, the disciples were not permitting him. And some also of the chief men of Asia, being his friends, sending to him, were beseeching him not to venture himself into the theater. Some, therefore, were crying one thing, and some another; for the assembly had become confused, and the greater part knew not for what cause they had come together. And they brought Alexander out of the crowd, the Jews thrusting him forward. And Alexander, waving his hand, wished to make defense to the people. But, when they perceived that he was a Jew, one voice arose from all, crying aloud for about two hours, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" But the town-clerk, having quieted the multitude, says, "Men of Ephesus, who, indeed, of men is there that does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple-keeper of the great Diana, and of the image that fell down from Jupiter? These things, therefore, being incontrovertible, it is needful that ye be quiet, and do nothing rash. For ye brought hither these men, who are neither temple-robbers nor blasphemers of our goddess. If, indeed, therefore, Demetrius and the artisans with him have a matter against any one, court-days are held, and there are proconsuls; let them accuse one another. But, if ye seek anything about other matters, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. For, indeed, we are in danger of being accused of riot respecting this day, there existing no cause for it, and regarding which we will be unable to give an account of this concourse." And, having thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

For we do not wish you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning our tribulation which befell us in Asia; that we were exceedingly weighed down beyond our power, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

But, when the Jews from Thessalonica knew that also in Beraea the word of God was proclaimed by Paul, they came there also, stirring up and troubling the multitudes, And then straightway the brethren sent away Paul to journey as far as to the sea; but Silas and Timothy remained there still. But those conducting Paul brought him as far as Athens; and, having received a command to Silas and Timothy, that they should come to him as soon as possible, they departed.

Yea, and all who wish to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

For, I think, God did set forth us the apostles last, as doomed to death; because we became a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are highly esteemed; but we are without honor. Even until this present hour, we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place; read more.
and we toil, laboring with our own hands; being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat; we were made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things, until now.

And, as He was going out of the temple, one of His disciples says to Him, "Teacher, behold, what manner of stones and what manner of buildings!" And Jesus said to him, "Do you see these great buildings? There shall not be left here a stone upon a stone, which shall not be thrown down." And, as He was sitting upon the mount of Olives over against 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 are about to be accomplished?" And Jesus began to say to them, "Take heed, lest some one lead you astray. Many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He', and will lead many astray. And, when ye hear of wars and rumors of wars, be not troubled; these things must come to pass; but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; and there will be famines: these are the beginning of anguish. "But take heed to yourselves; for they will deliver you up to the councils; and in synagogues ye will be beaten; and before governors and kings ye will stand for My sake, for a testimony to them. And the Gospel must first be preached to all the nations. And, when they lead you away, delivering you up, be not anxious beforehand what ye shall speak; but whatsoever is given you in that hour, this speak: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Spirit. And brother will deliver up brother to death; and the father, the child; and children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye will be hated by all for My name's sake; but he that endures to the end, the same shall be saved.

"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; become ye, therefore, as wise as the serpents and as innocent as doves. But beware of men; for they will deliver you up to high-councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you; and before the governors and the kings shall ye be brought for My sake, for a testimony to them and to the gentiles. read more.
And, when they deliver you up, be not anxious how or what ye shall speak; for it shall be given you in that hour what to speak; for it is not ye that speak, but, the Spirit of your Father Who speaketh in you. "And brother will deliver up brother to death; and father, his child; and children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye will be hated by all, for My name's sake; but he who endures to the end, the same shall be saved. "And, when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next; for verily I say to you, ye will in no wise finish the cities of Israel, till the Son of Man come! "A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple, that he become as his teacher, and the servant as his lord. If they called the Master of the house Beelzebub, how much more those of his house-hold?

