What the New Testament says about Persecution

What does the New Testament say about Persecution?
Did Jesus tell us we would never face it? No.
Did Jesus tell us we were to hate & complain against our persecutors? No.

What did Jesus, and his apostles, tell us about persecution?

The persecuted are blessed. They are to rejoice for they will have a great reward in heaven. Matthew 5:10-12

We are to love our enemies & pray for our persecutors so we may be called children of God. Matthew 5:43-45

Some will come to faith in Christ, but will not have the "roots" to stay the course when trouble or persecution strikes. Matthew 13:1-23 and Mark 4:1-20

In the end times, there will be persecution, death, and hate for believers. Many will leave the faith. There will be arrests & persecution. Matthew 24:1-14 and Luke 21:5-19

Those who leave family & homes will receive families, homes, and also persecutions. Mark 10:29-31

The world persecuted and hated Jesus. Because we follow Jesus, we can expect hate and persecution as well. John 15:18-25

The early church was persecuted. Acts 8:1
The early church rejoiced that they could suffer beatings & disgrace for Jesus. Acts 5:17-42
When Paul, Silas, & Timothy were persecuted, they said "told-ya-so" (give or take) 1 Thessalonians 3:4

Nothing, not even persecution, can separate us from the love of God. Romans 8:35-39

We are to bless, not curse, our persecutors. Romans 12:14

When cursed, bless. When persecuted, endure it. When slandered, answer kindly. 1 Corinthians 4:12-13

We are persecuted (by man) but not abandoned (by God) 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Everyone who wants to live a godly life will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:12

So this is a snapshot of what the New Testament has to say about persecution.

In summary:
-it will happen.
-rejoice in our reward in heaven
-pray for our persecutors.