ScriptureWay
  • Home
  • Site Overview
  • Author
  • Resources
    • Bible Verses about the Angel of the Lord in the Old Testament
    • Bible Verses About Courage
    • Bible Verses About the Cross
    • Bible Verses About Eternal Life
    • Bible Verses About Humility and Being Humble
    • Bible Verses - "I AM"s of Christ
    • Bible Verses about Music
    • Bible Verses About Old Age and Gray Hair
    • Bible Verses about Paradise
    • Bible Verses About Sound Speech
    • Bible Verses for Times of Crisis
    • 29 BIble Verses About Trusting God
    • 11 Bible Verses About Waiting for the Lord
    • Bible Study Tools
    • Whitneytunes Music Videos
    • Whitneytunes Worship Music
  • The Way to Heaven

Bible Teachings

The World Hates Jesus and His Disciples

6/16/2019

2 Comments

 
Updated - 13 June 2024
by Mr. Whitney V. Myers
Download a printable PDF of this post.
Jesus-Crown-Thorns_John 15:18_123RF Photo - Used Under License
Jesus-Crown-Thorns_John 15:18_123RF Photo - Used Under License
"If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you.  If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you." (John 15:18-19)

This lesson is the third in the series on "Christians and the World" (Ref. 1, Ref. 2).  This lesson explains why "the world" hates Jesus and his disciples.  This lesson also explains the scriptural basis for joy when Jesus' disciples (that is, we who believe in him) encounter the world's hatred.

The scriptures in this lesson are quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless noted otherwise (Ref. 3).

     Consider.  Have you experienced the world's hatred because you are Christ's disciple?  Do you see the world's opposition to yourself or to Christians in general as a cause for joy? 

Biblical definition of "the world"

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life."  (John 3:16)

     Let's revisit the definition of "the world" from the first lesson in this series, "Biblical Definition of the World" (Ref. 1).  The Greek word for "the world" in the New Testament is kosmos.  In the New Testament, and particularly in the Gospel of John, kosmos is used in five ways:
  • The world which God created - John 1:10
  • All the people of the world - John 3:16
  • People who do not know Christ - John 1:10, John 14:16-17
  • People who are hostile to Christ and to Christ's followers - John 7:7, John 15:18-19, John 17:14
  • The affairs of the world which seduce us from God and are obstacles to the cause of Christ - 1 John 2:15-16

The main scriptures for this lesson, John 7:7 and John 15:18-19, refer to the fourth definition above for "the world" -- "people who are hostile to Christ and to Christ's followers."

Biblical definition of "hate"

"For not even His brothers believed in Him.  So Jesus said to them, 'My time is not yet here, but your time is always ready.  The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify about it, that its deeds are evil.'"  (John 7:5-7)

     Let's look at the definition of the Greek word for hate.  The Greek word for hate used in John 7:7 and John 15:18-19 is miseó (pronounced mis-eh'-o) (Ref. 4).  Miseó means "to detest (on a comparative basis); to love someone or something less than someone (something) else; to renounce one choice in favor of another" (HELPS Word-studies - Ref. 4).  Note that according to this definition, hate involves making a choice - for example, whether to love Jesus or not to love Jesus.  We see the same Greek word used for hate throughout the New Testament, for example, in Matthew 5:43-44, Mark 13:13, Luke 16:13, John 3:19-20, Romans 7:15, 1 John 2:11, and Revelation 2:6.  

Yes, the world hates Jesus

     When Jesus spoke to his half-brothers who did not believe in him, Jesus said, "The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify about it, that its deeds are evil" (John 7:7, Matthew 13:55).  Examples of evil deeds that Jesus pointed out to his adversaries include unbelief (John 8:21-24) and hypocrisy (Matthew 23:13-15, 23).  Jesus also told his adversaries that their father was the devil (John 8:44).  That is why his "opposers" hated Jesus.  American theologian Albert Barnes wrote, "This was the main cause of the opposition which was made to him.  He proclaimed that men were depraved, and the result was that they hated him" (Ref. 5, Ref. 6).

Note, however, there is good news.  Even a former "hater" of Christ can be redeemed because Jesus has already shed his blood for them (Ephesians 1:7 ESV, 1 Peter 1:18-19).  James, one of Jesus' half-brothers, later became a believer in Jesus and a pillar of the early church (Matthew 13:55, Galatians 2:9, Acts 15:13). 

Yes, the world hates Jesus' disciples

     During the evening before his death, Jesus spoke many comforting words to his disciples (John chapters 14, 15, and 16).  Jesus was preparing them for his departure and for the hatred and persecution they would face.  Jesus said, "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you.  If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you" (John 15:18-19).

