Chapter 2
Persecution in the First
Centuries
WHEN Jesus revealed to His disciples the
fate of Jerusalem and the scenes of the second advent, He foretold also the experience of
His people from the time when He should be taken from them, to His return in power and
glory for their deliverance. From Olivet the Saviour beheld the storms about to fall upon
the apostolic church; and penetrating deeper into the future, His eye discerned the
fierce, wasting tempests that were to beat upon His followers in the coming ages of
darkness and persecution. In a few brief utterances of awful significance He foretold the
portion which the rulers of this world would mete out to the church of God. Matthew 24:9,
21, 22. The followers of Christ must tread the same path of humiliation, reproach, and
suffering which their Master trod. The enmity that burst forth against the world's
Redeemer would be manifested against all who should believe on His name.
The history of the early
church testified to the fulfillment of the Saviour's words. The powers of earth and hell
arrayed themselves against Christ in the person of His followers. Paganism foresaw that
should the gospel triumph, her temples and altars would be swept away; therefore she
summoned her forces to destroy Christianity. The fires of persecution were kindled.
Christians were stripped of their possessions and driven from their homes. They
"endured a great fight of afflictions." Hebrews 10:32. They "had trial of
cruel
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mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment." Hebrews
11:36. Great numbers sealed their testimony with their blood. Noble and slave, rich and
poor, learned and ignorant, were alike slain without mercy.
These persecutions, beginning
under Nero about the time of the martyrdom of Paul, continued with greater or less fury
for centuries. Christians were falsely accused of the most dreadful crimes and declared to
be the cause of great calamities--famine, pestilence, and earthquake. As they became the
objects of popular hatred and suspicion, informers stood ready, for the sake of gain, to
betray the innocent. They were condemned as rebels against the empire, as foes of
religion, and pests to society. Great numbers were thrown to wild beasts or burned alive
in the amphitheaters. Some were crucified; others were covered with the skins of wild
animals and thrust into the arena to be torn by dogs. Their punishment was often made the
chief entertainment at public fetes. Vast multitudes assembled to enjoy the sight and
greeted their dying agonies with laughter and applause.
Wherever they sought refuge,
the followers of Christ were hunted like beasts of prey. They were forced to seek
concealment in desolate and solitary places. "Destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of
whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens
and caves of the earth." Verses 37, 38. The catacombs afforded shelter for thousands.
Beneath the hills outside the city of Rome, long galleries had been tunneled through earth
and rock; the dark and intricate network of passages extended for miles beyond the city
walls. In these underground retreats the followers of Christ buried their dead; and here
also, when suspected and proscribed, they found a home. When the Life-giver shall awaken
those who have fought the good fight, many a martyr for Christ's sake will come forth from
those gloomy caverns.
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Under the fiercest
persecution these witnesses for Jesus kept their faith unsullied. Though deprived of every
comfort, shut away from the light of the sun, making their home in the dark but friendly
bosom of the earth, they uttered no complaint. With words of faith, patience, and hope
they encouraged one another to endure privation and distress. The loss of every earthly
blessing could not force them to renounce their belief in Christ. Trials and persecution
were but steps bringing them nearer their rest and their reward.
Like God's servants of old,
many were "tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better
resurrection." Verse 35. These called to mind the words of their Master, that when
persecuted for Christ's sake, they were to be exceeding glad, for great would be their
reward in heaven; for so the prophets had been persecuted before them. They rejoiced that
they were accounted worthy to suffer for the truth, and songs of triumph ascended from the
midst of crackling flames. Looking upward by faith, they saw Christ and angels leaning
over the battlements of heaven, gazing upon them with the deepest interest and regarding
their steadfastness with approval. A voice came down to them from the throne of God:
"Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Revelation
2:10.
In vain were Satan's efforts
to destroy the church of Christ by violence. The great controversy in which the disciples
of Jesus yielded up their lives did not cease when these faithful standard-bearers fell at
their post. By defeat they conquered. God's workmen were slain, but His work went steadily
forward. The gospel continued to spread and the number of its adherents to increase. It
penetrated into regions that were inaccessible even to the eagles of Rome. Said a
Christian, expostulating with the heathen rulers who were urging forward the persecution:
You may "kill us, torture us, condemn us. . . . Your injustice is the proof that we
are innocent
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. . . . Nor does your cruelty . . . avail you." It was but a stronger
invitation to bring others to their persuasion. "The oftener we are mown down by you,
the more in number we grow; the blood of Christians is seed."--Tertullian, Apology,
paragraph 50.
Thousands were imprisoned and
slain, but others sprang up to fill their places. And those who were martyred for their
faith were secured to Christ and accounted of Him as conquerors. They had fought the good
fight, and they were to receive the crown of glory when Christ should come. The sufferings
which they endured brought Christians nearer to one another and to their Redeemer. Their
living example and dying testimony were a constant witness for the truth; and where least
expected, the subjects of Satan were leaving his service and enlisting under the banner of
Christ.
