We see in Acts:12 that when Herod Agrippa came to power in Judea, he immediately began a new phase in the persecution of the church. Although Peter was rescued from prison and certain death, others were not so fortunate. Later in life, Peter wrote that persecution is typical for true followers of Christ and so it has been for most of human history. Jesus said that if they hate us it is because they actually hate Him. (John 7:7) He also said that we should know that we are specially blessed when we are persecuted for His name. (Luke 6:22)
In the end, persecution benefits us because it builds our faith. If the world and the human institutions could be made righteous, persecution would cease