And Jesus, going out, was departing from the temple; and His disciples came near to show Him the buildings of the temple. But, He, answering, said to them, "See ye not all these things? verily I say to you, there shall in no wise be left here a stone upon a stone, that shall not be thrown down." And, while He was sitting on the mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us when shall these things be, and what is the sign of Thy coming and of the end of the age." read more.
And Jesus, answering, said to them, "Take heed that no one lead you astray; for many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will lead many astray. And ye will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that ye be not troubled, for these things must come to pass; but the end is not yet. For nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. But all these are a beginning of travail. Then will they deliver you up to tribulation, and will slay you; and ye will be hated by all the nations for My name's sake. And then will many be caused to stumble, and will deliver up one another, and hate one another;

Fear not the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the Devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Then will they deliver you up to tribulation, and will slay you; and ye will be hated by all the nations for My name's sake.

But beware of men; for they will deliver you up to high-councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you;

And, before all these things, they will lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up into the synagogues and prisons, being brought before kings and governors for My name's sake.

Remember the word which I spake to you, 'A servant is not greater than his lord.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also.

And, finding a certain Jew, Aquila by name, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy, and Priscilla his wife (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart out of Rome), he came to them;

And Herod with his soldiers, having set Him at naught, and having mocked Him, having thrown over Him a gorgeous robe, sent Him back to Pilate.

And, on this account, the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on the sabbath.

and, rising up, they cast Him forth out of the city, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city had been built, to throw Him down headlong;

And after these things Jesus was walking in Galilee: for He was not willing to walk in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill Him.

I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye are seeking to kill Me, because My word has no place in you.

Who delivered us out of so great a death, and will still deliver: on Whom we have set our hope, that He will also still deliver;

persecutions, sufferings; what manner of things happened to me in Antioch, in Iconium, in Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord delivered me.

And they, having heard it, lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, "Lord, Thou Who didst make the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all things in them; Who, through the Holy Spirit by the mouth of our father David, Thy servant, didst say, 'Why did the gentiles rage, and the peoples premeditate empty things? The kings of the earth did set themselves in array; and the rulers assembled together, against the Lord, and against His Christ.' read more.
For, of a truth, there were gathered together in this city, against Thy Holy Child Jesus, Whom Thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the gentiles and peoples of Israel??28 to do whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel predetermined to come to pass.

And Saul, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, going to the high priest, asked from him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that, if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. And, as he was journeying, it came to pass, that he was drawing nigh to Damascus; and suddenly there flashed around him a light from Heaven; read more.
and, having fallen upon the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" And he said, "Who art Thou, Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus Whom you are persecuting.

"I am the true vine, and My Father is the husbandman. Every branch in Me that bears not fruit, He taketh it away: and every one that bears fruit, He cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit. Already ye are clean because of the word which I have spoken to 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, unless ye abide in Me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abides in Me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit; because, apart from Me, ye can do nothing. Unless one abides in Me, he was cast forth as a branch, and withered; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done to you. In this was My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit, and become My disciples. Even as the Father loved Me, I also 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 abide in His love. These things have I spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. This is My commandment, that ye love one another, even as I loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his soul for his friends. Ye are My friends, if ye do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves; because the slave knows not what his lord is doing; but I have called you friends, because all things which I heard from My Father I made known to you. Ye did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that ye should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you. These things I command you, that ye may love one another. If the world hates you, ye know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love its own; but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, on this account the world hates you. Remember the word which I spake to you, 'A servant is not greater than his lord.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do to you for My name's sake; because they know not Him Who sent Me. "Had I not come and spoken to them, they had not had sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates Me hates My Father also. Had I not done among them the works which no other did, they would not have had sin; but now have they both seen and hated both Me and My Father; but this they do, that the word may be fulfilled, which has been written in their law, 'They hated Me without a cause.'

The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who made him well. And, on this account, the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on the sabbath. But He answered them, "My Father worketh even until now, and I work." read more.
For this cause, therefore, the Jews were seeking the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the sabbath, but also called God His Father, making Himself equal with God.