In John 15:19, Jesus stated two reasons why the world hates his disciples:
  • The world hates Jesus' disciples because they (and we who believe in and follow Christ) are not of the world.  Jesus' disciples had listened to and learned from Jesus.  Their lives had been changed by Jesus. They were no longer deriving their life, maxims, and pleasures from the world (Ref. 7).  Their chief source of information was from God's Son and his word, not the world.  Their spiritual father was God the Father, not the devil (John 8:42-44).
  • The world hates Jesus' disciples because Jesus chose them out of the world.  Note that Jesus called each of the twelve Apostles (Luke 6:12-13).  Jesus designated them to his work and service (Ref. 8).  When we believe in Jesus and are fully committed to him, we no longer belong to the world.  Jesus also appoints us to his work and service, and sends us into the world for the purpose of serving him (John 17:18, Mark 16:15-16, Matthew 28:19-20).

Jesus gives his disciples joy

"These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full."  (John 15:11)

     For we who believe in Jesus and follow him as his disciples:
  • Jesus is with us always (Matthew 28:20).
  • Jesus has given us his words that our joy may be full (John 15:11, John 17:13-14).
  • Jesus has sent us the Holy Spirit (the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth) to be with us and guide us (John 14:16-17, John 16:13, Ref. 9).  Note, the world cannot receive the Holy Spirit (John 14:17, Ref. 10).
  • Jesus gives us his peace, peace that the world cannot give, so we will be courageous and not be afraid in the midst of the world's hatred and tribulation (John 14:27, John 16:33, Philippians 4:6-7).

     Apply.  Pray for yourself and those Christians in the world who are facing the world's hatred, opposition, and persecution.  Pray for yourself and those Christians to remain joyful and to have God's peace in the face of the world's hatred.

Related Lessons
"Biblical Definition of the World" (John 1:10)
"The Holy Spirit Whom the World Cannot Receive" (John 14:16-17)
"Do Not Love the World - 1 John 2:15 Meaning"
"What Is Redemption?"  (Ephesians 1:7)

References
1.  https://www.ScriptureWay.com/home/biblical-definition-of-the-world
2.  Ref. 2 begins on the next line
https://www.ScriptureWay.com/home/the-most-important-offer-you-will-ever-receive
3.  https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-American-Standard-Bible-NASB/ 
4.  https://biblehub.com/greek/3404.htm
5.  https://biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/john/7.htm
Barnes' Notes - John 7:7
6.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Barnes_(theologian)
7.  https://biblehub.com/commentaries/pulpit/john/15.htm
Pulpit Commentary - John 15:19
8.  https://biblehub.com/commentaries/gill/john/15.htm
Gill's Exposition - John 15:19
9.  https://www.ScriptureWay/home/the-spirit-of-truth
10.  https://www.scriptureway.com/home/the-holy-spirit-whom-the-world-cannot-receive

2 Comments
Van
6/20/2019 05:48:27 pm

It’s odd, but the bravest, most sincere Christians in the world live under the greatest persecution. In Revelation chapter 2 the church of Smyrna is commended for their faith despite great persecution. There will be rewards for those suffering under persecution.

Reply
Nick
6/14/2023 12:27:19 pm

Amen brother, You can post about anything on any website or app and it’s OK the minute you start talking about Jesus haters appear that’s OK. Jesus told us all about it and Warren does.

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Daily Bible Verse

    (Published on my Bluesky account)

    Author

    Mr. Whitney V. Myers.  Christian.  For more information, please visit the Author Page.

    Posting Schedule

    I plan to provide new postings about once a month.

    Planned Topics

    (subject to change)
    30June25 - "Bible Verses About Music"

    Recent Posts

    (most recent three months)
    25May25 - "Where Does Your Soul Go When You Die?" (Genesis 35:18)
    23Feb25 - "The Goodness of the Lord - Psalm 27:13 Meaning"
    2Feb25 - "Repent and Believe the Gospel - Mark 1:15 Meaning"

    Popular Posts

    (top 10)
    13Jan19 - "Bible Verses About the Cross" (1 Corinthians 1:18)
    31May22 - "11 Reasons Why Jesus Came into the World" (John 3:17)
    25Aug19 - "Characteristics of a Child of God - Part 1" (Matthew 7:16)
    3June18
    - "What Does 'The Way' Mean in the New Testament?" (Matthew 7:13-14)
    11Apr21 - "What Is Redemption?" (Ephesians 1:7)
    12Feb21 - "Bible Verses About Paradise" (Luke 23:43)
    27Jan19
    - "Bible Verses - 'I AM's of Christ'" (John 8:12)
    11Aug22 - "What is Living Water in the Bible?" (John 4:10)
    9Feb20 - "Come, Now, Let Us Reason Together (Isaiah 1:18)"
    24Nov19
    - "Fear Nots of Jesus" (Mark 6:50)

