'Persecuted' in the Bible

For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.

But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.

Now brothers, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished.

Those who want to make a good impression in the flesh are the ones who would compel you to be circumcised—but only to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ.