They would also be disheartened by the small size of the Church, as the number of Christians in the decade of the 60s could not have numbered more than a few thousand. Yet Peter was resolved to die even when he had opportunities to flee, and Paul refused many chances to recant and save himself. The witness of their deaths eased the crisis of the first generation, demonstrating the abiding worth of faith in Christ. We may compare the heartening effect of Rev. Moon's Danbury imprisonment on a discouraged American church. Third, the 'free rider' problem arises in every organization when people join to gain the benefits of membership without contributing their share to the collective effort.
Free riders are a plague upon churches, and for new religions they are particularly baneful.
Demanding constant attention, they undermine the movement's resolve to achieve its higher goals. Their weak commitment undermines the discipline and faith of everyone else. As long as a group is persecuted, however, free riders will be reluctant to join. Under such conditions, those who join necessarily sacrifice more and participate more zealously in church activities. At the same time, the collective religious experience becomes emotionally richer and more fulfilling.