The Persecuted

   Some commentators see three beatitudes in Matthew 5:10–12, making a total of ten, thus paralleling the Ten Commandments. But it seems to me that vv 10–12 discusses a single, eighth beatitude that differs from the previous seven. Persecution is not essential to blessing, but neither is it incompatible with blessing. In fact, according to Paul, persecution is an unavoidable consequence of having the character that results in blessing—“all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3.12).

There is, then, a fundamental difference between the eighth beatitude and the preceding seven. Whereas the seven describe the components of kingdom character, this eighth describes the consequences of such character. Persecution will come simply because we become what the beatitudes call on us to be. We will be persecuted because we are poor in spirit, because we mourn, because we are meek, etc. Persecution is the price the godly pay for being godly. It’s a strange fact, but true, that the world put to death the only perfect person who ever lived. And the disciple is not above his master. “If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (Jn. 15.20). So long as men love darkness rather than light, they will try to silence anyone who exposes and rebukes their evil by his goodness (Jn. 3.19–21).

Persecution hardly ever involves physical violence. It can, of course; it did in the times of Christ and the apostles (e.g., Acts 5.40). But more often, persecution involves the sting of hatred, the pain of ostracism, and the character assassination that results when men slander and detest us (Lk. 6.22). But as Christ affirms, we can be blessed despite the beating. The fourth-century believer Jerome said, “I give thanks unto my God for this, that I am found worthy of a place among those whom the world hates.” After the apostles were beaten by the Sanhedrin, “they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name” (Acts 5.41). And it was one of the beaten, Peter, who later wrote, “even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed” (1 Pet. 3.14).

The promise attached to this beatitude—for theirs is the kingdom of heaven—is the promise attached to the first. Christian character is blessed in itself. It is sure to be persecuted in this world, but even this persecution is a blessing. Christians are blessed in their saintliness, and they are blessed in their suffering, and they are blessed as they look forward to the even greater blessedness of that which is to come.

Kenny Chumbley