Reasons for persecution of Christians - JSS3 Christian Religious Studies Lesson Note

1. The religious and political leaders in Jerusalem did not want to lose their reputation and relevance in the society.

2. The Elites wanted to maintain status quo in their religious and political settings.

3. The leaders did not believe in Jesus Christ. They knew Him as the son of Joseph the carpenter and they also knew Mary as the wife of Joseph. To them, both parents were poor and were not significant in the society.

4. They were expecting a political and economic leader who would liberate Israel from the oppression of the mighty nations around them.

5. They also persecuted the Christians because of the financial gains they have being gaining from their present political and religious settings.

6. To oppose and stop the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

7. To frustrate and intimidate the disciples.

8. To maintain the religious dominance of Judaism as the best and accepted religion by God over others.