The Blessings and Opportunities of the Persecuted (3:13–17) A cartoon strip that appeared in our church bulletin showed a man reciting various biblical passages which assure us that the Lord will take care of us and protect us from fear. In the last frame the dentist’s receptionist says to him, “Dr. Jones is ready for you now, sir,” at which he breaks into a cold sweat. Fear of physical pain is strong in most of us, and quoting biblical texts like “The Lord is my helper, whom shall I fear?” does