Main Theme
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To encourage Christians in persecution:
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See references to persecution:
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1:6-7 – Òdistressed by trialsÉ tested by fireÓ
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4:4 – verbal abuse
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4:12-13 – Òfiery ordealÉ testingÉÓ
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4:16 – Òsuffers as a ChristianÓ
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Sounds like organized persecution,
probably NeroÕs