Reid Persecution: Just Like in the Bible

James Author

Jun 24, 2026 |

Bishop Reid faced opposition, but as seen in Scripture, having opponents doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in the wrong.

The Persecution of Reid's Ministry Echoes Scripture

Like many well-known Christian leaders throughout history, Bishop Reid discovered that serving God doesn't automatically make you everyone's favourite person. 

Moses had people grumbling at him in the wilderness, Jesus faced constant resistance from the religious establishment, and Bishop Reid had his fair share of opposition too.

It seems that whenever God starts moving, someone somewhere starts complaining — some things never really change. 

Bishop Reid also faced accusations that his ministry was causing division within families. Now, that might sound alarming at first, but it's worth remembering that Jesus said something very similar in Luke 12. He warned that faith in Him could sometimes create tension between family members — father against son, mother against daughter, and even the in-laws getting involved.

That doesn't mean division is the goal, of course. But throughout history, when people take their faith seriously, it can ruffle a few feathers. 

Bishop Reid found himself facing some of the same criticisms that have been levelled at Christian leaders for centuries. Sometimes the Gospel brings peace; sometimes it starts some very awkward conversations around the dinner table.

Understanding Jesus’ Accusers: Religious, Political, and Personal Charges

There were ample accusations made against Jesus according to biblical accounts:

1. Religious Accusations:

✔ Blasphemy (claiming to be God/Son of God)

✔ Breaking the Sabbath by healing people

✔ Forgiving sins (which Jews believed only God could do)

✔ Threatening to destroy the Temple

✔ Leading people astray with false teachings

✔ Practicing sorcery/casting out demons by the power of Satan

✔ Violating Jewish customs and traditions

✔ Claiming to be King of the Jews

2. Political/Social Accusations:

✔ Subverting the nation

✔ Forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar

✔ Causing civil unrest/inciting riots

✔ Creating public disturbances

✔ Misleading the people/nation

✔ Claiming to be a king (seen as a rebellion against Rome)

3. Personal Conduct Accusations:

✔ Being a glutton and drunkard

✔ Associating with sinners and tax collectors

✔ Being possessed by demons

✔ Being a Samaritan (meant as an insult)

✔ Being born of fornication

✔ Being a friend of tax collectors and sinners

Looking at that list, if social media had existed in the first century, Jesus would probably have been permanently fact-checked, cancelled, and reported before breakfast.

Many of these accusations were made by:

✔ Religious leaders (Pharisees and Sadducees)

✔ Temple authorities

✔ Roman officials

✔ Local political leaders

✔ Common people influenced by religious leaders

The most serious accusations that led to his crucifixion were:

1. Blasphemy (by Jewish religious law)

2. Sedition against Rome (by Roman law)

3. Claiming to be King of the Jews (political charge)

Why Spiritual Leaders Face Rejection: Opposition to God’s Chosen Authority

In spiritual leadership, rejection and criticism come with the territory.  Not necessarily because they've done something wrong, but because their calling challenges people's expectations, traditions, or comfort zones.

What's often surprising is that critics can be quick to spot faults in others while remaining completely blind to their own inconsistencies. It's a bit like having a magnifying glass permanently pointed at someone else while standing in front of a mirror with your eyes closed.

At its heart, the issue isn't always the leader. Sometimes the real struggle is with God's right to choose, use, and empower whoever He pleases. Yep, they reject His Sovereignty.

People may think they're resisting a person, when in reality they're wrestling with the fact that God doesn't usually ask for permission before carrying out His plans.

And if Bible history teaches us anything, it's that God has a long track record of choosing the people everyone else would have left off the shortlist.

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Categories: : Bishop Michael Reid