The early Church was tested, as are we.  Yes, we are all tested.  But let us be reasonable and fair.  The early Church was not tested by technology.   They did not live in a world where what happened thousands of miles away was instantly known to all.  Their focus was on what happened within the limits of their own senses.

What is similar between us is the spiritual aspects of trials and testings.  Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever.  But the situations of man have changed radically.

Is it harder to endure as a Christian today?  No.  What plagues all men, regardless of time, finds roots in righteousness, obedience, truthful worship, integrity to the Word of God, and witnessing about the Living God in Christ Jesus.  Isn’t that enough similarity to bond us to our brothers who lived in every age?

If one wants to compare, let us remember that there are those who have worked in the “heat” of the day.  And there is still a “heat” to come.

Man loves to compare himself to others.  By some means it is necessary.  But to boast or complain is not appropriate.  God has given us birth in the age we find ourselves.  He has given each one a live in the situation of “today”.  Let’s endure what we have.