Satan therefore laid his
plans to war more successfully against the government of God by planting his banner in the
Christian church. If the followers of Christ could be deceived and led to displease God,
then their strength, fortitude, and firmness would fail, and they would fall an easy prey.
The great adversary now
endeavored to gain by artifice what he had failed to secure by force. Persecution ceased,
and in its stead were substituted the dangerous allurements of temporal prosperity and
worldly honor. Idolaters were led to receive a part of the Christian faith, while they
rejected other essential truths. They professed to accept Jesus as the Son of God and to
believe in His death and resurrection, but they had no conviction of sin and felt no need
of repentance or of a change of heart. With some concessions on their part they proposed
that Christians should make concessions, that all might unite on the platform of belief in
Christ.
Now the church was in fearful
peril. Prison, torture, fire, and sword were blessings in comparison with this. Some of
the Christians stood firm, declaring that they could make no
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compromise. Others were in
favor of yielding or modifying some features of their faith and uniting with those who had
accepted a part of Christianity, urging that this might be the means of their full
conversion. That was a time of deep anguish to the faithful followers of Christ. Under a
cloak of pretended Christianity, Satan was insinuating himself into the church, to corrupt
their faith and turn their minds from the word of truth.
Most of the Christians at
last consented to lower their standard, and a union was formed between Christianity and
paganism. Although the worshipers of idols professed to be converted, and united with the
church, they still clung to their idolatry, only changing the objects of their worship to
images of Jesus, and even of Mary and the saints. The foul leaven of idolatry, thus
brought into the church, continued its baleful work. Unsound doctrines, superstitious
rites, and idolatrous ceremonies were incorporated into her faith and worship. As the
followers of Christ united with idolaters, the Christian religion became corrupted, and
the church lost her purity and power. There were some, however, who were not misled by
these delusions. They still maintained their fidelity to the Author of truth and worshiped
God alone.
There have ever been two
classes among those who profess to be followers of Christ. While one class study the
Saviour's life and earnestly seek to correct their defects and conform to the Pattern, the
other class shun the plain, practical truths which expose their errors. Even in her best
estate the church was not composed wholly of the true, pure, and sincere. Our Saviour
taught that those who willfully indulge in sin are not to be received into the church; yet
He connected with Himself men who were faulty in character, and granted them the benefits
of His teachings and example, that they might have an opportunity to see their errors and
correct them. Among the twelve apostles was a traitor. Judas was accepted, not
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because of
his defects of character, but notwithstanding them. He was connected with the disciples,
that, through the instruction and example of Christ, he might learn what constitutes
Christian character, and thus be led to see his errors, to repent, and, by the aid of
divine grace, to purify his soul "in obeying the truth." But Judas did not walk
in the light so graciously permitted to shine upon him. By indulgence in sin he invited
the temptations of Satan. His evil traits of character became predominant. He yielded his
mind to the control of the powers of darkness, he became angry when his faults were
reproved, and thus he was led to commit the fearful crime of betraying his Master. So do
all who cherish evil under a profession of godliness hate those who disturb their peace by
condemning their course of sin. When a favorable opportunity is presented, they will, like
Judas, betray those who for their good have sought to reprove them.
The apostles encountered
those in the church who professed godliness while they were secretly cherishing iniquity.
Ananias and Sapphira acted the part of deceivers, pretending to make an entire sacrifice
for God, when they were covetously withholding a portion for themselves. The Spirit of
truth revealed to the apostles the real character of these pretenders, and the judgments
of God rid the church of this foul blot upon its purity. This signal evidence of the
discerning Spirit of Christ in the church was a terror to hypocrites and evildoers. They
could not long remain in connection with those who were, in habit and disposition,
constant representatives of Christ; and as trials and persecution came upon His followers,
those only who were willing to forsake all for the truth's sake desired to become His
disciples. Thus, as long as persecution continued, the church remained comparatively pure.
But as it ceased, converts were added who were less sincere and devoted, and the way was
open for Satan to obtain a foothold.
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But there is no union between
the Prince of light and the prince of darkness, and there can be no union between their
followers. When Christians consented to unite with those who were but half converted from
paganism, they entered upon a path which led further and further from the truth. Satan
exulted that he had succeeded in deceiving so large a number of the followers of Christ.
He then brought his power to bear more fully upon these, and inspired them to persecute
those who remained true to God. None understood so well how to oppose the true Christian
faith as did those who had once been its defenders; and these apostate Christians, uniting
with their half-pagan companions, directed their warfare against the most essential
features of the doctrines of Christ.
It required a desperate
struggle for those who would be faithful to stand firm against the deceptions and
abominations which were disguised in sacerdotal garments and introduced into the church.
The Bible was not accepted as the standard of faith. The doctrine of religious freedom was
termed heresy, and its upholders were hated and proscribed.
