The last of the “beatitudes,” as given in Matthew 5, is found in verse 10: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” With the first seven, Jesus merely stated the desired characteristics of discipleship and followed with the rewards for acquiring them. The eighth attribute is expanded upon: “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.