Matthew 10:16–23 Matthew 10:16 • The messengers of the gospel go with . • The messengers of the gospel go with and . Jesus taught that His disciples will face persecution on at least 4 fronts when they share the gospel. persecution Matthew 10:17 • John 10:39 – Jesus escaping danger before the cross • Deuteronomy 25:1-3 - Flogging as punishment in the Mosaic Law • Acts 4:12 • Acts 5:41–42 Persecution Matthew 10:18 • Acts 24:4-8 – Accusations against the Apostle Paul for civil unrest Jesus gives a promise of God’s miraculous intervention and power during times of interrogation Matthew 10:19–20 • Acts 26:27–29 • John 14:6 Persecution Matthew 10:21 • Matthew 12:46–50 Persecution Matthew 10: 22 Those who in faith through persecution are true followers of Christ. Useful questions for self-examination in light of persecution: • Do you believe that people are given eternal life through Jesus’ substitutionary death on the cross and resurrection? • Do you believe that it is good news? • Do you agree that people must have the chance to hear the gospel in order to be saved? • Do you love other people? 2 Corinthians 13:5