“We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Rom. 5:3-5.
4. What, according to the prophecy of Daniel, was to befall the people of God down through the ages?
“And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.” Dan. 11:33.
5. Why was this to be?
“And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end.” Verse 35.
6. Looking forward to the conflicts through which His followers must pass, what cheering message did Christ send them through the revelator?
“Fear none of those things which thou shall suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; ... be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.... He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” Rev. 2:10, 11. See notes on pages [282], [314].
7. What description does Paul give of the sufferings endured by some of God's people in former ages?
“Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” Heb. 11:35-38.
8. How many does Paul say will suffer persecution?