a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
Analysis & Commentary
Persecution scope expands: 'ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles' (και επι ηγεμονας δε και βασιλεις αχθησεσθε ενεκεν εμου εις μαρτυριον αυτοις και τοις εθνεσιν). Beyond Jewish councils, disciples face 'governors' (Roman provincial rulers) and 'kings' (client kings like Herods). 'For my sake' (ενεκεν εμου) clarifies: persecution stems from Christian identity, not criminal behavior. Purpose: 'for a testimony' (εις μαρτυριον)—trials become gospel opportunities. Defendants become witnesses; courtrooms become pulpits. Persecution evangelizes persecutors, bringing gospel to political elite unreachable otherwise. History confirms this: Paul's imprisonments reached Philippian jailer, Felix, Festus, Agrippa, Caesar's household. Suffering advances gospel.
Historical Context
Early Christians faced both Jewish and Roman persecution. Acts records trials before Jewish councils (Acts 4-5), Roman governors (Felix, Festus, Acts 24-26), and kings (Herod, Agrippa, Acts 12, 26). Paul's Roman citizenship brought him before Caesar (Acts 25:11). Persecution inadvertently spread the gospel: scattered Christians evangelized new regions (Acts 8:4); imprisoned apostles witnessed to guards; trials provided public platforms. Church fathers saw martyrdom as evangelistic tool: 'blood of martyrs is seed of the church' (Tertullian).
Questions for Reflection
How can persecution and trials become opportunities for gospel witness?
What does this passage teach about God's sovereignty in using opposition for His purposes?
How should Christians view and respond to persecution when it comes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Persecution scope expands: 'ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles' (και επι ηγεμονας δε και βασιλεις αχθησεσθε ενεκεν εμου εις μαρτυριον αυτοις και τοις εθνεσιν). Beyond Jewish councils, disciples face 'governors' (Roman provincial rulers) and 'kings' (client kings like Herods). 'For my sake' (ενεκεν εμου) clarifies: persecution stems from Christian identity, not criminal behavior. Purpose: 'for a testimony' (εις μαρτυριον)—trials become gospel opportunities. Defendants become witnesses; courtrooms become pulpits. Persecution evangelizes persecutors, bringing gospel to political elite unreachable otherwise. History confirms this: Paul's imprisonments reached Philippian jailer, Felix, Festus, Agrippa, Caesar's household. Suffering advances gospel.