On every occasion when persecution takes place, those who witness it make decisions either for Christ or against Him. Those who manifest sympathy for the ones wrongly condemned show their attachment for Christ. Others are offended because the principles of truth cut directly across their practice. Many stumble and fall, apostatizing from the faith they once advocated. Those who apostatize in time of trial will, to secure their own safety, bear false witness, and betray their brethren. Christ has warned us of this, that we may not be surprised at the unnatural, cruel course of those who reject the light.

Ved enhver lejlighed, hvor der sker forfølgelser, må de, der er vidne dertil, enten tage parti for eller imod Kristus. De, som viser deltagelse for dem, der bliver dømt med urette, viser deres hengivenhed for Kristus. Andre bliver krænkede, fordi sandhedens principper går lige på tværs af deres sædvaner. Mange snubler og falder, fordi de svigter den tro, som de engang gjorde sig til talsmand for. De, som svigter i prøvens stund, vil, for at sikre sig selv, bære falsk vidnesbyrd og forråde deres brødre. Kristus har advaret os herom, for at vi ikke skal blive overraskede over den unaturlige, grusomme fremgangsmåde hos dem, der forkaster lyset.