1. THE HISTORY OF PERSECUTION

2. INTRODUCTION  We will consider the meaning and occurrence of the relevant family of Greek words.  We will note instances of persecution, as recorded in the Bible, and preserved in historical accounts.  Additionally, we will consider reasons for persecution, our response to persecution, and the results of persecution.

3. GREEK WORD FAMILY  The verb di ō k ō, occurring 45x, means “to put to flight, pursue, by implication, to persecute.” Used negatively, it means “to harass someone, esp. because of beliefs, persecute.”  The noun di ō gmos, occurring 10x, refers to “a program or process designed to harass and oppress someone, persecution (in our literature only for reasons of belief).”

4. ORDINARY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY  Seeking Someone (Mark 1:35-37)  Following Someone (Luke 17:22-23)

5. CONSTRUCTIVE SPIRITUAL ACTIVITY  Practicing Hospitality (Rom. 12:13)  Pressing On (Phil. 3:12, 14)  Pursuing Good (1 Thess. 5:15)  Pursuing Love (1 Cor. 14:1)  Pursuing Peace (Rom. 14:19; Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet. 3:11)  Pursuing Righteousness (Rom. 9:30, 31; 1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:22)

6. HOSTILE OPPOSITION TO THE TRUTH  Instances of Persecution  Reasons for Persecution  Response to Persecution  Results of Persecution

7. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES  Ishmael vs Isaac (Gal. 4:29; cf. Gen. 21:9-10)  The Prophets (Acts 7:51-53, esp. vs. 52; cf. Heb. 11:35-38)  Jesus Christ (John 5:16; cf. Mark 3:1-6)

8. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES  Disciples of the Lord (Mark 10:28-31; Luke 21:12; 2 Thess. 1:3-4; 2 Tim. 3:12; Rev. 12:13-17)  Saul of Tarsus (Acts 8:1; 9:1-6; 22:4-5, 6-8; 26:9-11, 12-18; 1 Cor. 15:9; Gal. 1:13, 22-23; Phil. 3:6; 1 Tim. 1:12-14)  The Apostle Paul (Acts 13:50; 1 Cor. 4:11-13; 2 Cor. 4:7- 12; 2 Cor. 11:23-28; 2 Cor. 12:10; 2 Tim. 3:10-12)

9. DURING THE ROMAN EMPIRE  Nero  Domitian  Diocletian

10. DURING THE MIDDLE AGES  Persians & Jews  Arab Islamic Caliphates  Roman Catholic Church

11. DURING THE REFORMATION  Reformation & Counter Reformation in England, Ireland & English Colonies  French Revolution

12. DURING THE MODERN ERA  Soviet Union & Warsaw Pact Countries  Nazi Germany  Muslim World  India  China & North Korea  Western Europe & the United States of America

13. REASONS FOR PERSECUTION  Wicked men hate God and reject His will (John 15:18- 25).  Faithful men who follow God will thus be persecuted (Gen. 19:1-7, 9-11; 2 Pet. 2:6-9).

14. RESPONSE TO PERSECUTION  We should love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matt. 5:43-45).  Although we might be forced to flee, we must continue to preach the gospel (Matt. 10:23; Acts 8:4).  We should bless those who persecute us (Rom. 12:14).  We should stand firm in the faith (Gal. 5:11; 6:12; Eph. 6:10-20).

15. NEGATIVE RESULTS OF PERSECUTION  Some fall away from the faith because of persecution (Matt. 13:20-21; Mark 4:16-17).  Those who are the source of persecution come under divine judgment (Matt. 23:34-36; Luke 11:49-51; 1 Thess. 2:14-16).

16. POSITIVE RESULTS OF PERSECUTION  We should rejoice and be glad when undergoing persecution (Matt. 5:10-12).  We should have confidence and persevere in the face of persecution (Rom. 8:31-39).