The Blessing of Persecution

The eight beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–10) end with “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.” This seems like a strange place to conclude these classic statements of blessedness. Some commentators argue that there are only seven, the last being peacemakers. They see the reference to persecution as a separate discussion. However, verse 10 fits the pattern of each beatitude before it. Particularly, observe that the pronouns in verses 3–10 are the third person plural. However, in verse 11 the pronoun shifts to the second person plural, you, explaining how His followers would be very blessed when they are persecuted. And they will be.

The term makarios translated blessed means more than “happiness.” True, it refers to the happy condition of one who is in favor with the Lord, but it means more. This term is one of recommendation. In other words, the blessed ones are those who possesses qualities to be envied and emulated. However unpromising the quality of one’s life may appear in the short term, it is recommended as necessary to that life which God commends. This recommendation is further evidenced by the fact that each beatitude is followed by the reward promised for that way of life for which the believer will never be the loser.

This last beatitude addresses the most serious of the unpromising qualities of life. Persecution is opposition that threatens harm, even death. The root of the term means to flee. The persecuted one is, believes, and stands for something that places him in imminent danger of his very life. “You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes” (Matthew 10:22, 23). Commenting on this passage, the New Bible Commentary says, “To follow Jesus is not a route to popularity and influence; it leads to life on the run.” Persecution is not an option. “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). So, how can such circumstances be recommended as a way of life in which one will never be the loser?  

Christ adds the commentary of verses 11 and 12. First, this suffering is on Christ’s account. It assures the believer is in step with the Lord, His purpose, and His work (addressed in verses 13 and 14) in this age. “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” As one does the will of God, the Lord promises His presence and protection (Hebrews 13:5, 6). Second, the very great reward promised is heaven itself (Revelation 7:9–17). Third, the persecuted one can take comfort in the fact that he is keeping good company: “For so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”