What does the Bible say about the persecution of the church?

The Bible reveals that the early church faced significant persecution as a result of their proclamation of the Gospel. In Acts 4, we see how Peter and John were arrested for healing a man in the name of Jesus and teaching the resurrection (Acts 4:1-3). This opposition is not isolated to the early church; it reflects a pattern throughout history where those who boldly proclaim the truth of Jesus will face resistance. This persecution is meant to reveal how God works through trials to embolden and strengthen His people, as seen in verses like John 15:18-20, where Jesus tells His disciples that if the world hates them, it hated Him first.