Persecution in the Early Church: Did You Know?

Beginning as a contempted illegal religious school, Christianity experienced 300 years of hostility, becoming the dominant power of the Roman Empire.

Early Christians are expected to suffer. Since Christ died on the cross, there is no higher honor than to imitate death by accepting martyrdom (to put a witness in your own blood). Rather than giving up on Israel, waiting for the essence of the glory of death, as depicted in the fourth book of maccabees, the heritage of the Jews, but without this, Christianity inevitably very martyred We respected the death of the person. As one of the writers of Peter said, "If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed to praise God, you are his name" (4:16)

How did the church experience such a sacrifice? Roman religion is not tolerant; Rome accepted the Pantheon gods from the Italian tribes and Asia Minor. In rural areas, such as the Lord, North Africa and Saturn big Jewish territories - their ceremonies, but barbarous, also accepted as "legal religion" because of being sanctified by ancient traditions Yes. Many local gods and goddesses often offer classics of the same name, ordinary inhabitants of the Greco-Roman world are worshiped and worshiped as the god of "Rome"

Despite this tolerance, however, until the early second century, Roman Governor Bixiniya (Black Sea) did not hesitate to run people who are immediately being condemned as Christians. Only this name is enough death sentences.

Persecution did not begin with Roman authorities. The writings of the New Testament tell the murder of Jews and Christians.

It is a church. The early reformers encountered a strong fatal resistance from the church. The church began to persecute Christians instead of the Roman government who persecuted them. Protestant reform of the 16th and 17th centuries began modern reform of Christianity. Spiritual truths are beginning to recover as the teachings of the Bible become apparent to the people. The revelation of rebirth continues today, and the church continues to escape from the long-lasting doctrines and rituals of the apostasy of the past

Persecution is at the forefront of the early church. Many pastors in the Christian persecution area of ​​other parts of the world speak the story about the conversation with Christian friends living in the United States. When a pastor tells their friends about the persecution they face, a typical American Christian wishes persecution. But despite the end of a typical persecution prayer, the pastors of these persecuted churches knew that their Christian friends do not need to pray for the end of persecution. but why? Correspondingly, these pastors in the persecuted areas are afraid to eventually become like the Jesus Christ church in North America after the persecution is over. Unfortunately, for these pastors, the American church is spiritually dead. The chance of North America awakens and the possibility to pray is small. 6:18)

Early churches were forced to establish a formal list of books for at least two reasons, and these books were considered inspiration of God or words of God. The first reason is the persecution of the external environment in the early church. For example, Christian Roman Emperor Diocletion (303 AD) has been persecuted for its beliefs because of its seriousness, but Christians can books be handed over for destruction and that book to the administrative authority they deserve, that Because persecution knows what is becoming very important. Life death has the effect of convincing people to clarify important matters. Therefore, Christians are willing to exchange not only ink and paper, but also the words and life of God.