Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
The Greek word for "gazingstock" as used here by the King James translators, is actually "theatrizo" and yes, from which we have the transliterated English word "theatre". This is with particular reference to the popular but cruel gladiator fights in ancient Rome. So basically something deliberately put on display for all to see. Certainly, we read of Christians being subjected to such cruelty in those times but yet today, reproaches and afflictions to the Christian, just by the sole fact of their faith, continue to exist albeit more often than not, in less violent forms.
Aside from personal persecution, the second part is that which comes along being sympathizers of others in the same faith, as the writer here alluding to himself.
All the same, how we react to such environmental stress is a reflection of our true attitude and belief in God’s promises.
That is some thing that we need to constantly remind and check on ourselves.
This is especially evident in today's social media context, where we expose our views and reactions to the public at the click of a button or tap of a finger! If we react the same way as some of the world do, openly raging and complaining over the slightest things, even showing disrespect to authorities and figures in authority, how are we then different from the ungodly?
On the contrary, Christians should be sharing things which are edifying and praiseworthy (Eph 4:29; Col 4:6; Phi 4:8), and in our context, even when the going gets tough, even in the face of slanders and persecutors, "Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing" because "knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing" (1Pe 3:9)
Indeed, as echoed by the writer here, because we know that we "have in heaven a better and an enduring substance".
That was how the early Christians could be "faithful unto death" (not till we die but even being faced with the threat of dying. Rev 2:10), amidst violent persecution. That is how we can face the world and our personal challenges and fears and press on in our good fight, till we finally obtain the crown of righteousness (2Ti 4:6-8).
No comments:
Post a Comment