    Categories

    All
    About The Life
    About The Truth
    About The Way - Section 1
    Acceptance
    Adoption
    Advent
    Affliction
    Amen
    Angel Of The Lord
    Angels
    Anxiety/Worry - Section 1
    Anxiety/Worry - Section 2
    Atonement
    Attributes Of God
    Authority
    Believe In Jesus - Section 1
    Believe In Jesus - Section 2
    Believe In Jesus - Section 3
    Believe In Jesus - Section 4
    Blessing
    Blood
    Book Of Life
    Bread
    Bruised Reed
    Burdens
    Children
    Children Of God
    Christmas
    Church
    "Comes" Of God's Word
    Comfort
    Comforter
    Commit To The Lord
    Compassion
    Confession
    Cornerstone
    Courage
    Creation
    Crisis Management
    Cross
    Crucifixion
    Defense
    Deliverance
    Devotion
    Early Church
    Empowerment
    Encouragement
    Endurance
    Eternal Life - Section 1
    Eternal Life - Section 2
    Eternal Life - Section 3
    Faith - Section 1
    Faith - Section 2
    Faith - Section 3
    Family
    Favor
    Fear
    "Fear Nots"
    Filled With The Spirit
    Focus On God
    Follow Jesus
    Food
    Forgiveness - Section 1
    Forgiveness - Section 2
    Foundation
    Friend
    Fruit
    Future Life
    Goals
    God's Care - Section 1
    God's Care - Section 2
    God's Promises
    God's Provision
    God's Will
    Good Example
    Goodness
    Gospel
    Grace
    Gray Hair
    Guidance
    Hate
    Healing - Section 1
    Healing - Section 2
    Hearing
    Heart
    Heaven
    Hell And Hades
    Help
    Helper
    High Priest
    Holy Spirit - Section 1
    Holy Spirit - Section 2
    Hope
    Humility
    Hunger
    Hymn Stories - Section 1
    Hymn Stories - Section 2
    "I AM"s Of Christ - Section 1
    "I AM"s Of Christ - Section 2
    Inheritance
    Integrity
    Invitations From God
    Invitations From Jesus
    Joy
    Judgment
    Knowing Jesus
    Knowledge
    Labor
    Lake Of Fire
    Life
    Life After Death
    Light And Darkness
    Listening
    Living Water
    Love
    Lust
    Maturity
    Mercy
    Name Of Jesus
    Narrow Gate
    Needs
    New Life
    Old Age
    Paradise/Heaven
    Peace
    Persecution
    Pharisees & Scribes
    Physician
    Power
    Prayer
    Pray To Receive Christ
    Pride
    Prophecy
    Protection
    Ransom
    Redemption
    Refuge
    Renewal
    Repentance
    Rest
    Resurrection
    Righteousness
    Right Hand
    Salvation - Section 1
    Salvation - Section 2
    Savior
    Scarlet
    Second Coming
    Security
    Serving
    Sheep
    Sheol
    Shepherd
    Silence
    Sin & Sinners - Section 1
    Sin & Sinners - Section 2
    Son Of God
    Son Of Man
    Soul And Spirit
    Sound Speech
    Spirit Of Truth
    Spiritual Athletes
    Spiritual Gifts
    Spiritual Growth
    Storms
    Strength
    Struggles
    Sympathy
    Teaching
    Testimonies
    The Way
    The World
    Thirst
    Throne
    Tranquility
    Tree Of Life
    Trouble
    Truly Truly
    Trusting In God
    Truth
    Unclean Spirits
    Unity
    Virgin Birth
    Water
    Who Is Jesus? - Section 1
    Who Is Jesus? - Section 2
    Why Jesus Came
    Wisdom
    Witness
    Works

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    May 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    October 2024
    July 2024
    May 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018

The ScriptureWay site provides Bible Teachings that point to Jesus.   The Bible teaches that believing in Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven. 

"I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." -- Jesus speaking in John 14:6
​

Picture

    Follow by email

Please enter your email address to receive an email notification of new posts. After you enter your email address, please then click on this "please enter" box. Within a few seconds you should see a message confirming that your information has been submitted.

Copyright 2018-2025 Whitney V. Myers

Listed in Feedspot's 100 Best Bible Study Blogs and Websites in 2025
  • Home
  • Site Overview
  • Author
  • Resources
    • Bible Verses about the Angel of the Lord in the Old Testament
    • Bible Verses About Courage
    • Bible Verses About the Cross
    • Bible Verses About Eternal Life
    • Bible Verses About Humility and Being Humble
    • Bible Verses - "I AM"s of Christ
    • Bible Verses about Music
    • Bible Verses About Old Age and Gray Hair
    • Bible Verses about Paradise
    • Bible Verses About Sound Speech
    • Bible Verses for Times of Crisis
    • 29 BIble Verses About Trusting God
    • 11 Bible Verses About Waiting for the Lord
    • Bible Study Tools
    • Whitneytunes Music Videos
    • Whitneytunes Worship Music
  • The Way to Heaven