Not only were converts won to the truth in Caesar's household, but after their conversion they remained in that household. They did not feel at liberty to abandon their post of duty because their surroundings were no longer congenial. The truth had found them there, and there they remained, by their changed life and character testifying to the transforming power of the new faith. Are any tempted to make their circumstances an excuse for failing to witness for Christ? Let them consider the situation of the disciples in Caesar's household--the depravity of the emperor, the profligacy of the court. We can hardly imagine circumstances more unfavorable to a religious life, and entailing greater sacrifice or opposition, than those in which these converts found themselves. Yet amidst difficulties and dangers they maintained their fidelity. Because of obstacles that seem insurmountable, the Christian may seek to excuse himself from obeying the truth as it is in Jesus; 467 but he can offer no excuse that will bear investigation. Could he do this he would prove God unjust in that He had made for His children conditions of salvation with which they could not comply.

Ikke alene blev mennesker i kejserens hus vundet for sandheden, men efter deres omvendelse blev de boende i det samme hus. De følte ikke, at de havde ret til at forlade pligtens vej, fordi deres omgivelser ikke mere var dem venligt stemt. Her havde de mødt sandheden og her blev de og vidnede ved deres forandrede liv og optræden om den nye tros forvandlende kraft. Er der nogle, der føler sig fristet til at bruge deres forhold som en undskyldning for ikke at vidne om Kristus? Så bør de overveje, hvordan disciplene i kejserens hus var stillet kejserens fordærvethed, hoffets lastefuldhed. Vi kan næppe forestille os forhold, der var mere ugunstige for et kristenliv, eller som medførte større ofre eller modstand end de, hvorunder disse omvendte befandt sig. Dog bevarede de trods vanskeligheder og farer deres troskab. En kristen kan på grund af hindringer, der synes uoverstigelige, søge at undskylde sig for ikke at adlyde sandheden, som den findes i Jesus; men ingen af de undskyldninger, han kan fremføre, tåler nærmere efterprøvelse. Hvis dette var tilfældet, ville han kunne bevise, at Gud er uretfærdig, fordi han har skabt sine børn frelsesbetingelser, som de ikke kan opfylde.