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"Made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations..."

Text: Hebrews 10:33

SUFFERING FOR THE FAITH

The first century saw the Church and Christians come under severe persecution. All who confessed faith in Christ were often subjected to severe suffering. The following text describes some of the sufferings many Christians had to face and endure.

“Partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches
and tribulations, and partly while you became companions
of those who were so treated.”
Hebrews 10:33

1. Partly while you were made a spectacle

a) Enemies of the faith were not contented with just persecuting Christians (privately).

b) They often made the persecuted Christians a “public spectacle”.

c) Their purposes included the following:-

i) To cause public humiliation.

ii) To strike fear in the hearts of all believers.

2. Means of persecution (Two were highlighted here)

a) Reproaches (verbal abuse)

b) Tribulations (physical suffering)

3. You became companions of those who were thus treated

a) Not all believers suffered in the same way.

b) Some suffered more than others.

c) Those who were genuine believers identified with those suffering for Christ.

i) They became “companions” of the persecuted.

ii) They identified with them.

iii) They assisted them in whatever they could.

iv) In time, they too suffered the wrath of enemies of the faith.