Not only should Peter have denied Jesus three times, Paul never needed to spend the rest of his life proclaiming Jesus to both Jews and Gentiles!
Why would either man be crucified by Rome -- it was for the name of Jesus!
Hundreds of Christians prayed and sang the name of Jesus as they were torched, slashed and eaten by wild animals.
Wouldn't it have been much easier not to claim Jesus for all of these martyrs for His name?
Certainly, they would have not "given offense" to those present and saved their own lives in the process (much less not "offending" other non-believers) however, we are told that to lay down our lives for the name of Jesus is to save it.
"If you are ashamed of Me, I shall be ashamed of you before my Father." (paraphrase)
absolutely. This is such a slap in the face to Christ, and all those who have given their lives for the truth of the Gospel.