They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.
The “name” of Christ speaks of His entire essence. Loyalty to His name will bring persecution as they will soon know (Acts 5:41; Php 1:29; 1 Peter 4:14). Persecution came to the Christians because they put Christ first in their lives and it will come to us, too, if we do the same.
Acts 5:41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
Philippians 1:29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,
1 Peter 4:14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
The world does not know God (Luke 23:34; Acts 3:17; John 16:3). That is the basic reason for the world’s persecution of the Christians. It is not really surprising since that which we find to be the most important thing, a relationship with God, is that which the world considers to be worthless. Our value-system is not just different from the world’s; it is totally and completely opposed to it.
Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
Acts 3:17 “Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders.
John 16:3 They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me.
Note that Jesus does not refer to His Father as “the Father” but as “the One who sent me”. He is accusing the world of rejecting the Father who was revealed in Him.