Persecution as a Reward for Greatness: Insights from Scripture

Scripture is replete with examples of individuals who were persecuted for their faith and greatness. From the Old Testament prophets to the New Testament apostles, persecution was often the result of standing for the truth and living a life of righteousness. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:11-12, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

One example of persecution as a reward for greatness is found in the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers, falsely accused of adultery by his master's wife, and imprisoned for years. Yet through it all, Joseph remained faithful to God and was eventually exalted to a position of great authority in Egypt. When he was reunited with his brothers years later, he told them, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20).

Another example is the apostle Paul, who was imprisoned, beaten, stoned, and ultimately martyred for his faith. Yet he considered it a privilege to suffer for Christ, saying in Philippians 3:8-10, "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death."

Indeed, throughout the Bible, we see that persecution is often a sign of greatness and faithfulness to God. As Peter wrote in 1 Peter 4:12-13, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." Ultimately, our reward for enduring persecution for the sake of Christ is not in this world, but in the next. As Jesus said in Matthew 10:28, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell."