Persecution
Matthew 5:10-12
Excerpt
Jesus spoke of ‘persecutions’ coming upon his followers (Matt. 5:10-12; 10:23). This is best understood as the domestic hostility in family and synagogue caused by conversion to a new faith. Jesus did ‘not come to bring peace, but a sword’ (Matt. 10:34), dividing households and causing financial and social loss to his followers. Because of their distinctive faith, Jesus’ followers might lose ‘house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, and lands’ (Mark 10:29). The problem is domestic: ‘a man’s foes will be those of his household’ (Matt. 10:36).
Achtemeier, Paul J., Harper & Row and Society of Biblical Literature. Harper’s Bible dictionary 1985 : 772. Print.
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