Being made a public spectacle (2301) (theatrizo from theatron; our English word "theater") means to bring upon the stage, to set forth as a spectacle, and in this context to expose to contempt or derision. It is notable that common criminals were sometimes exposed and punished in the theater. Similar action was literally carried out in the case of Christians who were exposed to wild beasts in the Roman coliseum. On the other hand Jewish believers were not so much exposed to lions (some may have been exposed in Rome) but to reproaches and tribulations. Theatrizo means to hold up to derision as if being placed on a stage in the theater to be put to shame and humiliated in front of others. Perhaps this has happened to you as non-believing workers or relatives came to realize you shared a radically different worldview from theirs. When we are treated is this manner, is when we need to take up the shield of faith to fend off these hurtful words and actions of unbelievers. This is when we need to walk by faith not sight, in order that we might envision our promised future reward and might recall to our mind that Jesus is coming soon and that His reward is with Him (Rev 22:12-note). We need to recall that that those who endure reproach for His name down here will be abundantly recompensed by Him up there (Mt 5:10,11,12-note). So the writer cheers them on by recalling to their mind specific afflictions they have suffered in their stand for Christ. Theatrizo is related to theatron which described the place where drama and other public spectacles were exhibited and where the people convened to hear debates or hold public consultations Paul used theatron in describing treatment he endured for the sake of the Name of Christ... For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle (theatron) to the world, both to angels and to men. (1Co 4:9) This section reminds one of Peter's words describing the path on which believers are to walk... For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example (hupogrammos) for you to follow in His steps, 22 WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; (Now Peter describes that "path") 23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously (1Pe 2:21, 22, 23-note) Steven Cole... when someone from a strong Jewish family embraces Jesus as the Messiah, he often is made a spectacle-ridiculed and rejected by all of his friends and family...These new believers (Referring to the first century Jews who received Jesus as Messiah) suffered “by being made a public spectacle through reproaches.” Why put up with that? Why not just blend in with the crowd? Why not laugh at the same dirty jokes? Why not be one of the guys? Because their new focus was not on pleasing people, but God, who examines the heart (1Th 2:4-note; He 10:38, “no pleasure”). Worldly people live for the acclaim of others. They want people to like them, and so their focus is on making a good impression. But those who have been rescued from sin by the crucified and risen Savior live to please Him. "Go to the page below to access live links related to the material on this page - these links include Scriptures (which can be read in context), Scripture pop-ups on mouse over, and a variety of related resources such as Bible dictionary articles, commentaries, sermon notes and theological journal articles related to the topic under discussion." http://www.preceptaustin.org/hebrews_1032-33.htm#s