And it came to pass, that, as I was journeying, and was drawing nigh to Damascus, about midday, there suddenly flashed around me a great light out of the heaven; and I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?' And I answered, 'Who art Thou, Lord?' And He said to me, 'I am Jesus, the Nazarene, Whom you are persecuting.'

And, they having departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Having risen, take the Child and His mother, and flee into Egypt, and be there till I speak to you; for Herod is about to seek the Child to destroy Him."

"And, when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next; for verily I say to you, ye will in no wise finish the cities of Israel, till the Son of Man come!

But the Pharisees, having gone out, held a consultation against Him, that they might destroy Him. But Jesus, knowing it, withdrew thence; and many followed Him, and He healed them all.

If in human fashion I fought with wild beasts at Ephesus, what is the profit to me? If the dead rise not; "Let us eat and drink; for to-morrow we die."

If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all men most pitiable!

I, John, your brother, and fellow-sharer in the tribulation, and kingdom, and patience in Jesus, was in the island called Patmos, because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody till the next day; for it was now evening. And many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men became about five thousand. And it came to pass, the next day, that their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem, read more.
and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest. And, having set them in the midst, they were inquiring, "In what power or in what name, did ye do this?" Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, if we are this day examined in regard to a good deed done to an impotent man, by what means this person has been made whole; be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the Name of Jesus Christ, the Nazarene, Whom ye crucified, Whom God raised from the dead, in Him does this man stand here before you well! This is the Stone That was set at naught by you, the builders, Which was made into a head of a corner. And in no one else is there salvation; for neither is there any other name under Heaven, that has been given among men, in Which we must be saved." Now, beholding the boldness of Peter and John, and perceiving that they were unlettered and ignorant men, they were wondering; they also were recognizing them, that they had been with Jesus; and, seeing the man who had been healed, standing with them, they had nothing to say against it. But, having ordered them to go aside out of the Sanhedrin, they were conferring one with another, saying, "What shall we do to these men? for, indeed, that a notable sign has been done through them is manifest to all those dwelling in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it; but, that it spread no further among the people, let us threaten them, that they speak no more to any man in This Name." And, having called them they charged them not to speak at all, nor teach, in the name of Jesus.

