Experiencing that kind of persecution puts one in the company of the godly prophets of old, who themselves were despised and killed because of their work for God (v 23). Conversely, if “everyone speaks well of you” (v 26), you are in the company of the false prophets, whose message of peace and complacency found a warm reception in a world content with its rebellion against God (see Jeremiah 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:3). The favor of man will have to suffice, for such a person will never know the favor of