That is exactly what the readers of this book experienced. They were Jews. They lived in Jerusalem during the time that the temple was still standing there.1 They came to believe that Jesus was the Messiah. And that was difficult. It meant that they were no longer part of Judaism and were now mocked and persecuted. They participated in the reproach of Christ. In Hebrews 13:13 it is written that Jesus was cast out of Jerusalem: Therefore let us go to him outside the camp [= the city of Jerusalem] and bear the reproach [!] he endured.
26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.