Persecution can be a scary concept. But the Bible doesn’t shy away from the tribulations that come with following Christ.
The Book of Acts chronicles the beginning of the Christian Church, and its pages are filled with accounts of persecution against both the church and its apostles.
Paul, Silas, and Peter were imprisoned more than once for preaching the Gospel. Church members had to worship in secret because of persistent hostility toward Christianity. Believers were forced to flee their homes to survive.
But that was 2,000 years ago. Does the church still experience persecution in the 21st century?
Keep reading to find out.
How Did Christian Persecution Start?
Early Christians faced heavy persecution in Rome
As soon as the early church began, persecution rose up to meet it … and it hasn’t stopped. Throughout history, Christians have been arrested, imprisoned, exiled, and killed for following Jesus.
Jesus ministered during a time when the Roman Empire had control over a significant portion of the Middle East and Europe. Roman Christians experienced harsh persecution because their faith contrasted with the polytheistic beliefs and emperor worship of Rome.
Perhaps the worst persecution during that time occurred under Emperor Diocletian, who ruled from 284 to 305 A.D. During his reign, he initiated severe persecution against Christians, ordering the destruction of churches and Christian texts. Christians holding public office also faced significant discrimination.
Ultimately, many Christ-followers under Diocletian’s reign were forced to choose between renouncing their faith or facing imprisonment or death.
Then, in 313 A.D., Emperor Constantine granted Roman Christians religious freedom after becoming a Christian himself. This landmark decision led to Christianity spreading all throughout Europe.
But even as Christianity became the dominant religion in Europe, Christ-followers still experienced persecution for the next millennium and beyond. Those who stood against popular but incorrect Christian teachings were condemned and heavily persecuted.
Christians like William Tyndale were heavily punished for keeping their values
Countless people who stood up for the Gospel were punished for their faith. William Tyndale, the famous Christian who first translated the New Testament into English, was burned at the stake in 1536 for his actions.
Christians living in the Middle East and Asia also faced varying degrees of persecution as the Gospel spread. In what is now Turkey, Christ-followers during the 17th and 18th centuries suffered discrimination in the Muslim-majority Ottoman Empire.
Meanwhile, Christ-followers in Asia also suffered for their faith. In China, many Christians were executed during the 1800s. In Japan, Christianity was outlawed in 1639, and many believers faced execution because of their beliefs.
Korea also saw hostility toward Christians, and around 8,000 Korean Christ-followers were martyred in 1866 alone.
Does Christian Persecution Still Exist Today?
Every year, millions of Christ-followers face persecution for their faith
The rate of persecution against the Christian church hasn’t slowed down. Instead, it’s gotten worse.
According to Open Doors, an organization that tracks Christian persecution around the world, more than 380 million Christ-followers are facing severe persecution for following Jesus. But why?
Communist governments, like those in North Korea and China, view Christianity as a threat to their power. Their nationalist philosophies require absolute loyalty to the vision of a unified communist future, and faith in Jesus disrupts that loyalty. In addition, many Christians advocate for freedom of religion and expression, ideas criticized by communist leaders.
Christian persecution has also remained prevalent in the Middle East and Africa. In fact, more Christ-followers are killed in Nigeria every year than in the rest of the world combined.
Persecution in these areas often stems from violent extremist groups or a country’s dominant culture attempting to control society.
Persecution can stem from cultural traditions, government rule, and extremist activities
For example, Iran is over 99 percent Muslim, and its government is classified as an Islamic theocracy. Those in power often view Christians as a threat to both their authority and the country’s identity. Very few churches are recognized by the government, and their members are often targeted and mistreated.
To make matters worse, printing and distributing Bibles is illegal in Iran, meaning that Iranian Christians often struggle to access God’s Word. But despite intense opposition, Iran has a thriving underground church. In fact, it’s one of the fastest-growing churches in the world.
In Sudan, frequent conflicts and displacement crises have opened the door for violent extremists to target Sudanese Christians. Over 100 churches have been vandalized or destroyed, and many Christ-followers have fallen victim to kidnappings and murders.
Christian communities in Sudan are also in constant danger of attacks, and many believers have fled the increasing violence.
What Does the Future Look Like for Persecuted Christians?
The Bible tells us to rejoice in our sufferings and look forward to eternity
Christian persecution has been on the rise around the world for decades. This may seem frightening or discouraging, but the Bible actually predicted this.
In Matthew 10, Jesus warns His disciples and all who would ever follow Him about the persecution they would face. He says in verse 22, “You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
But later on, before Jesus ascends to heaven, He makes an incredible promise in Matthew 28:20: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Even as persecution worsens around the world, Christ-followers can rest in the truth that God knows their struggles. Even in their darkest moments, they can trust that Jesus is with them, giving them both strength and rest.
And ultimately, no border, law, or prison can stop the Good News from spreading and God’s Kingdom from advancing.
History has shown that the Church actually flourishes under persecution. When faith is tested, it grows stronger and more resilient. And when Christians are faced with impossible circumstances, they turn to a God and Father who will rescue them, either in this life or the next.
How You Can Help Persecuted Christians
You can help persecuted Christians and others in need today
Many Christ-followers who endure persecution are also facing poverty and other crises.
Thousands of Nigerian believers displaced by violent attacks don’t have access to essentials. For North Korean Christians, arrest and starvation are daily threats. And Christ-followers in Myanmar have been caught in the middle of a brutal civil war.
Here’s what you can do to help persecuted Christ-followers worldwide:
1. Pray. Ephesians 6:18 instructs us to pray for “all the Lord’s people.” Pray that God will continue to strengthen persecuted Christians. Pray that they would experience His love, peace, and provision during even the most difficult moments. Finally, pray that the Gospel would continue to transform lives in unreached places.
2. Give financially to help persecuted Christ-followers and others in need. All around the world, persecuted Christians and other men, women, and children in need are facing wars, crises, and poverty. Every $24 you give will provide two struggling people with essentials like food, clean water, medical supplies, God’s Word, and more.
Today, you can stand with persecuted Christ-followers and others in critical need. Will you be the hands and feet of Jesus around the world?