In light of our study of Hebrews, words spoken to persecuted and demoralized followers of the Way in the early years of Christianity, comes this 20th century assessment:
Too often the price exacted by society for security and respectability is that the Christian movement in its formal expression must be on the side of the strong against the weak. This is a matter of tremendous significance, for it reveals to what extent a religion that was born of a people acquainted with persecution and suffering has become the cornerstone of a civilization and of nations whose very position in modern life too often has been secured by a ruthless use of power applied to defenseless peoples.
—Howard Thurman quoted in Verse & Voice for 9/2/13 (Sojourners online)
Hear what the Spirit is saying 