Get Real November 17 Devotional

1 PETER 4:12 | ¹² Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery  ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

The general and organized persecution of Christians began with emperor Nero after the great fire in Rome in 64 A.D. For Jewish Christians, persecution was a feature of their history and collective experience. For Gentile Christians, it was a new and shocking experience. Peter is eager to reframe this sense of shock, insisting such opposition is inevitable. Christianity proved compatible with Roman culture in the long run, and the official religion after the conversion of Constantine. But it challenged the old pagan religions, was unsympathetic to emperor worship, redefined family, insisted on fidelity and monogamy in marriage, and overturned nations of social hierarchy. It was also fervently misunderstood in the early centuries, with communion language about Christ’s body and blood being seen to promote cannibalism.

Peter insists persecution is more than a trial, it is also a test, revealing the reality of our faith. Those with insufficient devotion will compromise to avoid pain and exclusion. The price to be paid for loyalty to Christ can be a humbling proposition.

Do you see why Romans found Christianity challenging?

Gracious God,

Help me understand the ways in which faith and culture can diverge. Give me the strength and humility to face challenges.

Amen.