and laid hands on the apostles, and put them in a public prison. But an angel of the Lord, by night, opened the prison doors; and, having led them out, said, "Go, and, standing, speak in the temple, to the people, all the words of this life." read more.
And, having heard this, they entered at dawn, into the temple, and were teaching. And the high priest, having come, and those with him, called together the Sanhedrin, and all the senate of the sons of Israel, and sent to the prison-house to have them brought. But the officers, having come, did not find them in the prison, and, returning, they told, saying, "The prison-house we found shut in all safety, and the prison-keepers standing at the doors; but, having opened, we found no one within." Now, when both the captain of the temple and the high priests heard these words, they were thoroughly perplexed concerning them, what this might become. But a certain one, coming near, told them, "Behold, the men whom ye put in the prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people!" Then the captain, having gone away with the officers, brought them, not with violence, for they were fearing the people, lest they should be stoned; and, having brought them, they set them before the Sanhedrin. And the high priest asked them, saying, "We strictly charged you not to teach in This Name; and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your teaching! and intend to bring upon us the blood of This Man!" But Peter and the apostles, answering, said, "It is proper to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, Whom ye slew, having suspended Him on a tree: This One God exalted as a Prince and Savior, with His right hand, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; also the Holy Spirit, Whom God gave to those who obey Him." And they, hearing it, were being convulsed with rage, and were taking counsel to slay them. But a certain one, having risen up in the council?? Pharisee, by name Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, honored by all the people??rdered to put the men without a little while. And he said to them, "Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves with regard to these men, what ye are about to do; for before these days arose Theudas, alleging that he himself was somebody, to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves; who was slain, and all, as many as obeyed him, were disbanded, and came to nothing. After this arose Judas, the Galilean, in the days of the enrollment, and drew away people after him; he also perished; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad. And now I say to you, refrain from these men, and let them alone; for, if this counsel or this work be of men, it will be overthrown; but, if it be of God, ye will not be able to overthrow them; lest perhaps ye be found even fighting against God." And to him they assented; and calling the apostles to them, beating them, they charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go, They, therefore, were going from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they were accounted worthy to suffer dishonor in behalf of The Name. And every day, in the temple, and at their homes, they ceased not teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Now about that time Herod the king put forth his bands to harm some of the assembly. And he slew James, the brother of John, with the sword; and, seeing that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. And then were the days of unleavened bread. read more.
And, having seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him; intending, after the passover, to bring him up to the people. Peter, therefore, was kept in the prison; but prayer was being earnestly made by the assembly to God in his behalf. And, when Herod was about to bring him forth, in that night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and guards before the door were keeping the prison. And, behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the cell; and, smiting the side of Peter, he raised him up, saying, "Rise up quickly!" And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said to him, "Gird yourself, and bind on your sandals." And he did so. And he says to him, "Cast your garment around you, and follow me." And, going forth, he was following him; and he knew not that it was true, which was being done by the angel, but was thinking that he saw a vision. And, having passed the first and second watch; they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and, going out, they passed on through one street, and straightway the angel departed from him. And Peter, having come to himself, said, "Now I know truly that the Lord sent forth His angel, and delivered me out of Herod's hand, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. And, having considered it, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who is surnamed Mark; where many were gathered together and were praying. And, when he knocked at the door of the gate, a maid came near to answer, Rhoda by name. And, recognizing the voice of Peter, she opened not the gate for joy; but, running in, she told them that Peter was standing before the gate. And they said to her, "You are mad!" But she kept confidently affirming that it was so. And they said, "It is his angel" But Peter continued knocking; and, opening, they saw him, and were amazed. But, beckoning to them with his hand to be silent, he declared to them, how the Lord brought him forth out of the prison. And he Said, "Declare these things to James, and to the brethren." And, going forth, he went to another place. And, when it became day, there was no small commotion among the soldiers, as to what, consequently, became of Peter. And Herod, having sought for him, and not finding him, having examined the guards, ordered that they be led away to death. And, going down from Judaea to Caesarea, he tarried there.

And, before all these things, they will lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up into the synagogues and prisons, being brought before kings and governors for My name's sake.

Remember the word which I spake to you, 'A servant is not greater than his lord.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also.

but he shall receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brothers, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life.

Those, therefore, who were dispersed by reason of the tribulation that arose about Stephen, traveled as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to none but Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene; who, indeed, having come to Antioch, were speaking to the Greeks also, publishing the glad tidings of the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them; and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.

And Saul was approving of his death. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the assembly which was in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the countries of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Those, therefore, who were dispersed, went about, proclaiming the good tidings of the word.

Now I wish you to know, brethren, that the things relating to me have resulted rather in the furtherance of the Gospel; that my bonds became manifest in Christ in the whole praetorium, and to all the rest; and that the greater part of the brethren, having become confident in the Lord by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word of God without fear.

as to zeal, persecuting the assembly: as to the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

though formerly I was a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious; but I obtained mercy, because I, being ignorant, did it in unbelief;

And, on this account, the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on the sabbath.

who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and pleased not God, and are contrary to all men;

since it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to those who cause you tribulation;

"Happy are those who have been persecuted for righteousness' sake; because theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. "Happy are ye, when they shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and exult; because great is your reward in Heaven, for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you.

"Happy are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from themselves, and reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man. "Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy; for, behold, your reward is great in Heaven; for, after the same manner, were their fathers wont to do to the prophets.

And those who dwell on the earth rejoice over them, and make merry, and they will send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented those dwelling on the earth.

Rejoice, and exult; because great is your reward in Heaven, for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you.

but, in so far as ye share in Christ's sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of His glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy.

