“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”

Acts 4:13
Pliny the Younger was governor of Bithynia (modern day Northern Turkey). Around AD 111, he wrote to Emperor Trajan asking what he should do with the Christians in his area. Some residents had complained that they were not worshiping the Roman gods or Caesar. So Pliny went to investigate. 

He observed that these Christians of all ages and walks of life gathered early in the morning on a set day, prayed, and sang songs “to Christ as God.” He also noted they were good neighbors and not criminals. There was something different about them. 

Trajan instructed Pliny to not go out of his way to accuse Christians. If they are “denounced” by citizens and “proved guilty” for not worshiping the gods, prosecute them. Otherwise, live and let live. 

Early followers of Christ weren’t surprised by persecution. Jesus had warned them of it. They knew their lives would testify of God’s goodness even in great trials, causing the kingdom to grow. We, too, evidence Christ. The “something different” about us points to His great work in our lives.

 



Scripture Focus

John 15:18-27

Insight

“The blood of martyrs is the seed of the church.”(Tertullian, c. AD 155–c. 220)

Bible In A Year

  • 1 Kings 13-14
  • Proverbs 6
  • Hebrews 7-8

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