What did Jesus mean by saying that we are blessed when people insult or persecute us for His sake?
Matthew 5:11 - 12
NKJV - 11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Clarify
•
Share
•
Report
•
Asked September 07 2016
•
Anonymous
Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
Steven Scott
Supporter
We Christians ARE blessed. We are chosen by God to be Christians. We, however, are likely to face many trials and tribulations for our belief and faith. We must hold firm to our faith knowing that man can only injure our physical being. Man CANNOT harm our souls. Only God can do that. Man has a choice: live for Christ and possibly lose our physical health, or live for ourselves, and definitely lose our souls.
Omobolanle Michael
Supporter
The scripture already explained it. There is a reward for us in heaven when we are persecuted for righteousness sake.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
What did Jesus mean by saying that we are blessed when people insult or persecute us for His sake?
Matthew 5:11-12, New International Version:
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Look first at this word, "blessed." μακάριος (makarios)
Strong: G3107
GK: G3421
happy, blessed, as a noun it can depict someone who receives divine favor, Mt. 5:3-5, 7;; Lk. 1: 45
Look next at that word, "insult." ὀνειδίζω (oneidizō)
Strong: G3679
GK: G3943
to censure, inveigh against, Mt. 11:20; Mk. 16:14; to reproach or revile, Jas. 1:5; to revile, insult with insulting language, Mt. 5:11 -- William Mounce -- (He is a Greek scholar and author of several books, including "Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar". He is also known for his work on the ESV translation.)
The role of the persecuted is to live for God ("rejoice and be glad") and God will reward that great reaction to persecution with great reward in Heaven. (Matthew 5:10a, 11). See Harold Wilmington's excellent outline of Matthew.
Wiersbe emphasizes that the Christian who lives a godly life will face opposition—not might, but will. He connects this passage, Matthew 5:11-12, with 2 Timothy 3:12: This is a classic verse on persecution that every Christian should know.
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Add your Answer
All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.
- Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
- Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
- Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
- Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
- For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible