Sharing Scripture — January 3, 2026

Texts: Ephesians 3:1; 2 Corinthians 4:7–12; Acts 9:16; Philemon 15, 16; Colossians 1:1, 2; Colossians 4:9; Philippians 1:1–3

Can you imagine kicking off the start of the new year, not surrounded with family and friends, but from behind the bars of a jail cell because you dared to wear pants?

173 years ago this week, American teenager Emma Snodgrass–media-dubbed “eccentric female” and “wanderer in man’s apparel”–found herself detained in Boston for the crime of appropriating men’s clothing: a frock coat, cap and pair of trousers.

And Emma achieved national notoriety. During a 7-month period, no less than nine newspapers around the nation documented her frequent arrests for “donning the breeches” and attempts to “talk ‘horse'” while operating under false aliases. In fact, over the span of a little more than two weeks she appeared five times in the Boston Herald, reports Carol Mattingly.

Given Snodgrass’ stacking arrests and repeated alleged offenses, The New York Daily Times aptly addressed the curiosity of readers everywhere: “What her motive may be for thus obstinately rejecting the habiliments of her own sex, is not known.”

Interestingly, just as quickly as Snodgrass sensationalized the nation, she fizzled out.

Wisconsin’s Grant County Herald reported on July 13, 1853 that “Emma Snodgrass has repented, gone home, taken off her breeches, and sworn eternal attachment to petticoats and propriety. This is to her credit.”

Despite Snodgrass throwing in the towel, women’s rights crusaders like Amelia Bloomer picked up the mantel and lobbied for more practical (and comfortable) clothing.

Despite the dogged, ceaseless efforts of women’s rights activists, arrests of women in pants continued 80 years after Snodgrass first made headlines.

In 1938, Helen Hulick appeared in court to testify against two men who burglarized her home, but the slacks she wore in trial disturbed the judge who then decided to hold her in contempt of court–even though in 1923 the U.S. Attorney General granted women permission for public pant-wearing.

And though today it is no longer uncommon to wear pants in Western nations, when it comes to formal events and places of worship, female pant-wearing remains somewhat taboo.

No matter the personal beliefs each one of us has regarding pant-clad women, we can admire the spirit of those who relentlessly pushed for equal opportunities and fair treatment. Despite threats of violence and imprisonment, women’s rights activists continued advocating for a better, fairer future.

In a similar way, Paul and the apostles faced hostility for refusing to conform to the expectations of their day.

Paul wrote, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8–9 NIV). He didn’t expect comfort. He expected resistance. Yet he still chose faithfulness, which often brought him to death’s doorstep (2 Corinthians 11).

Paul and the apostles were repeatedly arrested, threatened, beaten, and driven out of cities simply because they preached Christ, Whose gospel message challenged the power structures and belief systems of their day.

Their commitment to Christ cost them security, reputation, and in many cases, their freedom and even their lives. Yet they pressed on out of deep conviction that truth and love are worth suffering for.

And that calling has not disappeared. Even today, many believers quietly endure pressure, misunderstanding, and sometimes persecution because they choose faithfulness over comfort, zeal over idleness.

We stand in a long line of people—women and men alike—who dared to live differently for the sake of gospel truth.

When called upon, will you be ready to give your account and suffer for what is right (1 Peter 3:8–22)?

 

For Reflection

 

Connecting: What are challenges you have faced when preaching the gospel and/or living by Christ’s example? When have you felt pressure to “blend in” rather than live out your faith? What helped you stay faithful—or what do you wish you had done differently?

Sharing: Who is your favorite martyr? [The word martyr comes from the Greek martyria, meaning “witness.” So at the core, a martyr is a witness to truth through faithful endurance.] Consider the following characteristics typical of Christian martyrs and discuss with a peer or your small group.

1. Their faith shaped their very nature
2. They would rather suffer for their faith than compromise
3. They sought forgiveness for their persecutors
4. They rejoiced even in times of persecution
5. They evangelized
6. They peacefully expressed themselves (and most likely avoided violence in acts of self-defense)
7. They constantly and fervently prayed/spent time with God
8. Other:

Applying: Read Deuteronomy 22, paying special attention to verse 5, and then Ezekiel 33 and Ephesians 4:14–15. Have you ever thought you were right about something, only to later read Scripture and realize that maybe you’re in the wrong? Can you be a “watchman” (apologist) for the Lord without seeming “preachy” or judgmental in today’s society? How can we encourage and support one another when faithfulness leads to misunderstanding or resistance?

Valuing: When it comes to staying true to your faith, is there anything that could push you beyond your breaking point? If so, consider making prayer a more regular, daily habit; for example, begin and end each day with prayer. Also consider where you pitch your tent and store your treasures (Matthew 6:19–34).

~ Stefani Leeper