There are a lot of circumstances that might lead one to be a disciple of Jesus, and there are also circumstances that will hinder christians from publicly to announce their faith in some parts of the world. 

 What happened in Jesus' time is still happening today, where there are continuous rising of idol Gods and christians are still fearful to acknowledge their faith  because of death but we should remember that even if we are placed in the fire, Jesus is there with us.