Persecution

Do not be anxious about what you shall say in times of persecution, for the spirit of my Father will speak through you. 140:9.3 176:1.1

Early persecution of Christians in Rome was largely due to their use of the term “kingdom”, which was seen as a political threat by the Romans. 195:2.2

The Sadducees attempted to ridicule Jesus in public, but their actions only served to create more sympathy for him among the crowd. 174:3.5

Religion becomes distorted and perverted when loveless zeal is used for military propaganda, diverting it into sociology or theology. 99:3.8

Doubt not truth in persecution, for I have triumphed and shown you the way to eternal joy. 181:1.6

Be glad in adversity, for those persecuted for righteousness’ sake shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. 140:3.11 140:5.20 180:3.1

Jesus predicted bitter persecution as he warned them of the hostility they would encounter on their mission as his disciples. 163:4.11 171:2.4

Thrive and prosper in the kingdom, even amidst persecution and the temptation of ease-drifting souls. 178:1.10

The new persecution of early Christians by Jews spurred the spread of Christianity from Greek hands to the ends of the empire. 194:4.13

Persecution of Jews by professed Christians, based on the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus, is unjust and un-Christlike, as all individuals are loved and valued by God regardless of their ancestry. 175:2

The power of Christianity was evident in the lives of early Christians who served and sacrificed in the face of persecution. 195:3.4

Persecution yields progress, as young people and brave adults bravely face danger and difficulty, embodying the ultimate sacrifice of laying down one's life for friends, a love that surpasses even brotherly bonds. 140:5.21

Prepare to prove your love by accepting the same persecution as Jesus did, for the world will not treat believers better. 157:6.8

Bible parallels

Passages that the paragraphs cited above parallel, quote or reinterpret, from Duane Faw’s Paramony cross-references. Hover a reference to read it.

• No money or extra clothes 140:9.3 — Mt 10:9-10; Mk 6:8-9; Lk 9:3; Lk 10:4.
• Laborer is worthy of hire 140:9.3 — Lk 10:7.
• I send you as sheep amid wolves 140:9.3 — Lk 10:3. *Be wise as serpents*: Mt 10:16. *You'll be brought before councils*: Lk 21:12. *You'll be beaten in synagogues*: Mt 10:17-21; Mk 13:9. *They shall beat you and kill you*: Mt 24:9. *Testimony of spirit within*: Mt 10:19-20; Mk 13:11; Lk 12:11-12; Lk 21:13-15. *Jews first, then gentiles*: Ro 1:16.
• Destruction of Jerusalem 176:1.1 — Mt 24:4-14; Mk 13:5-13; Lk 21:8-17.
• Persecution and danger 176:1.1 — Mt 10:17-20; Lk 12:11-12.
• Gospel of the kingdom 176:1.1 — Mt 4:23; Mt 9:35; Mt 24:14; Mk 1:14-15.
• Betrayed by kinfolk 176:1.1 — Mt 10:21-22.
• We are never alone 181:1.6 — Jn 16:32-33.
• Happy are the persecuted 140:3.11 — Mt 5:10-12; Lk 6:22-23a.
• Persecuted for righteousness 140:5.20 — Mt 5:10-12a; Lk 6:22-23a.
• If world hates and persecutes 180:3.1 — Jn 15:18-21.
• Total commitment 171:2.4 — Mt 8:21-22; Mt 19:21-22; Mk 10:21-22; Lk 9:59-62; Lk 14:33; Lk 18:22-23.
• New persecutions 194:4.13 — Acts 8:1b.
• First called “Christians” at Antioch 194:4.13 — Acts 11:26b.
• Greater love has no man 140:5.21 — Jn 15:13.
• Who wants to be my disciple, follow me 157:6.8 — Mt 16:24-25; Mk 8:34-35; Lk 9:23-24.