Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 1 Peter 2:13-15
Ahmed Kalphas (1682)
A Slave’s Witness
Ahmed’s high status as a secretary in the office of the Chief Secretary of the Islamic Ottoman Empire enabled him to have slaves. One of them was a pious Christian woman, and slowly, over time, Ahmed became interested in her faith, eventually starting to attend church. Finally he decided to be baptised. At first he tried to keep his faith a secret. However, he could not keep it under wraps for long, and, taking confidence from his faith, he began to defend Christianity in front of friends. It soon became obvious to them that he had changed religion, and consequently he was brought before the authorities, who found him guilty of apostasy. He was immediately sentenced to death and on 3 May 1682 was executed in Constantinople.
Lord Jesus Christ, you faced temptation with confidence in God; suffering with serenity; loneliness with the assurance that your Father would not forsake you; and the cross with an inner spirit of peace. You endured all things that we might be saved… Prepare us for whatever life brings of joy or sorrow so that, being sure of your love, we may be confident of your eternal presence. Amen.