Galatians 5:11
And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
Paul's question about persecution belongs to his appeal for brethren to speak the same thing with no divisions but to be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. Division comes from separation from Christ, while unity comes from union with Christ as the center.
To be a Christian is to be Christlike, with justice and purity and truth abiding in the heart and shown by fruits. It is to have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts and to live and walk in the Spirit. That life shows love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. It does not desire vain glory, provoke or envy one another, cherish prejudice against a brother, or put differences into enemies' hands, but restores one overtaken in a fault in meekness and bears one another's burdens to fulfill the law of Christ.
The offense of the cross has not ceased. It remains and will not cease while sin remains and while Satan remains. Opposition to the righteous continues while human nature is under the enemy's control.
The gospel of Christ cannot be preached without offense, so preaching truth brings persecution. Those who face it are those who seek harmony with God and obey heaven's law. They are those who resist sin and uphold the pure principles of truth. They are those who stand for Christ and the truth, and who honor Christ and keep God's commandments. They are those who uphold God's truth and proclaim the binding claims of His law.
The opposition comes from evil spiritual powers. It comes from Satan's enmity working through people who reject Bible truth. The enmity directed against Christ is also directed against those who follow Him. It continues even when Satan professes to be converted, for clothed in angel's robes he is all the more dangerous. He can use pretensions to godliness to attack Christ's followers. His workings become more deep and earnest and determined because he knows he has but a short time to work.
The persecution takes forms including hatred. It takes forms including banishment, loss of defense, and loss of body, blood, and life. It takes forms including ridicule, false accusations, misrepresentation, contempt, and harsher forms of coercion. It exposes which side a person has chosen.
Disciples should expect this persecution rather than be surprised or complain of suffering for Christ. They should meet it with joy as evidence that they are following their Master's steps. There is no ease and no resting from labor, so Christians must constantly watch and constantly fight the battles of the Lord. Letting no fear or apprehension of danger separate them from the Lord and from the divine word which alone is truth, they stand firm through God's grace and gain victory through Christ.