Though some people seem to believe this, such a statement will not stand. Second, though Paul identifies some of the persecution he went through, such as beatings and prisons, he does not identify what kind of persecution, nor to what extent persecution will be for others. He simply states a fact that persecution, in some form or another, will come to those who live godly. Third, Paul's statement is given in the context of sin, and that sin is found both in the Christian's surrounding society and in his own flesh. And as long as the godly are in this world, they will be persecuted.
Death is the only release from persecution.
Fifth, Christians must not seek persecution. Those people are in danger of pride, thinking that because they face physical persecution, they are living godly lives. We should note that an unsaved person can be physically persecuted for his good actions. Sixth, physical persecution against those who live godly depends upon the social temper around him. As the surrounding Christian temper varies, so will persecution.