To be persecuted it to be harassed, tormented, or oppressed for one’s beliefs, faith, or conviction.
In some cultures, persecution can result in ostracism, torture, and death.
An interesting variation of usage occurs in the conversion of Saul (aka Paul), where God asks “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4)
Key verse about Persecuted: “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me (Matthew 24:9, NIV)
A lifelong student of the Bible, Peter DeHaan, PhD, wrote the 1,000-page website ABibleADay.com to encourage people to explore the Bible. His main blog and many books urge Christians to push past the status quo and reconsider how they practice their faith in every area of their lives.