Why did they persecute the prophets? Because the prophets spoke the truth of God's Word. Their righteousness exposed the unrighteousness of the people.
If anybody knows how to overcome persecution, Jesus does! He was persecuted more than anybody else, but He overcame it.

Know You Are Blessed
"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
(Matt. 5:10)

How can you be blessed when you are being persecuted? Doesn't that sound strange?

In the Gospel of Luke Jesus said:

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.

Blessed are you when people are spreading rumors about you. Blessed are you when people are lying about you.
(Luke 6:22)

You will get extra special reward if you are persecuted for Jesus' sake. In Matthew 5:12 Jesus said, "...for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."

Rejoice!
The key to overcoming persecution is to rejoice.

In the first part of Matthew 5:12, Jesus said, "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad." He begins Luke 6:23 with these words: "Rejoice ye in that day."

Hallelujah! Thank You, Jesus! Glory to God! That's what You told us to do, Jesus! We are to rejoice and be glad!

On the other hand, why would you be glad when people are stirring up all manner of evil against you? Because you know you are doing the right thing. If you weren't people would probably leave you alone.

Why did they persecute the prophets? Because the prophets spoke the truth of God's Word. Their righteousness exposed the unrighteousness of the people.

You are doing the right thing too when you are obedient to God Who sees your right living.

So the next time persecution comes your way—rejoice, just like Jesus did!

Source: Understanding Persecution by Annette Capps
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers