32 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. 

Here’s why we know the readers had suffered great physical persecution. We’re not told how recently this had happened but the writer calls them to remember – remember how they had suffered physical persecution – being exposed to public humiliation (it was common then to parade prisoners inside the outdoor theatre before killing them), being beaten and /or put in jail. On top of that, it seems most had also had possessions taken from them. How did they respond to all this? Many personally experienced and endured these physical persecutions or, they had come alongside those who did, thereby tying their souls to theirs and risking their own persecution. Crazy right?! What would you do? They even responded with joy as their possessions were taken away. Remember, these brothers and sisters didn’t have much to begin with. For us, if someone came and took our TV or car, we’d report it to the police then file an insurance claim and replace it – all good. They didn’t have all these luxury items. A nice coat or bed was possibly the extent of their luxury. Maybe they had a simple home. They responded with joy at the suffering. Crazier! Why? They had laid up for themselves treasures in Heaven where moth and rust don’t decay and thieves don’t break in and steal. Their treasure was in heaven and their heart was also. (Matthew 6:19-21).

The author’s purpose for those readers was to remind them of their past endurance of physical trials to encourage them in their present spiritual trials – to leave the faith and return to Judaism. What’s God’s message to us? To you?