The Beatitude “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10 ESV) is one of Jesus’ most challenging but encouraging statements. Persecution is difficult, but Jesus says there is blessing and reward for those who suffer for doing what is right. What does this mean and why does Jesus call persecution a blessing?
The Context of the Beatitudes
The Beatitudes are part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5-7. Jesus spoke these words early in his ministry to a large crowd following him (Matthew 4:25). The Beatitudes contrast the values of God’s kingdom with the values of the world. Those who follow Jesus will be blessed, though often in surprising ways that seem difficult from a worldly perspective.
The first few Beatitudes promise blessing to the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, and the pure in heart (Matthew 5:3-9). These all describe virtues honored in God’s kingdom. The later Beatitudes speak of hardships the righteous will face – mourning, hunger for justice, persecution, and slander (Matthew 5:4,6,10-11). Jesus makes the surprising claim that those who suffer for righteousness are blessed.
The Meaning of “Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake”
To be “persecuted for righteousness’ sake” means to suffer mistreatment because of one’s commitment to righteous living and obedience to Jesus. Righteousness refers to conformity to God’s moral law. Those persecuted for righteousness are tormented not because they have done wrong, but specifically because they have done what is right in God’s eyes.
Jesus mentions righteousness in the previous Beatitude – “blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6). There is blessing for those who passionately pursue a righteous life. However, those living righteously should also expect persecution from a world that hates the light (John 3:20).
Just as Jesus himself was rejected by sinners (Matthew 11:16-19), his followers will be ridiculed and persecuted by those opposed to the way of Christ. He warns that just as the world treated him with hatred, so it will treat those who come after him (John 15:18-21).
Why Persecution Can Be Considered a Blessing
Persecution is incredibly difficult and often terrifying. What makes Jesus say it is a blessing?
First, persecution shows someone is following Christ’s radical way. Jesus endured opposition from sinners because of his uncompromising obedience to the Father. So too his followers should expect the same hostility from the world. Persecution is evidence they are walking the same narrow path as Jesus.
Second, persecution brings eternal reward. Jesus says, “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven” (Matthew 5:12). The trials of this world are momentary, but the reward in eternity is immeasurable (2 Corinthians 4:17). Persecution grows patience, character, and hope (Romans 5:3-4).
Third, persecution unites believers to Christ. Paul says he delights in suffering for the church, “in order that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings” (Philippians 3:10). In persecution, Christ’s followers share in both his trials and his resurrection life. Suffering deepens their connection to him.
Fourth, persecution strengthens and purifies faith. Places where the church faces intense persecution often exhibit the most vibrant, purified faith. As Peter says, trials prove the genuineness of faith, “more precious than gold” (1 Peter 1:6-7).
Finally, persecution bears powerful witness. The courage and joy of believers in the midst of mistreatment can point others to Christ. “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” Jesus taught (Matthew 5:44). Persecution gives opportunity to overcome hatred with Christ-like love.
Examples of Persecution for Righteousness in Scripture
The Bible contains many examples of the righteous suffering for their godly convictions and practices:
– Hebrew young men Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into a fiery furnace for refusing to worship an idol (Daniel 3).
– Daniel was cast into the lion’s den because he prayed to God rather than the Persian king (Daniel 6).
– Godly prophets like Jeremiah, Isaiah and Zechariah were rejected, attacked, and even killed for speaking the word of the Lord (Hebrews 11:36-38).
– John the Baptist was beheaded for confronting Herod about his immorality (Mark 6:17-29).
– Stephen was stoned for preaching the gospel and accusing the Jewish leaders of killing the Messiah (Acts 7).
– Paul and Silas were stripped, beaten and thrown in prison for preaching Christ in Philippi (Acts 16). Paul later suffered persecution from Jews and Gentiles throughout his missionary travels for teaching the true faith.
– Early Christians faced imprisonment, torture and martyrdom for refusing to worship the Roman emperor and confess “Caesar is Lord.” Countless believers through the ages have been persecuted by governments and religious authorities.
