Why this book on Christian persecution? -- The meaning and magnitude of Christian persecution -- Toward a definition of Christian persecution and martyrdom -- Christian persecution around the world today -- The biblical portrait of persecution -- The Genesis of persecution and martyrdom: Stephen or Abel? -- The sermon on the mount: "blessed are the persecuted" -- The gospel of Mark: following Jesus comes at high cost -- Luke and Acts: persecution in salvation history and the early church -- Paul's letters: the righteousness of Christ enflames persecution -- The Book of Hebrews: a call to remember the persecuted -- Peter's Epistles: persecution is a blessing, not a curse -- John's writings: idolspizing and vindication -- The implications and practical applications -- The presence of Christ: the source and comfort of persecution -- Ministry to the persecuted church: why it needs to be the church's top social justice concern -- You can make a difference