Written by Eric Kuykendall
Maybe you have heard recently that Christian persecution is on the rise throughout the world. In fact, some mission organizations report that there are presently more Christians persecuted for their faith than at any time in the last 2,000 years.
But that is not happening in America, right? Indeed, with rare exception, Christians in the United States do not risk death for proclaiming Christ. But a Christian friend told me last week that he lost his job for wearing a t-shirt inspired by Charlie Kirk, a Christian and political activist who was assassinated for his beliefs. Did my friend experience persecution?
What Is Persecution?
The word literally means to be hunted – to be followed or pressed hard after, pursued with hostility and persistence.
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia defines it as: “The suffering or pressure, mental, moral, or physical, which authorities, individuals, or crowds inflict on others, especially for opinions or beliefs, with a view to their subjection by recantation, silencing, or, as a last resort, execution.”
The Bible makes a startling claim: “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12-13). That’s a hard truth. The Bible implies that every Christian actively practicing their faith will face persecution.
So ask yourself: Am I facing persecution for publicly living for Christ? If not, maybe the better question is, why not?
What Persecution Is, and Isn’t
Let’s make a distinction so there’s no confusion:
- Hardship from our own mistakes isn’t persecution. If you’re fired for being late, that’s on you.
- Hardship from others’ sins isn’t persecution either. A harsh boss, a difficult spouse, or a dent in your car are unfortunate, but not persecution.
- Hardship from life’s circumstances, sickness, weather, broken appliances, are just part of a fallen world.
- Sacrifices for faith, losing sleep for prayer or giving up vacations for mission trips are noble, but not persecution.
Persecution happens when authorities, individuals, or crowds cause hardship because of your beliefs and practices as a follower of Christ.
Truth #1: Jesus Promised Persecution
Read John 15:18-21. Jesus told us plainly: if the world hated Him, it will hate His followers too. Why would the world care if you’re a Christian?
Think of the Colorado baker who refused to bake a cake celebrating same-sex marriage. There were dozens of other bakers available, why target him?
Because light exposes darkness. Jesus said in Matthew 5:10, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.”
Truth #2: Persecution Was the Backdrop of the New Testament
Most New Testament letters were written in a context of persecution.
- Jewish persecution: The apostles were arrested, beaten, and imprisoned for preaching Jesus (Acts 4-5). Stephen became the first martyr (Acts 7).
- Roman persecution: Christians refused to worship the emperor or engage in pagan idolatry, so they were branded as rebels or atheists.
Emperor Nero famously blamed Christians for the Great Fire of Rome, leading to horrific executions, even as he “played his fiddle.”
Truth #3: Persecution Fueled the Growth of the Church
The second-century church father Tertullian said, “The blood of Christians is seed.” The more Christians were persecuted–thrown to lions, burned, chained–the more they multiplied. Why? Because persecution created unity, courage, and authenticity. It inspired nonbelievers who saw their faith and joy in suffering. Christians fleeing persecution planted new churches everywhere they went, and the Gospel spread.
Truth #4: Persecution Is Real Today
Persecution isn’t ancient history. It’s happening right now, and at an alarming rate.
The Top 5 countries for Christian persecution are:
- North Korea
- Somalia
- Yemen
- Libya
- Sudan
Six Modern Trends (according to Open Doors, a Christian ministry that monitors global persecution)
- Violence in Sub-Saharan Africa – Christianity grows fastest here, but so does bloodshed.
- Churches Going Underground – In Afghanistan and China, believers worship in secret.
- Authoritarian Crackdowns – Central Asian governments like Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan suppress Christian gatherings.
- Civil War Instability – Nations like Sudan, Yemen, and Myanmar use chaos as cover for persecution.
- Organized Crime in Latin America – In Mexico, cartels target Christian leaders who promote peace.
- Rising Global Hostility – Laws, censorship, and social pressure increasingly marginalize believers.
Truth #5: Persecution Is Part of the End Times
Revelation describes martyrs under the altar crying out for justice (Revelation 6:9-11). It also reveals the Beast making war on the saints (Revelation 13). Evil may oppress the body, but it cannot conquer faith.
So What Should We Do?
If you see no evidence of persecution in your life, maybe it’s time to turn up the spiritual volume…
- Wear your faith publicly. Maybe start with clothing or a coffee mug.
- Share the gospel boldly. We need to explain the good news to people. Romans 10:17 says, “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” The world needs to hear the truth.
- Step into hard cultural conversations with truth and love. Most of us don’t love confrontation and avoid it like the plague! But make sure you balance truth with love.
“All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” – 2 Timothy 3:12
Don’t shrink from that truth. Stand in it.
