The Bible addresses the persecution of Christians before the coming of the end times in several passages, particularly in the New Testament, as documented in the Dake Bible. Jesus Himself warned His followers that they would face persecution for their faith. In Matthew 24:9, He states, "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake," indicating that believers will endure hatred and suffering as a prelude to the end times. This passage is part of the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus outlines the signs of the end of the age, emphasizing that persecution will be a significant marker.
Additionally, in 2 Timothy 3:12, the Apostle Paul affirms, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution," suggesting that persecution is an expected part of the Christian life, not just in the end times but throughout the believer's journey. This is further supported by passages like John 15:18-20, where Jesus explains that if the world hated Him, it will also hate His followers, preparing them for opposition and trials because of their association with Him.
The Dake Bible notes in its commentary on these verses that persecution has been a reality for Christians since the early church and will intensify as the end times approach, aligning with the prophetic timeline described in the Plan of the Ages. These teachings serve to both warn and encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith despite opposition, knowing that such trials are part of God's prophetic plan leading up to the ultimate return of Christ.
In addition:
In addition to the previously mentioned passages, the Dake Bible provides further insights and references across its comprehensive texts that elaborate on this topic.
In the New Testament section of the Dake Bible, there are numerous accounts and teachings about persecution as a recurring theme in the life of believers. For instance, in Acts, the early church faced severe opposition, with figures like Stephen being martyred for their faith (Acts 7:54-60). This historical context underscores the reality of persecution from the very inception of Christianity, setting a precedent for what believers might expect in the future, including the times leading up to the end.
The Dake Bible's commentary in the New Testament section also highlights passages like 1 Peter 4:12-16, where Peter advises believers not to be surprised by the fiery trials they face but to rejoice in sharing Christ's sufferings. This reinforces the idea that persecution is not only anticipated but also a means of spiritual growth and identification with Christ, especially as the end times draw near.
Moreover, in the Plan of the Ages section, the Dake Bible outlines the prophetic timeline, indicating that as the world approaches the end times, there will be an increase in hostility towards Christians as part of the broader signs of the age, including wars, famines, and moral decline. This framework ties persecution directly to the unfolding of end-time events, suggesting an escalation in intensity and scope.
While the Old Testament section does not directly address Christian persecution, it does provide a backdrop of God's people facing opposition and suffering for their faith, such as the prophets who were often rejected and harmed for delivering God's messages (e.g., Jeremiah's experiences in Jeremiah 20). The Dake Bible notes in this section draw parallels between these historical persecutions and the trials Christians face, showing a continuity of opposition against God's followers across different dispensations.
Lastly, the Complete Concordance and Cyclopedic Index in the Dake Bible offers cross-references and topical studies on persecution, pointing to additional scriptures and explanations that enrich the understanding of this theme. For example, it connects various terms and events related to suffering and opposition, providing a holistic view of how persecution is woven throughout biblical history and prophecy.
These additional references and insights from the Dake Bible emphasize that persecution of Christians is a well-documented and expected reality, both historically and prophetically, as we approach the end times.
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