Persecuted Prophets

Rejoice when you are persecuted, Jesus tells His disciples, “for in the same way they persecuted (dioko) the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:10-12).

Which prophets were those?

The only prophet to speak directly of being persecuted is Jeremiah, who prays that those who persecute (LXX dioko) him (15:15; 17:18).

One difficulty here is linguistic: Both the Greek dioko and the Hebrew radaph generally mean “pursue, chase, put to flight.” Thus, for instance, the Egyptians “persecute/pursue” Is...