The Persecution of the Godly, And the Blessedness That Is Seen To Be Theirs As A Result. They Will Therefore Be Like The Prophets Of Old Who Were Also Persecuted (5:10-12).
Analysis of Matthew 5:10-12.
a “Blessed ones, those who have been persecuted for righteousness' sake (Matthew 5:10 a).
b For theirs is the Kingly Rule of Heaven” (Matthew 5:10 b).
c Blessed are you when men shall reproach you, and persecute you (Matthew 5:11 a).
d And say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake (Matthew 5:11 b).
c Rejoice, and be extremely glad (Matthew 5:12 a).
b For great is your reward in Heaven (Matthew 5:12 b).
a For so persecuted they the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:12 c).
Note how in ‘a' reference is made to the persecuted for righteousness' sake, and in the parallel reference is made to the persecuting of the prophets. In ‘b theirs is the Kingly Rule of Heaven and in the parallel great is their reward in Heaven. In ‘c' those who are reproached and persecuted are blessed, and in the parallel they are to rejoice and be very glad, and centrally in ‘d' the cruelty of the treatment of His people is emphasised.
As we have already noted this section also follows a threefold pattern. ‘You' (His disciples) are addressed, and are advised that firstly they are to be persecuted for His sake (Matthew 5:10-12), secondly that they are to be the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13), and thirdly that they are to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16).