In the Shadow of the Cross: A Biblical Theology of Persecution and Discipleship

by Glenn Penner

Overview

The Bible is full of examples of persecution for those who follow God in faithfulness and obedience. From Abel to the prophets, from John the Baptist to the disciples, the men and women who testified to the Truth endured suffering and trials for their godly witness. In the Shadow of the Cross explores suffering and persecution throughout the entire Bible, including observations and studies from nearly 200 Christian scholars, both ancient and modern. It is one of the most thorough biblical studies of persecution available today, a valuable resource for every student of the Bible.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780882641317
Publisher:	Voice of the Martyrs Books
Publication date:	08/01/2021
Pages:	329
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.50(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

GLENN PENNER is the former CEO of The Voice of the Martyrs Canada. A graduate of Winnipeg Theological Seminary and Mountain View Bible College, he taught at church leadership seminars and theological institutions in Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia, specializing in the field of theology and persecution. Glenn joined VOM in 1997, and served the mission in a variety of capacities, including Development Director, Communications Director, Scholar in Residence, and Executive Advisor. With an avid interest in Russian history and literature, church history, and organizational leadership models and strategies, he has traveled to more than 30 countries to encourage persecuted Christians. Glenn went home to be with the Lord on January 26, 2010, following a seven-year struggle with cancer.

Table of Contents

Preface 7

1 Old Testament Perspective 11

In the Beginning: Insights from the Pentateuch 11

The Biblical Basis for Human Rights and Religious Liberty 11

The Biblical Basis for Persecution 18

Cain and Abel 23

Noah 26

Lot 26

Abraham 27

Isaac 28

Egypt's Oppression of Israel 28

Blessing and Cursing in Deuteronomy 28

The Example of History: Insights from the Historical Books 30

The Old Testament View of History 30

Suffering as Discipline 35

Discipline as Punishment 35

Discipline as a Means to Spiritual Maturity 36

Suffering Specifically for God's Sake 37

Poets and Philosophers: Insights from the Wisdom Literature 38

Job 38

Psalms 43

Psalms Used in the New Testament in Regards to Persecution 44

Psalm 22 44

Psalm 31 46

Psalm 34 47

Psalm 35 48

Psalm 41 48

Psalms 42,43 48

Psalm 44 48

Psalm 69 49

Psalm 91 49

Psalm 116 50

Psalm 118 50

How the Early Church Used Psalms in Their Discussion of Persecution and Discipleship 52

The Imprecatory (Cursing) Psalms 53

Ecclesiastes 54

Proverbs 55

Thus Says the Lord: Insights from the Prophets 56

Isaiah 56

Jeremiah 58

Daniel 62

2 The Revelation of God in Christ 67

God as Sufferer 67

The Doctrine of Impassibility 70

Anthropomorphic Metaphors 72

Suffering Incarnationally 73

Suffering Relationally 77

Suffering Sympathetically 79

God as Self-Giver 80

Messianic Expectations 84

Definition of Messiah 84

The Expectations of First-Century Judaism 84

The Expectations of the Disciples 86

Peter (Matthew 16) 86

John the Baptist (John 1; Matthew 11) 88

The Transfiguration (Matthew 17; Mark 9; Luke 9) 91

The Ascension (Acts 1; Matthew 28) 94

The Strategy of Jesus 95

The Call of Discipleship, the Call of the Cross 96

Matthew 97

Matthew 5:10-12 97

Matthew 10:16-42 99

Matthew 16:21-28 106

Mark 111

Luke 116

The Subjects of Persecution in Luke 116

The Theological Teachings of Persecution in Luke 117

John 120

3 Acts of the Apostles: Proclamation and Persecution 125

Persecution in the Book of Acts 125

Overview of Acts 125

Persecution in Acts 130

The Theological Teachings of Persecution in Acts 132

Final Observations 134

4 Teaching of the Apostles 137

Paul 137

1 and 2 Thessalonians 137

1 Thessalonians 137

2 Thessalonians 141

1 and 2 Corinthians 145

1 Corinthians 146

2 Corinthians 152

Romans 161

Galatians 169

Ephesians 170

Ephesians 3:1 170

Ephesians 4:1 171

Ephesians 6:10-20 172

Philippians 174

Philippians 1 174

Philippians 2 176

Philippians 3 177

Colossians 180

Philemon 183

1 Timothy 184

2 Timothy 185

2 Timothy 1 186

2 Timothy 2 189

2 Timothy 3:10-13 190

2 Timothy 4:6-18 191

Hebrews 194

Hebrews 11 195

Hebrews 12 197

Hebrews 13 199

James 200

Peter 203

1 Peter 203

2 Peter 214

John 214

1 John 214

2 John 215

3 John 216

Revelation 217

Appendices

A Religious Freedom Under Islam 229

B The Letter of Athanasius 235

C The Barmen Theological Declaration 252

D Is Healing in the Atonement? 255

E Guidelines for Christian-Muslim Dialogue 258

F Tempted to Become a Bishop 263

G Biblical Responses to Persecution 268

H The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard 270

I Why Are Christians Persecuted? 271

J Moses Xie 273

K Li DeXian 274

Bibliography 275

End Notes 293