Why do people hate Christians?
Jesus warned us - if they hated Him, they'll hate us. Discover why and how to respond in love.
20 Bible studies address this question
What the Bible Says
These Bible studies explore Scripture passages that speak to this question. Each study will give you insight and practical application.
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles
Jesus commissions His twelve apostles with authority and instructions for their mission. He warns of persecution, calls for fearless witness, and teaches that following Him may divide even families—...
Encouragement in Persecution
Paul opens his second letter to Thessalonica by thanking God for their growing faith and love, offering comfort amid persecution, and affirming that God's righteous judgment will ultimately vindicate ...
The True Vine
Jesus describes Himself as the true vine and His Father as the vinedresser. Branches must abide in Him to bear fruit; apart from Him we can do nothing. He commands His disciples to love one another an...
Stephen's Speech and Martyrdom
Stephen delivers a sweeping speech tracing Israel's history of rejecting God's messengers. He accuses his hearers of resisting the Holy Spirit like their fathers. Enraged, they stone him. Stephen sees...
Living for God's Will
Since Christ suffered in the flesh, believers should arm themselves with the same attitude, living for God's will rather than human desires. Peter addresses using gifts to serve others and rejoicing w...
Ananias and Sapphira and Growing Opposition
Ananias and Sapphira lie to the Holy Spirit about their gift and face sudden judgment. The apostles perform many signs and wonders. They are arrested again but freed by an angel. Before the council, G...
Living Stones and Royal Priests
Believers are called to grow spiritually like newborn babies, becoming living stones built into a spiritual house. As a chosen people and royal priesthood, they are to live such good lives among pagan...
Save Me, O God, for the Waters Have Come Up to My Neck
One of the most quoted psalms in the New Testament, this extended lament describes overwhelming suffering while maintaining hope in God's salvation. Its messianic overtones point to Christ's passion.
The Olivet Discourse: Signs of the End
Jesus predicts the temple's destruction and describes signs preceding His return—wars, earthquakes, persecution, the abomination of desolation, and cosmic signs. He calls for watchfulness, for no on...
The Widow's Offering and Signs of the End
Jesus commends a poor widow who gives all she has. He prophesies the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem, warning of wars, earthquakes, persecution, and cosmic signs before His return. He calls Hi...
The Work of the Spirit and Sorrow Turned to Joy
Jesus prepares His disciples for persecution and promises that the Spirit will convict the world and guide them into all truth. Though sorrow will come, it will turn to joy like a woman's pain becomin...
Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe
Paul and Barnabas continue their journey through opposition and misunderstanding. At Lystra, healing leads to false worship, then stoning. Yet they strengthen new believers and appoint elders.
Healing the Man Born Blind
Jesus heals a man blind from birth, sparking controversy because it happened on the Sabbath. The Pharisees interrogate the man and his parents, eventually expelling him from the synagogue. Jesus finds...
Peter and John Before the Council
Peter and John are arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin for healing in Jesus' name. Peter, filled with the Spirit, proclaims that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus. The council is amaze...
Paul Before Felix
Paul defends himself before Governor Felix, reasoning about righteousness, self-control, and judgment. Felix keeps Paul imprisoned for two years, hoping for a bribe.
Servants and Fools for Christ
Paul describes apostles as servants and stewards who will be judged by the Lord alone. He contrasts the Corinthians' self-satisfaction with the apostles' suffering for Christ's sake.
Joy in Every Circumstance
Paul writes from prison with joy, confident that his chains advance the gospel. He longs to depart and be with Christ but knows remaining is better for them. To live is Christ, to die is gain.
Suffering for Doing Good
Peter addresses marriage relationships, emphasizing wives' gentle and quiet spirits and husbands' considerate treatment of wives. He then encourages all believers to be ready to explain their hope, sh...
Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira
Jesus addresses four churches: Ephesus has lost first love despite good works; Smyrna faces tribulation but is spiritually rich; Pergamum holds fast despite Satan's throne nearby; Thyatira has love an...
Paul's Foolish Boasting
Paul reluctantly boasts to match his critics. He catalogs his sufferings for Christ—beatings, imprisonments, dangers. His constant concern for the churches reveals his heart.
Still Have Questions?
The Bible has answers for every aspect of life. Keep exploring, or reach out to our pastoral team for personal guidance.