Christians down through the years have found a strange comfort in these prophecies of Jesus: since Christ knew ahead of time about their persecutions, His knowledge of their ultimate deliverance was equally certain.

Persecution would increase; Christians would become hated not just by the Jews, but by all nations. Certainly history bears this out. First came harassment and martyrdom at the hands of the Romans through the first two to three centuries. After Christianity became the “official” religion of the Roman Empire in the 4^th century, it grew into a monolithic man-made religion, which eventually persecuted those who recaptured faith in Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith alone. The Reformation unfolded on the martyrdom of men like John Huss, John Wycliffe and the harassment of men like German Martin Luther, Swiss Ulrich Zwingli, and others. Even now Christians who believe in Jesus Christ as their sole and sufficient Savior are martyred around the world.

The disconcerting part of this persecution is the complete turmoil within the community of believers. Many so-called “Christians” will fall away, betraying true believers to the authorities. In the early centuries while many Christians died for their faith, many others recanted. Whether these were never true believers to start with or “backsliders,” only the Lord know for sure.

Jesus pointed out that persecution would bring out false teachers. Many of these over the years would teach that persecution is a sign of God’s judgment for disobedience. People then fall prey to them because they have a “better way of truth” that will lead them out of persecution. As a result, disobedience to the truth (“lawlessness”) will actually grow. And one of the most distressing results of false teaching is that ultimately, genuine Christian love will “grow cold,” being replaced by a superficial imitation of love.

Despite all this, some will persevere through it all and will be “saved,” that is, saved from a false way of living. They will continue to preach the true gospel. God’s message will march ahead despite persecution! And today there is an increased effort to preach the Good News to every nation, tribe and tongue.