Christian stumbles, in being forced by the Roman guards. All stand as the
anthem is sang, pounding theirs hearts with clinched fists.
It was at Antioch that he was nicknamed1. He is prodded to stand by spears and hot irons; one last indignity before death.
Slurring the lyrics from the plenteous wines, the anthem ends with a loud, “All Hail To Caesar!” by the entire Coliseum crowd.
The opposing sides line-up. Then, the kick-off. And the weekly jingoist stupor continues2.
1. Acts 11:26NLT 26 When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.
2. Romans 12:2NLT 2 Don t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.