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Our Mission
Missionary inspires and educates local churches to better follow the Great Commission by providing trusted resources to prepare them to send missionaries to peoples who have never heard of Christ.

Glossary

Words are important, especially on the mission field. Use our glossary to gain a solid understanding of missions terminology.

Definition

Persecution

Persecution is hostility or harassment directed toward Christians specifically because of their faith in Christ. Persecution can take a number of forms including malice, sabotage, abuse, violence, and even murder. However, like suffering more generally, scripture tells us that we ought not be surprised:

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good." (1 Peter 4:12–19)