have persecuted = persecuted (Aor.) Greek. dioko = to pursue (opposite to pheugo, to flee), here with malignant intent. It is translated thirty-one times "persecute", and thirteen times "follow", &c. in a good sense. Compare Act_9:4. In Luk_11:49 and 1Th_2:18 a stronger word, ekdioko, is used.
also, &c. = persecute you also.
have kept = kept (Aor.)
saying. Greek logos. Same as "word" above, and in Joh_3:25.