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

not as Cain who was of the evil one, and slew his brother. And wherefore did he slay him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

and, having fallen upon the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" And he said, "Who art Thou, Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus Whom you are persecuting.

But the Jews urged on the devout and reputable women, and the principal men of the city, and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and cast them out of their borders;

I, verily, therefore, imagined to myself that it was proper that I should do many things contrary to the name of Jesus, the Nazarene; which also I did in Jerusalem; and many of the saints also did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the high priests; and, when they were being put to death, I have given a vote against them; and, punishing them often throughout all the synagogues, I was compelling them to blaspheme; and, being exceedingly enraged against them, I was persecuting them even unto foreign cities.

And Saul was approving of his death. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the assembly which was in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the countries of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

For ye heard of my conduct formerly in Judaism; that, beyond measure, I was persecuting the assembly of God, and laying it waste;

And Saul, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, going to the high priest, asked from him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that, if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. And, as he was journeying, it came to pass, that he was drawing nigh to Damascus; and suddenly there flashed around him a light from Heaven; read more.
and, having fallen upon the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" And he said, "Who art Thou, Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus Whom you are persecuting. But arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told you what you must do." And the men who were journeying with him were standing speechless; hearing, indeed, the voice, but beholding no one. And Saul arose from the earth; and, his eyes being opened, he beheld nothing; but, taking him by the hand, they led him into Damascus. And he was three days without seeing; and he neither ate, nor drank. And there was a certain disciple in Damascus, Ananias by name; and the Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias?" And he said, "Behold, I am here, Lord!" And the Lord said to him, "Arise, go to the street that is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul of Tarsus; for, behold, he is praying; and in a vision he saw a man, Ananias by name, coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive sight." And Ananias answered, "Lord, I heard from many concerning this man, how many evils he did to Thy saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the high priests to bind all those calling on Thy name."

"Happy are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from themselves, and reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man.

"Happy are those who have been persecuted for righteousness' sake; because theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Had I not done among them the works which no other did, they would not have had sin; but now have they both seen and hated both Me and My Father;

Remember the word which I spake to you, 'A servant is not greater than his lord.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also.

And, on this account, the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on the sabbath.

that upon you may come all the righteous blood poured out upon the earth, from the blood of Abel, the righteous, unto 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 evil men; for not all have the faith.

and we toil, laboring with our own hands; being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;

When, therefore, it was evening, on that day, the first day of sabbaths; and, when, through fear of the Jews, the doors were shut, where the disciples were; Jesus came and stood in the midst, and saith to them, "Peace be to you!"

They answered and said to him, You were altogether born in sins, and do you teach us!" And they cast him out.

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

pursued, yet not abandoned; smitten down, yet not destroyed;

"Hear another parable. There was a man?? householder??ho planted a vineyard, and placed a fence around it, and dug a wine-press, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went abroad. And, when the season of the fruits drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen to receive his fruits. And the husbandmen, taking his servants, one, indeed, they beat; and one they killed; and one they stoned. read more.
Again he sent other servants more than the first; and they treated them likewise. But afterward he sent to them his son, saying, 'They will reverence my son.' But the husbandmen, seeing the son, said among themselves, 'This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and have his inheritance!' And, taking him, they cast him forth out of the vineyard, and killed him.

Yea, and all who wish to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? then the stumbling-block of the cross has been done away!

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

But, just as then, the one born after the flesh kept persecuting him born after the Spirit, so also is it now.

And others had trial of mockings and scourgings, and, moreover, of bonds and imprisonment:

yet he has not root in himself, but is only temporary; and, when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, straightway he stumbles.

Then saith Jesus to him, "Return your sword to its place; for all taking a sword will perish by a sword.

but I say to you, Love your enemies; and pray for those who persecute you;

Wherefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well-doing to a Faithful Creator.

but, if one suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this name.

