They were under great pressure from the Jewish religious leaders, who still wielded powerful influence over the people.
وَاجَهَ مَسِيحِيُّو ٱلْقَرْنِ ٱلْأَوَّلِ ،‏ وَلَا سِيَّمَا ٱلسَّاكِنُونَ فِي أُورُشَلِيمَ وَٱلْيَهُودِيَّةِ ،‏ مِحَنًا وَشَدَائِدَ عَدِيدَةً .‏