The Bryce Crawford Podcast

Episode 183: Persecution

Date: March 9, 2026
Host: Bryce Crawford

Episode Overview

In this thought-provoking episode, Bryce Crawford addresses the theme of persecution for the Christian faith—what it means to be hated, misunderstood, or even attacked for following Jesus. Bryce weaves scriptural insights, personal anecdotes, and global perspectives to explore how Christians should respond to persecution, why it is a core part of the Christian journey, and the unique empathy Christ holds for those who suffer. He encourages listeners to embrace the cost of discipleship while responding with gentleness, respect, and reliance on God’s justice.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Understanding Persecution as a Christian Reality

• Persecution is not a surprise for Christians but a certainty. Bryce reminds listeners:

  “If a perfect man was able to be persecuted in this world, then you and I, as immature and imperfect human beings, should expect people to not understand, disagree, maybe even become hostile.” (01:31)

• Scripture: Matthew 5: "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake..." (04:12)
• Insight: Jesus, though perfect, was persecuted—so Christians should expect the same. Our suffering has precedent in Christ himself.

2. Jesus’ Unique Empathy in Our Suffering

• Unlike other religions, Christianity teaches that God (in Christ) understands suffering firsthand:

  “This is the best argument...Jesus Christ not only claimed to be God, was God...but we have a God in Christianity that has suffered with us.” (02:51)

• Jesus endured relational, social, and physical pain—humiliation, betrayal, and ultimately crucifixion (03:07).

  “If anyone understands your suffering better than you, it’s Him.” (03:00)

3. Responding to Persecution: Return Good for Evil

• Bryce highlights Jesus’ command in Matthew 5:38-48—turn the other cheek, give to those who take from you, go the extra mile (05:44-06:04).
• Contrast with human nature:

  “There’s something inside of the human being and inside of me that wants to provoke back...to defend my case.” (06:52)

• Key teaching:

  “When wrong is done to you...God is going to deal with it. Vengeance is His. You don’t have to retaliate.” (07:57)

• Retaliating makes oneself "God" in their own life—true faith surrenders justice to God (08:44).

4. The Distinction Between Genuine Persecution and Provoking Hostility

• Not all hostility faced by Christians is true persecution:

  “If you provoke people to spit on you, if you provoke anger in someone, that is not persecution.” (13:57-14:04)

• Bryce critiques the style of some street preachers:

  “The reason that they get spit on, yelled at...I don’t think is because of the message. I think it’s because of how they deliver it.” (13:53)

• Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:24—correcting opponents with gentleness, not quarrelsomeness (12:53)

5. Responding with Gentleness and Respect

• Christians must present the gospel respectfully:

  “First Peter 3 says: Be prepared to make a defense...but do it with gentleness and respect.” (14:22)

• Bryce shares a personal encounter at a pride parade where respectful conversation—rather than confrontation—led to a meaningful gospel presentation (14:48-15:16):

6. The Rising Tide of Godlessness and the Cost of Discipleship

• Bryce points to 2 Timothy: “...in the last days there will come times of difficulty.” (11:08)
• Modern society is growing in godlessness—persecution will increase and is the “cost” to follow Jesus (10:18-10:41):

  “Are you willing to look like a fool? And if we’re going to look a fool for anyone, we’re going to look a fool for Jesus...” (10:41-10:55)

7. Global Perspective on Persecution

• American Christians may misinterpret negative comments as persecution compared to believers facing death globally:

  “If I walked in the middle of the Gaza Strip with an ‘I heart Jesus’ shirt...I wouldn’t be able to finish that sentence. I’d be murdered.” (17:42)

• Shares a powerful story of 21 Christians martyred by ISIS for their faith, including a convert inspired by their boldness (18:13).

8. The Story of Stephen, the First Christian Martyr (Acts 7)

• Stephen’s example: faithful unto death, forgiving his killers:

  “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (18:13)

• Jesus is depicted standing (not sitting) at the right hand of God—uniquely honoring Stephen’s faith (18:13):

  “I imagine Jesus Christ standing off the reign of God, clapping, looking down, going, that's my son. I’m proud of you.” (18:13)

• Bryce’s personal note: This visualization sustained him during times of suffering and loss (18:13).

9. Hope for Persecutors

• Stephen’s death witnessed by Saul—who becomes Paul:

  “The people that persecute you, there is hope for them...when you’re being persecuted, pray for those who persecute you.” (end section)

Memorable Quotes

• On being misunderstood:

  "The number one persecution [Jesus] faced was being misunderstood..." (01:16)

• On God’s empathy:

  "If anyone’s going to know the shoes you’ve walked in, it’s Him." (03:02)

• On responding to evil:

  “Bless them. Give them the other cheek. Pray for them. Bless their families, bless their job, bless their life.” (06:58)

• On true persecution:

  “Not all hostility you face is genuine persecution. If you provoke anger...that's not persecution. You just pissed people off.” (14:04)

• On the global church:

  “We are so comfortable in America, we don't even know an ounce of what real persecution looks like.” (18:13)

• On Jesus standing for the persecuted:

  “That’s my son. I’m proud of you.” (18:13)

Important Timestamps

• Jesus as the Model of Persecution: 01:14 – 03:07
• Matthew 5—The Blessing in Persecution: 04:12 – 04:35
• Responding to Persecution (Turn the Other Cheek): 05:44 – 07:57
• The Heart Check: Avoiding Retaliation: 07:57 – 08:44
• Truth Offends—Godlessness in the Last Days: 09:37 – 10:41
• Responding with Gentleness (2 Timothy/1 Peter 3): 12:53 – 15:16
• Global Perspective: Martyrdom and Real Suffering: 17:11 – 18:13
• Acts 7—Stephen’s Martyrdom and Jesus Standing: 18:13 – End

Actionable Takeaways

• Expect persecution: It’s part of following Jesus.
• Respond as Christ did: With love, prayer, gentleness, and surrender of justice.
• Sharpen your knowledge: “Be sharp on your scripture, know how to respond with gentleness and respect.” (16:51)
• Pray for your persecutors—they may become the Church’s greatest advocates, like Saul/Paul.

Tone and Final Encouragement

Bryce is honest and vulnerable about his struggles to respond compassionately to hostility. His tone is pastoral—encouraging, challenging, scripturally grounded, and globally aware.

“Keep pressing on. Keep moving on...When you stand in the face of persecution and you don’t bow down...the Lord Jesus is proud of you.” (18:13)

He closes with a prayer for perseverance and courage for those enduring—and those who will one day face—persecution.