This statement by Jesus is a prophetic warning to His disciples and all believers that a time would come when persecution—even murder—would be carried out against Christians by people who genuinely believe they are doing God’s will. This speaks to religiously motivated persecution, where attackers are convinced their actions are acts of worship or obedience to God.
In John 16:1–2 (ESV), Jesus says:
“I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.”
Jesus foresaw a future where hostility toward true followers of Christ would come not only from political or pagan sources but from within the religious community itself. This kind of persecution is especially dangerous because it is wrapped in the cloak of religious zeal and backed by misinterpretations of Scripture.
1. Biblical Examples of This Persecution
a) Jesus Himself
Jesus was crucified primarily at the instigation of the religious leaders—the chief priests, scribes, and Pharisees—who believed He was violating the Law of Moses. For example, they accused Him of breaking the Sabbath by healing (John 5:16-18) and of blasphemy for claiming equality with God (John 10:33).
They justified His death using Scriptures like Exodus 31:15 (ESV):
“Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall be put to death.”
So, when Jesus healed on the Sabbath, they interpreted it as breaking the law deserving of death. In their view, killing Jesus was obedience to God’s command, though in reality, they were opposing God’s own Son.
b) Stephen the Martyr
Stephen, one of the early church’s leaders, was stoned to death by religious Jews who falsely accused him of blasphemy.
Acts 6:13–14 (ESV) says:
“They set up false witnesses who said, ‘This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.’”
The law in Leviticus 24:16 (ESV) declared:
“Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him.”
Those who killed Stephen believed they were upholding God’s law. Again, in their minds, his execution was a religious duty.
c) The Apostle Paul’s Past
Before his conversion, Paul (then Saul) was a prime example of this mindset:
“I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth.” – Acts 26:9 (ESV)
He persecuted Christians, even unto death, thinking he was honoring God (Philippians 3:6).
2. Religious Persecution Continues Today
Jesus’ warning did not apply only to the early church. This kind of persecution continues throughout history and into the present day. Often, opposition against true believers still comes from religious institutions or individuals who believe they are acting on behalf of God.
For example:
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A preacher shares the Gospel in public, and the first to report him might be another church leader claiming he lacks a permit—justifying it using Romans 13:1, which speaks about obeying governing authorities.
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Someone might feel justified in silencing true Gospel preaching by appealing to order, tradition, or law, believing they’re “protecting God’s reputation.”
What they may not realize is that the Holy Spirit might be using that very moment to convict a soul. Resisting such Gospel work is not service to God but resistance against Him.
3. Final Encouragement and Caution
Jesus said:
“And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.” – Matthew 10:36 (ESV)
Persecution doesn’t always come from far away—it often starts close to home, including within the religious community. This was true for Jesus, His apostles, and it remains true for Christians today.
Therefore, believers are urged to stay vigilant and discerning, not assuming that all religious action is godly. We must evaluate all things through the lens of Scripture, led by the Holy Spirit.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father…” – Matthew 7:21 (ESV)
Conclusion
Jesus’ prophecy in John 16:2 is a sobering reminder that:
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Not all persecution comes from obvious enemies—some come from those claiming to serve God.
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Religious zeal without truth leads to destruction.
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True followers of Christ must be ready to suffer, sometimes even at the hands of the religious, just as Christ did.
May God give us grace to discern and the courage to stand firm, even when opposed by those who believe they are doing right.