But there arose some of those who were of the synagogue called the synagogue of the Freedmen, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he was speaking. Then they suborned men, who said, "We have heard him speaking blasphemous words 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, and brought him to the Sanhedrin, and set up false witnesses, who said, "This man does not cease speaking words against this holy place, and the law; for we have heard him say, that This Jesus, the Nazarene, will overthrow this place, and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us." And all those who were sitting in the Sanhedrin, gazing intently at him, saw his face as it were an angel's face.

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, "Repent ye; for the Kingdom of Heaven has drawn near."

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

And the husbandmen, taking his servants, one, indeed, they beat; and one they killed; and one they stoned. Again he sent other servants more than the first; and they treated them likewise.

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

But the Jews urged on the devout and reputable women, and the principal men of the city, and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and cast them out of their borders;

and, having laid upon them many stripes, they thrust them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely;

For Herod, having laid hold of John, bound him, and put him in prison, because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. For John said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her." And, wishing to kill him, he feared the multitude, because they were holding him as a prophet. read more.
But, on a birthday celebration of Herod, the daughter of Herodias danced in the midst, and pleased Herod. Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatever she should ask. And she, urged on by her mother, says, "Give me here upon a plate the head of John the Immerser." And the king, though grieved, yet, because of the oaths and of those sitting at the table with them, ordered it to be given; and, having sent, he beheaded John in the prison; and his head was brought upon a plate, and given to the damsel; and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples, coming, took up the corpse, and buried it; and, coming, they told Jesus;

Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who declared beforehand concerning the coming of the Righteous One??f Whom just now ye became the betrayers and murderers;

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

Now about that time Herod the king put forth his bands to harm some of the assembly.

And these things will they do, because they have not known the Father, nor Me.

"And to the angel of the assembly in Smyrna write these things," saith the First and the Last, Who became dead, and lived: "I know your tribulation, and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Fear not the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the Devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

But the high priests consulted, that they might slay Lazarus also;

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

and I persecuted this Way unto death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women;

And Saul was approving of his death. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the assembly which was in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the countries of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

And they impress one Simon, a Cyrenian, who was passing by, coming from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear His cross.

"I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith, even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

And he slew James, the brother of John, with the sword;

I, John, your brother, and fellow-sharer in the tribulation, and kingdom, and patience in Jesus, was in the island called Patmos, because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

And a hair of your head shall in no wise perish.

They, therefore, were going from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they were accounted worthy to suffer dishonor in behalf of The Name.

And Paul, perceiving that the one part was of the Sadducees, and the other of the Pharisees, was crying out in the Sanhedrin, "Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; concerning the hope and resurrection from the dead, I am being judged."

since you are able clearly to know that there are not more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship; and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any one, or causing a stirring up of a multitude, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city; nor are they able to prove to you the things of which they are now accusing me. read more.
But I confess this to you, that, according to the Way which they call 'heresy,' so I worship the God of our fathers, believing all those things, which are according to the law, and which have been written in the prophets; having hope toward God??hich these themselves also are looking for??hat there will be a resurrection, both of the righteous and unrighteous.

"Happy are ye, when they shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake.

Fear not the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the Devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Then will they deliver you up to tribulation, and will slay you; and ye will be hated by all the nations for My name's sake.

But beware of men; for they will deliver you up to high-councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you;

And, before all these things, they will lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up into the synagogues and prisons, being brought before kings and governors for My name's sake.

Remember the word which I spake to you, 'A servant is not greater than his lord.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also.

And Herod with his soldiers, having set Him at naught, and having mocked Him, having thrown over Him a gorgeous robe, sent Him back to Pilate.

And, on this account, the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on the sabbath.

and, rising up, they cast Him forth out of the city, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city had been built, to throw Him down headlong;

And after these things Jesus was walking in Galilee: for He was not willing to walk in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill Him.

I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye are seeking to kill Me, because My word has no place in you.

"Happy are ye, when they shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake.