Why do Christians seem to be the target of so much persecution?

1 Kings 22:16-17, 28The king replied sharply, “How many times must I demand that you speak only the truth to me when you speak for the Lord?” Then Micaiah told him, “In a vision I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, like sheep without a shepherd. And the Lord said, ‘Their master has been killed. Send them home in peace.’” . . . But Micaiah replied, “If you return safely, it will mean that the Lord has not spoken through me!” Then he added to those standing around, “Everyone mark my words!”

Jeremiah 20:1-2Now Pashhur son of Immer, . . . heard what Jeremiah was prophesying. So he arrested Jeremiah the prophet and had him whipped and put in stocks.

John 15:21“They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me.”

Sometimes believers are persecuted simply for speaking the truth in a context where truth challenges the current belief or power systems. Those who don’t believe in God, or don’t believe God has established absolute truths and communicated them through the Bible, obviously don’t recognize truth. To them, truth sounds rigid, intolerant, and threatening to their own positions. Others recognize the truth but don’t want to live by it. In either case, those who don’t live by the truths of the Bible will resist and attack those who do.

Matthew 15:9“Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.”

Acts 7:54The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage.

Galatians 5:11If I were no longer preaching salvation through the cross of Christ, no one would be offended.

The bold message that salvation comes only through faith in Jesus threatens those who believe that their own good works are enough to get to heaven. When the gospel of Jesus contradicts the human-centered teachings of naturalism, folk religions, and scientism, the perceived threats can result in violent and destructive responses.

Acts 17:7Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all guilty of treason against Caesar, for they profess allegiance to another king, named Jesus.

Because Christians give their ultimate allegiance to God, they have sometimes been accused of treason when their government orders them to do something that violates God’s commands. Respectful and cooperative citizenry is expected of believers, but not at the cost of faithfulness to God.