5:10 they which are persecuted. It seems anomalous to call persecution a blessing, but this is the thrust of many Scriptures (II Corinthians 4:17; Philippians 1:29; Acts 13:50,52; Luke 6:22; II Timothy 2:12; I Peter 4:16; etc.). It is indicated here by Jesus, of course, that such suffering should be “for righteousness’ sake” and “for my sake” (Matthew 5:11), not for foolishness’ sake.