THE PERSECUTED MAT 5:10

The Bible speaks of suffering for the sake of Christ. Followers of Jesus are often disliked by their own families and communities. The first century Christians were persecuted rigorously with orders coming from religious leaders (Acts 4:1–3). Jesus blessed those who were persecuted for righteousness. (Matthew 5:10). He reminded His disciples, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first" (John 15:18).