Principles for Responding to Persecution
How should Christians respond to hostility and persecution for the sake of the gospel? Scripture offers several principles:
– Do not retaliate or seek revenge (Romans 12:17-21) but bless those who persecute you (Luke 6:28).
– Rejoice that you bear Christ’s reproach (Matthew 5:12; 1 Peter 4:13-14).
– Remain bold and faithful in proclaiming the gospel (Acts 4:29; Philippians 1:14).
– Rely on the Holy Spirit for strength to endure (Matthew 10:19-20).
– Trust God’s sovereign purposes are being accomplished (Romans 8:28).
– Pray for boldness, endurance and deliverance (Acts 4:29-30; 2 Thessalonians 3:2).
– Flee to another place if necessary (Matthew 10:23).
– Comfort and strengthen other believers who face persecution.
– Remember you have a heavenly reward reserved for you (Hebrews 10:32-39).
Examples of Persecuted Christians in History
Here are just a few of the many examples of Christians persecuted for the sake of righteousness:
Ignatius (35-108 AD) – Bishop of Antioch and student of the apostle John. Killed by lions in the Roman Colosseum for refusing to recant his faith in Christ.
Polycarp (69-155 AD) – Bishop of Smyrna (modern Turkey) and disciple of the apostle John. Burned at the stake for refusing to worship the Roman emperor.
Felicity and Perpetua (d. 203 AD) – Young North African noblewomen killed by wild animals in the arena at Carthage for professing Christianity. Their courage helped inspire other believers facing persecution.
William Tyndale (1494-1536) – English scholar who translated the Bible into English. Strangled and burned at the stake for heresy after years of imprisonment.
Jim Elliot and Nate Saint (1923-1956) – American missionaries murdered while trying to reach the Waodani people of Ecuador with the gospel. Their wives continued to minister despite the persecution.
Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968) – Persecuted for his work as a leader in the American civil rights movement and for calling America to repent of racism and follow Jesus. Assassinated in 1968.
Wang Zhiming (1907-1972) – Chinese pastor imprisoned for nearly 20 years by the Communist government for refusing to join the Three-Self Patriotic Movement church. Died under house arrest in 1972.
Persecution of Christians Today
Millions of Christians around the world currently suffer persecution for the sake of the gospel. Here are a few examples:
– Christians in North Korea face imprisonment, forced labor and death for owning a Bible or practicing their faith. Entire Christian families are sent to labor camps.
– In Afghanistan, Iran and other Muslim countries, converts to Christianity from Islam face violence, imprisonment or death. Evangelism and conversion are illegal.
– In India, Hindu radicals often attack churches and Christian villages, forcing believers to flee for their lives. Pastors have been beaten or killed.
– In China, churches must register with the Communist government which seeks to control their teachings and practices. Unregistered house churches face raids, fines, and imprisonment.
– In places like Colombia, Mexico and Nigeria, drug traffickers and other organized criminals target Christian leaders and believers with violence, kidnapping and extortion.
– In the Middle East, Pakistan and parts of Africa, militant Islamists have bombed churches, taken hostages and carried out mass shootings of Christians.
Christians in free societies should pray for the persecuted church and advocate for oppressed believers. But persecution also challenges comfortable Christianity. Remembering those who suffer for Christ calls every believer to walk more faithfully with him, willing to pay any price (Luke 9:23).
Conclusion
Jesus’ call to take up the cross and follow him has always demanded sacrifice. The Beatitudes assure believers that there is blessing and reward from God even in the hardest trials for the sake of Christ. Persecution shows one’s faith to be genuine and purifies love for God. Though incredibly difficult, persecution produces hope, endurance and godly character. God uses the faithful witness of his persecuted people to make the gospel known.
Persecution also reminds Christians that this world is temporary. All who suffer for righteousness await an imperishable inheritance in heaven where sin and death are forever defeated. Until that day, believers cling to the promise that the kingdom belongs to those who have loved not their lives even unto death (Revelation 12:11). Those persecuted for righteousness can be assured of God’s presence and the prayers of believers around the world.
