Note 9 at 2 Tim. 3:12: The Holy Spirit said through Paul that "ALL" who live godly lives suffer persecution. There are no exceptions. This is true in all cultures and with all types of people. The only people who are not persecuted are the ungodly. The only way you will avoid confrontation with the world is if you are headed in the same direction. When you change direction and start swimming upstream, there is resistance.

Persecution is not always physical abuse. Criticism, rejection, and other types of reproach are considered persecution as well. In fact, these forms of persecution can be some of the deadliest because they are subtle. Many Christians would hold fast to their faith if someone put a gun to their head and demanded they renounce Christ or else. But some of those same people are fearful of witnessing because of the rejection they may encounter.

Note 10 at 2 Tim. 3:12: The majority of time that the word "persecution" is used in the New Testament it is translated from the Greek verb "DIOKO" as in this case. It means "to run after, follow after, or pursue, usually in a hostile manner" (Thayer).

Persecution is an inevitable part of a true Christian's life. This is a well established truth in scripture. Many passages echo this same teaching. Jesus said, ". . . The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you. . ." (Jn. 15:20). "But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;" (Mt.10:17). "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake" (Mt.24:9).

"But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake" (Lk.21:12). "They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service" (Jn.16:2). "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" (Rev.2:10).

Paul said, "For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know" (1 Th.3:4). "And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:" (1 Cor.4:12).

Through it all we must remember that "neither persecution, famine, nakedness, peril or sword...shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom.8:35-39).