Matthew witnessed the sayings of Christ.
What Christ said in this scripture prepares God's
people to expect persecution.
Matthew 5:11-13"Blessed are you when people insult you
and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds
of evil against you because of Me.
"Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven
is great; for in the same way they
persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Christ set the example: He said," Father
please forgive them, they know not what they do."