Tertullian — Scorpiace 12
Who, now, should know better the marrow of the Scriptures than the school of Christ itself?— the persons whom the Lord both chose for Himself as scholars, certainly to be fully instructed in all points, and appointed to us for masters to instruct us in all points. To whom would He have rather made known the veiled import of His own language, than to him to whom He disclosed the likeness of His own glory — to Peter, John, and James, and afterwards to Paul , to whom He granted participation in (the joys of) paradise too, prior to his martyrdom ? Or do they also write differently from what they think — teachers using deceit, not truth ? Addressing the Christians of Pontus , Peter, at all events, says, How great indeed is the glory , if you suffer patiently, without being punished as evildoers!
For this is a lovely feature, and even hereunto were you called, since Christ also suffered for us, leaving you Himself as an example, that you should follow His own steps. 1 Peter 2:20 And again: Beloved, be not alarmed by the fiery trial which is taking place among you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. For, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings, do you rejoice ; that, when His glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy . If you are reproached for the name of Christ , happy are you; because glory and the Spirit of God rest upon you: if only none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evil-doer, or as a busybody in other men's matters; yet (if any man suffer) as a Christian , let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God on this behalf.
1 Peter 4:12 John, in fact, exhorts us to lay down our lives even for our brethren, 1 John 3:16 affirming that there is no fear in love : For perfect love casts out fear , since fear has punishment; and he who fears is not perfect in love . 1 John 4:18 What fear would it be better to understand (as here meant), than that which gives rise to denial? What love does he assert to be perfect, but that which puts fear to flight, and gives courage to confess? What penalty will he appoint as the punishment of fear , but that which he who denies is about to pay, who has to be slain, body and soul , in hell ? And if he teaches that we must die for the brethren, how much more for the Lord, — he being sufficiently prepared, by his own Revelation too, for giving such advice!
For indeed the Spirit had sent the injunction to the angel of the church in Smyrna : Behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison , that you may be tried ten days. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life. Revelation 2:10 Also to the angel of the church in Pergamus (mention was made) of Antipas, Revelation 2:13 the very faithful martyr , who was slain where Satan dwells. Also to the angel of the church in Philadelphia Revelation 3:10 (it was signified) that he who had not denied the name of the Lord was delivered from the last trial.