“If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”
1 Peter 4:16
“If the Tiber floods the city, or if the Nile refuses to rise, or if the sky withholds its rain, if there is an earthquake, a famine, a pestilence, at once the cry is raised: ‘Christians to the lion!’” (Tertullian, c. AD 155-220)
As Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, some believed that the reason natural disasters happened was because “the gods” were jealous as more and more people were worshiping Jesus. Even one of the most enlightened and peaceful emperors, Marcus Aurelius Antonius, fell for this line of thinking. He was a philosopher at heart, authoring many profound books, but he was also very superstitious. As rumors spread around AD 162 that Christians were the cause of floods and plagues, he supported their persecution and a return to Rome’s “old time religion.”
Christians faced dreadful times in the late 2nd century, but they were not caught off guard. They knew living for Christ would bring persecution. And they also knew the reward of loving Jesus was greater than anything this world could offer.
As Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, some believed that the reason natural disasters happened was because “the gods” were jealous as more and more people were worshiping Jesus. Even one of the most enlightened and peaceful emperors, Marcus Aurelius Antonius, fell for this line of thinking. He was a philosopher at heart, authoring many profound books, but he was also very superstitious. As rumors spread around AD 162 that Christians were the cause of floods and plagues, he supported their persecution and a return to Rome’s “old time religion.”
Christians faced dreadful times in the late 2nd century, but they were not caught off guard. They knew living for Christ would bring persecution. And they also knew the reward of loving Jesus was greater than anything this world could offer.
Scripture Focus
1 Peter 4:12-19
Insight
“We draw close to Jesus in suffering. The very One who calls us to follow Him was well acquainted with suffering and sorrow.” (Ken Wytsma, 2013)
Bible In A Year
- 2 Kings 13-14
- Proverbs 17
- 2 Peter 1-3
