The Eight Beatitudes
Blessed Are They Which Are Persecuted for Righteousness' Sake
Theirs Is the Kingdom of Heaven
Description
The final beatitude pronounces blessing on those who suffer for doing right—not for wrongdoing or foolishness, but specifically for righteousness. The world hates righteousness because it exposes evil, and those who live righteously provoke opposition. Yet such persecution confirms kingdom citizenship and places sufferers in the noble company of the prophets. The promise returns to the first beatitude: theirs is the kingdom of heaven—forming an inclusio that encompasses all kingdom blessings.
Key Verses
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled.
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you.