After a long and severe
conflict, the faithful few decided to dissolve all union with the apostate church if she
still refused to free herself from falsehood and idolatry. They saw that separation was an
absolute necessity if they would obey the word of God. They dared not tolerate errors
fatal to their own souls, and set an example which would imperil the faith of their
children and children's children. To secure peace and unity they were ready to make any
concession consistent with fidelity to God; but they felt that even peace would be too
dearly purchased at the sacrifice of principle. If unity could be secured only by the
compromise of truth and righteousness, then let there be difference, and even war.
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Well would it be for the
church and the world if the principles that actuated those steadfast souls were revived in
the hearts of God's professed people. There is an alarming indifference in regard to the
doctrines which are the pillars of the Christian faith. The opinion is gaining ground,
that, after all, these are not of vital importance. This degeneracy is strengthening the
hands of the agents of Satan, so that false theories and fatal delusions which the
faithful in ages past imperiled their lives to resist and expose, are now regarded with
favor by thousands who claim to be followers of Christ.
The early Christians were
indeed a peculiar people. Their blameless deportment and unswerving faith were a continual
reproof that disturbed the sinner's peace. Though few in numbers, without wealth,
position, or honorary titles, they were a terror to evildoers wherever their character and
doctrines were known. Therefore they were hated by the wicked, even as Abel was hated by
the ungodly Cain. For the same reason that Cain slew Abel, did those who sought to throw
off the restraint of the Holy Spirit, put to death God's people. It was for the same
reason that the Jews rejected and crucified the Saviour--because the purity and holiness
of His character was a constant rebuke to their selfishness and corruption. From the days
of Christ until now His faithful disciples have excited the hatred and opposition of those
who love and follow the ways of sin.
How, then, can the gospel be
called a message of peace? When Isaiah foretold the birth of the Messiah, he ascribed to
Him the title, "Prince of Peace." When angels announced to the shepherds that
Christ was born, they sang above the plains of Bethlehem: "Glory to God in the
highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:14. There is a seeming
contradiction between these prophetic declarations and the words of Christ: "I came
not to send peace, but a sword." Matthew 10:34. But, rightly understood, the two
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are
in perfect harmony. The gospel is a message of peace. Christianity is a system which,
received and obeyed, would spread peace, harmony, and happiness throughout the earth. The
religion of Christ will unite in close brotherhood all who accept its teachings. It was
the mission of Jesus to reconcile men to God, and thus to one another. But the world at
large are under the control of Satan, Christ's bitterest foe. The gospel presents to them
principles of life which are wholly at variance with their habits and desires, and they
rise in rebellion against it. They hate the purity which reveals and condemns their sins,
and they persecute and destroy those who would urge upon them its just and holy claims. It
is in this sense--because the exalted truths it brings occasion hatred and strife--that
the gospel is called a sword.
The mysterious providence
which permits the righteous to suffer persecution at the hand of the wicked has been a
cause of great perplexity to many who are weak in faith. Some are even ready to cast away
their confidence in God because He suffers the basest of men to prosper, while the best
and purest are afflicted and tormented by their cruel power. How, it is asked, can One who
is just and merciful, and who is also infinite in power, tolerate such injustice and
oppression? This is a question with which we have nothing to do. God has given us
sufficient evidence of His love, and we are not to doubt His goodness because we cannot
understand the workings of His providence. Said the Saviour to His disciples, foreseeing
the doubts that would press upon their souls in days of trial and darkness: "Remember
the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have
persecuted Me, they will also persecute you." John 15:20. Jesus suffered for us more
than any of His followers can be made to suffer through the cruelty of wicked men. Those
who are called to endure torture and martyrdom are but following in the steps of God's
dear Son.
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"The Lord is not slack
concerning His promise." 2 Peter 3:9. He does not forget or neglect His children; but
He permits the wicked to reveal their true character, that none who desire to do His will
may be deceived concerning them. Again, the righteous are placed in the furnace of
affliction, that they themselves may be purified; that their example may convince others
of the reality of faith and godliness; and also that their consistent course may condemn
the ungodly and unbelieving.
God permits the wicked to
prosper and to reveal their enmity against Him, that when they shall have filled up the
measure of their iniquity all may see His justice and mercy in their utter destruction.
The day of His vengeance hastens, when all who have transgressed His law and oppressed His
people will meet the just recompense of their deeds; when every act of cruelty or
injustice toward God's faithful ones will be punished as though done to Christ Himself.
There is another and more
important question that should engage the attention of the churches of today. The apostle
Paul declares that "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12. Why is it, then, that persecution seems in a great
degree to slumber? The only reason is that the church has conformed to the world's
standard and therefore awakens no opposition. The religion which is current in our day is
not of the pure and holy character that marked the Christian faith in the days of Christ
and His apostles. It is only because of the spirit of compromise with sin, because the
great truths of the word of God are so indifferently regarded, because there is so little
vital godliness in the church, that Christianity is apparently so popular with the world.
Let there be a revival of the faith and power of the early church, and the spirit of
persecution will be revived, and the fires of persecution will be rekindled.
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