
Persecution in Missions
A Practical Theology
Matt Rhodes(Author)
Crossway Books (Publisher)
Published on 6. January 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
208 pages
979-8-8749-0486-9 (ISBN)
Description
Understand Why God Allows Suffering and How That's Good News for Christians Facing Hardships
For more than a decade, Matt Rhodes has been a church planter in unreached Muslim countries. In that time, he's risked illness, difficult living conditions, and physical danger. He's also stood with new believers who were attacked for their faith in Jesus. Scripture tells Christians to expect trials in life. For missionaries, knowing God's good purpose for pain is essential for enduring harsh conditions on the field.
Persecution in Missions: A Practical Theology presents a scriptural view of suffering, including its role in the Christian life and in the missionary task. Rhodes tackles challenging topics, such as when to flee or face risk, how to minister to those suffering for Christ, and the dangers of downplaying or romanticizing persecution. Reassuring readers with God's promises of redemption, this compelling study equips missionaries to face suffering and endure with joy.
A Biblical Theology of Suffering: Explains why it's necessary for believers to suffer and how God redeems pain for his glory
Written for Missionaries, Pastors, and New Christians: Supports readers as they fulfill the Great Commission, provide pastoral care, and pursue personal spiritual growth
Practical: Offers realistic, gospel-centered answers to the issues missionaries face
For more than a decade, Matt Rhodes has been a church planter in unreached Muslim countries. In that time, he's risked illness, difficult living conditions, and physical danger. He's also stood with new believers who were attacked for their faith in Jesus. Scripture tells Christians to expect trials in life. For missionaries, knowing God's good purpose for pain is essential for enduring harsh conditions on the field.
Persecution in Missions: A Practical Theology presents a scriptural view of suffering, including its role in the Christian life and in the missionary task. Rhodes tackles challenging topics, such as when to flee or face risk, how to minister to those suffering for Christ, and the dangers of downplaying or romanticizing persecution. Reassuring readers with God's promises of redemption, this compelling study equips missionaries to face suffering and endure with joy.
A Biblical Theology of Suffering: Explains why it's necessary for believers to suffer and how God redeems pain for his glory
Written for Missionaries, Pastors, and New Christians: Supports readers as they fulfill the Great Commission, provide pastoral care, and pursue personal spiritual growth
Practical: Offers realistic, gospel-centered answers to the issues missionaries face
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Wheaton, IL
United States
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 212 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
260 gr
ISBN-13
979-8-8749-0486-9 (9798874904869)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
12/2025
Crossway
€14.11
Available for download
Person
Matt Rhodes grew up in San Diego, California, and has lived in North Africa since 2011. He and his wife, Kim, serve as part of a church-planting team to a previously unengaged people group.
Content
Foreword by Joshua
Chapter 1: Separateness, Suffering, and Joy
Chapter 2: Suffering, Slavery, and the Rule of Satan
Chapter 3: The New Exodus
Chapter 4: The Promised Land
Chapter 5: Suffering as Ministers of the Gospel
Chapter 6: Discipling Persecuted Believers and Churches
Chapter 7: Poverty, Wealth, and the Missionary Calling
Conclusion
Acknowledgments
General Index
Scripture Index
Chapter 1: Separateness, Suffering, and Joy
Chapter 2: Suffering, Slavery, and the Rule of Satan
Chapter 3: The New Exodus
Chapter 4: The Promised Land
Chapter 5: Suffering as Ministers of the Gospel
Chapter 6: Discipling Persecuted Believers and Churches
Chapter 7: Poverty, Wealth, and the Missionary Calling
Conclusion
Acknowledgments
General Index
Scripture Index