Christian Spectacle

"For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to men." (I Corinthians 4: 9)

"Call to mind the earlier days in which, having been enlightened, ye endured much conflict of sufferings; on the one hand, when ye were made a spectacle both in reproaches and afflictions; and on the other, when ye became partakers with those who were passing through them." (Hebrews 10: 32, 33 - Darby Translation)

"Spectacle" is from the Greek word "theatron" from whence we get our English word "theatre." According to Strong it means - a public show, and metaphorically, a man who is "exhibited to be gazed at" and "made sport of."

By being "made a spectacle," one is "brought upon the stage" and "set forth as a spectacle," and "exposed to contempt."

"The word translated "spectacle" signifies a "theatre"; and the allusion is to the Roman theatres, in which various exercises were performed, for the gratification of the numerous spectators, who were placed around in a proper distance to behold; and not so much to the gladiators who fought, in such places, for the diversion of the multitude, as to those unhappy persons who were cast to the wild beasts, let loose upon them to devour them; which horrid barbarities were beheld by the surrounding company with great pleasure and satisfaction; and such a spectacle were the apostles in their sufferings and persecutions to the "whole" world, distinguished into "angels" and "men."

"By "angels" may be meant the devils, who stirred up the princes of this world against the apostles, to persecute and afflict them; than which nothing was a greater pleasure to these envious and malicious spirits: though good angels may be also included, as witnesses of the faith, courage, and constancy of the saints, and as comforters of them in all their tribulations; but evil angels seem chiefly designed: and by "men" are meant wicked men, who are as much pleased to behold the barbarities and butcheries committed upon the people of God, as the Romans in their theatres were to see the tragical scenes that were acted there." (John Gill's Commentary)

Christians are made spectacles by the will of God and by the will of the world. God has a purpose in allowing his servants to be so ill treated by the evil world. He lets them be put on mock display.

Disciples of Christ are "put on display" when they are pointed to with scorn and derision, when they are made "laughing-stocks" to the worldly masses, when they are ridiculed, and verbally spat upon, and of course, when they are physically put into the public stocks.

"Look at those foolish Christians" is a sarcastic and demeaning reproach that is often heard exclaimed by proud worldly sinners.

If Jesus were here today, he would still be "laughed to scorn." But, though he is not here in body, yet he is here in Spirit; And the world continues to mock the Lord Jesus Christ, continues to deride his person and his glorious work on the cross, for "the preaching of the cross," said Paul, "is to those who perish, foolishness." (I Corinthians 1: 18)

Christians are called upon to take advantage of the "stage" provided to them and give witness to the Lord Jesus Christ by their stedfast adherance to him in the midst of such scorn, contempt, and martyrdom.

The greatest spectacle of all is the spectacle of the cross! There, in the center stage, Christ was made the object of the greatest scorn. There he was mocked! There he was ridiculed and tortured! Yes, Satan sat in the arena, with a ring-side seat, and cheered and laughed at the spectacle of the Son of God nailed to a Roman cross. Yes, all the demons also sat round about and beheld with glee the awful spectacle. Yes, the whole world, Jewish and Roman, beheld the sight and most were filled with delight and cried "crucify him!"

Others beheld that spectacle and were not delighted, but convicted of their sins, and saw the innocence, beauty, and glory of the one being crucified, and believed that he was dying, not out of weakness, but willingly, in order to save lost sinners who come to him in repentance and faith.

Friend, to which class do you belong? Do you delight to see Christians scorned, persecuted, and even killed? Do you see Jesus nailed to the cross and mock him? Or, do you look at this awful spectacle and see the love and mercy of God displayed?