Persecution:

hardship experienced by and initiated against a person because he
or she chooses to follow Jesus and/or is sharing the gospel. For example: losing your job
because you are baptized, going to prison because you are preaching, being beaten because
you are a known Christ-follower, etc

Suffering:

hard things that happen in our lives, such as disease, loss of a loved one (especially
unexpectedly), disappointment, being beaten for no apparent reason, being robbed, etc.

Persecution and suffering are promised for followers of Jesus. In either case, the enemy will try
to silence the witness for Jesus. However, when we respond to persecution and suffering in the
way the Bible teaches we can reap many benefits and the gospel continues to be shared.

Persecution and suffering may or may not be caused by the enemy, but he will always try to use
it to distract us and keep us from continuing in the mission of Jesus and our calling as His
disciples. The important question is not “Why?”, but “How do I respond?”

• What are other examples of persecution and suffering, especially in your context?
• Which is more common in your context?

Instructions:

For each passage below, identify what the persecution looks like, how the disciples responded,
and what benefit they gained.

This is not a complete list of scriptures that teach us about how to respond to persecution and
suffering. As you read the Bible, ask God to highlight other passages that teach about these.

• Job 2:4-10
• Job 42:1-10
• Psalm 56
• Matthew 5:10-12
• Matthew 10:16-23, 26-28, 32-39
• Acts 4:1-4, 13, 18-20, 23-31
• Acts 14:1-7
• 2 Timothy 3:12
• 1 Peter 4:12-17, 19
• Hebrews 2:10
• Hebrews 11:35-40, 12:1-2
• James 1:2-4