“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” –
John 15:18-20a
In a discourse that served as a farewell speech before He was arrested and crucified, the Lord Jesus Christ made it plain to His disciples that they too would endure the hatred of the world. This teaching was not just for the 11 who were with the Lord when He spoke these words, but for His followers throughout the ages. We no longer belong to the world; therefore, the world hates us as it hated Christ.
All Christians endure to some measure the scorn and opposition of the world. For many believers throughout history this scorn and opposition has taken on forms that we would recognize as persecution. This remains so for hundreds of thousands – even millions – of our brothers and sisters in many parts of the world at this very moment.
A world of hatred towards Christians
The ultimate reason why the world persecutes the Church is because the world hates Christ. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18). In practice, this hatred is manifested in persecution of Christ’s representatives on earth – His followers. This persecution takes place in particular cultural, political, ideological and religious contexts, and proceeds from different sources.
The world’s philosophies, ideologies and religions all come into conflict with each other, but all share a hatred for the Lord and His people.
Christian persecution by religious extremists
Islamism is a common source of anti-Christian persecution. In its most extreme form – the Salafi-jihadism of Al Qaeda and Islamic State (IS, ISIS, ISIL, Daesh), among others – Islamists rejoice in the murder of Christians. Classical Islam teaches that Christians (and Jewish people) should be subjugated. Not all Muslims want to attack or kill Christians, but anti-Christian attitudes do persist within Muslim communities. Converts from Islam are a particular target.
Other religions also have extremist elements. Many Christians have been killed or displaced by the Buddhist-nationalist military of Myanmar, to name just one example.
The home of Shahbaz and Hinna was burned down by an extremist mob during anti-Christian riots in the Jaranwala area of Punjab, Pakistan, in August 2023. At least 24 church buildings were set on fire and more than 100 homes belonging to Christians were burned, looted or vandalized. Barnabas supplied emergency aid to more than 1,000 believers affected by the violence
Communist authoritarianism and Christan persecution
Communist authoritarianism is another notable source of anti-Christian persecution: believers face restrictions in China, Laos and Vietnam. Totalitarian North Korea maintains zero tolerance for any belief not sanctioned by the state, with Christians often receiving the harshest treatment in prisons and labor camps where they are abused, starved and tortured until they die.
Persecution from governments and communities
Persecution is often the result of government policy. It comes also from communities – neighbors, colleagues and family members – and terrorist groups. Believers may be ostracized or subjugated, denied access to necessities such as clean drinking water, falsely accused and imprisoned, or killed for their faith. Only the Lord knows how many Christians throughout the history of the Church have joined the company of martyrs who stand before Him (Revelation 6:9-11).
How Christians can respond: A call to prayer
On our SCAAW website you will find a map highlighting just some of the world’s hotspots of anti-Christian persecution. Our hope is that this information will help you to pray for your suffering and persecuted brothers and sisters.
For more information, you can download our booklet Praying for the Suffering Church at barnabasaid.org/pray/praying-for-the-persecuted-church , or request a copy of the booklet from your local Barnabas Aid office.
