Reid Persecution: Just Like in the Bible

James Author

Apr 15, 2025 |

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 prominent religious leaders throughout history, Bishop Reid’s journey reflects biblical narratives; Moses faced opposition from those he led, and Jesus encountered resistance from established religious authorities.

Similar to Jesus in Luke 12, Bishop Reid encountered accusations of causing divisions within families through his ministry. Critics raised their concerns, but these accusations align with biblical teachings, where Christ noted that faith could indeed lead to familial discord—father against son, mother against daughter, and in-laws against one another. This illustrate how spiritual leaders frequently face comparable criticisms to those described in Scripture.

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

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 persecution are very common. Those chosen by God often face strong opposition, not always because of personal flaws, but because their calling challenges what people expect. Critics, in their judgment, fail to see their hypocrisy. 

Their opposition shows a deeper truth: they’re not truly against the chosen leader but against God’s authority to choose and empower anyone He wants. They resist God and His ways.

Categories: : Bishop Michael Reid