HERO OR FOOL — THE CHRISTIAN EXAMPLE
In the fourth century, a Christian named Phocas lived outside of Sinope in Asia Minor. Hundreds of travellers to the city passed by his door. They would stop awhile in his garden on their journey and Phocas would talk of Christ to them. Then came the Diocletian persecution, and Phocas was named as a Christian. Killers were dispatched to Sinope to execute him on the spot. As they neared Sinope one hot day, Phocas saw them and invited them to share the cool of his garden. The men consented and were so warmly welcomed that they stayed the night also. “What is your business in Sinope?” asked Phocas. One replied, “We seek a Christian named Phocas for execution. Do you know him?” “I know him well,” said Phocas. “He is quite near; let us attend to it in the morning.” That night, Phocas sat thinking in his garden. He could escape to hide with other Christians. But…
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