1 CORINTHIANS 15:30-38
Christians were no longer being given to lions for the amusement of Roman citizens by the end of the fourth century. Yet, the death games went on until the day when a brave man rushed out of the crowd to save two other gladiators from killing each other.
His name was Telemachus. He had traveled to Rome for the holidays as a desert monk, only to discover that he could not stand the bloodlust of this popular pastime. When Telemachus attempted to put an end to the violence, the crowd stoned him to death. When the Emperor Honorius learned about his courageous action, he commanded that the games be stopped.
Some may question Telemachus. Was his action the only way of protesting a tragic blood sport? Similar thoughts were expressed by the apostle Paul himself in 1 Corinthians 15:30. He described some of his struggles for the love of Christ in 2 Corinthians 11:22–33, many of which could have killed him. Was it worth it?
The issue was settled in Paul’s mind. Trading things that will soon expire for great honour that will last forever is a wise investment. In the resurrection, a life lived for Christ and others is the seed for an eternity we will never regret.
🙏🏻Help us Lord Jesus, not to trade away eternal values for convenience and comfort.
Reference:
Wikipedia.
Saint Telemachus.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Telemachus
Accessed February 25, 2023
