It's easy to focus on the "hate" and "reproach," but the verse highlights a specific form of rejection: the casting out of your name. This means your very identity as a follower of Jesus, your "Christian" name, is what people will revile and reject as evil, not just your actions. This isn't just general dislike; it's a deep, identity-level opposition because you bear the name of the Son of Man.
“Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just appointed his twelve apostles and is about to deliver a significant teaching. This passage marks the beginning of Jesus' discourse, contrasting the blessings of those who suffer for righteousness with woes for those who prosper in sin, setting the stage for his disciples' future hardships and ultimate reward.
Jesus doesn't just say 'you'll be hated.' He paints a detailed picture of how that rejection unfolds. What are the escalating stages of this opposition?
Jesus outlines a progression of how the world will treat His followers:
These aren't isolated incidents but a ladder of increasing hostility, moving from the heart to public declaration.
Why does this hatred happen? Jesus links it directly to a specific identity. What does it mean to be rejected 'on account of the Son of Man'?
The crucial element here is the reason for the persecution: 'on account of the Son of Man.' This isn't random animosity; it's directed at who Jesus is and who His followers represent.
Ask a follow-up
Jesus starts this section with 'Blessed are you...' How can suffering, hatred, and exclusion possibly be considered a blessing?
This is perhaps the most counter-intuitive part of Jesus' teaching. He calls His persecuted followers 'blessed.' This isn't a blessing in the worldly sense of comfort and ease. It's a divine declaration of well-being rooted in God's perspective:
It’s a blessing from God’s eternal viewpoint, not the world’s fleeting one.
Understand the original words
huiou tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun phrase
A designation for Jesus Christ, rooted in Daniel 7:13-14, identifying Him as the divine, messianic figure who possesses universal authority and will judge the world.
This beatitude was spoken directly to the apostles, early followers who would soon experience intense hostility, including exclusion from their own religious communities and slander, simply for identifying with Jesus, the 'Son of Man'.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus Chooses His Twelve Apostles
After a night of prayer, Jesus selects his core group of disciples, the apostles, who would be instrumental in spreading his message.
c. AD 30-33
Early Ministry and Growing Opposition
As Jesus' ministry gained momentum, attracting large crowds and challenging religious norms, opposition from religious leaders began to grow.
c. AD 30-33
Exclusion from Synagogues
Followers of Jesus began to face social and religious ostracism, including exclusion from synagogue gatherings, which was a significant form of social punishment.
c. AD 40s-60s
Christianity Labeled a 'Sect'
The early followers of Jesus were often reviled and their name associated with an 'execrable superstition' by both Jewish and Roman authorities.
c. AD 60-70
Widespread Persecution
By the mid-1st century, Christians faced increasing persecution, sometimes accused of societal ills and enduring significant slander and exclusion.
This passage directly parallels Luke's beatitude, affirming that those persecuted for righteousness' sake, and specifically for Christ's sake, will be rewarded in heaven. It highlights the enduring nature of suffering for the faith.
John 15:18-19Jesus explains to his disciples that the world's hatred is a direct consequence of their belonging to Him and not to the world. This clarifies the 'why' behind the persecution mentioned in Luke 6:22.
1 Peter 4:12-14Peter addresses the early church, reminding them that persecution for being a Christian is not surprising but rather a sign that they share in Christ's sufferings. This reinforces the idea that such opposition is tied to 'the Name of Christ'.
Acts 5:40-41After being beaten for preaching in Jesus' name, the apostles rejoiced because they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for Jesus. This shows the apostles' response, echoing the 'blessedness' Jesus speaks of in Luke 6:22.
2 Timothy 3:12Paul explicitly states that all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. This verse serves as a broad confirmation that suffering and hatred are expected outcomes for those following Christ.
clarkeLuke 6:22: "Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake."
They shall separate you - Meaning, They will excommunicate you, αφορισωσιν ὑμας, or separate you from their communion. Luke having spoken of their separating or excommunicating them, continues the same idea, in saying that they would cast out their name likewise, as a thing evil in itself. By your name is m…
jfbLuke 6:12-49: "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."
Lu 6:12-49. The Twelve Apostles Chosen—Gathering Multitudes—Glorious Healing.12, 13. went out—probably from Capernaum.all night in prayer … and when … day, he called, &c.—The work with which the next day began shows what had been the burden of this night's devotions. As He directed His disciples to pray for "laborers" just before sending themselves forth (see on…
It's easy to focus on the "hate" and "reproach," but the verse highlights a specific form of rejection: the casting out of your name. This means your very identity as a follower of Jesus, your "Christian" name, is what people will revile and reject as evil, not just your actions. This isn't just general dislike; it's a deep, identity-level opposition because you bear the name of the Son of Man.
Jesus has just appointed his twelve apostles and is about to deliver a significant teaching. This passage marks the beginning of Jesus' discourse, contrasting the blessings of those who suffer for righteousness with woes for those who prosper in sin, setting the stage for his disciples' future hardships and ultimate reward.
Jesus has just appointed his twelve apostles and is about to deliver a significant teaching. This passage marks the beginning of Jesus' discourse, contrasting the blessings of those who suffer for righteousness with woes for those who prosper in sin, setting the stage for his disciples' future hardships and ultimate reward.
"“Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathe…" — It's easy to focus on the "hate" and "reproach," but the verse highlights a specific form of rejection: the casting out of your name. This means your very identity as a follower of Jesus, your "Chr…
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Last reviewed October 2026
