In his inspired letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul reminds those believers, as well as us today, that the apostles suffered, but they were not alone. The Lord dispatched His angels to be with them during a time of martyrdom. This verse describes the scene. Several learning lessons emerge:

1. The suffering of the saints is inevitable!
2. We are not alone!
3. Angels or messengers are watching!
4. They are sent by God to minister to the Church!
5. Angels are powerful, personal, and purposeful!

The word “spectacle” is θέατρον, which means a theater, a semicircular stone building, or an open area to the sky. It literally means a spectacle or a show.

Perhaps Paul’s intention here is a reference to the Roman Coliseum—an open theater where Christians were martyred for their courageous faith in Jesus Christ. Meanwhile, both “men and angels” witnessed their death.

Some understand this verse to describe both evil angels as well as elect angels.

Standing at the very top of the Roman Coliseum while filming a video from a cell phone, this Pastor was reminded of this verse of Scripture. Unable to contain my emotions, with a crowd all around, it was both disturbing and disappointing to hear the guide deny the horrendous bloodshed of those martyrs. What a travesty!