Like any historian, Eusebius is only as good as his sources. When it comes to 2nd century persecutions, his sources are sometimes excellent (e.g., Justin Martyr) and sometimes not quite as reliable. Nevertheless, while one might question some of the details he includes, Eusebius is an excellent source for understanding the reasons Christians were persecuted and the reasons Christianity was able to grow despite the persecutions.
Read through some of the martyrdom sections in Books IV and V of Eusebius' History of the Church. Sections you might find particularly useful are 4:14-17 (which includes an account of the martyrdom of Polycarp) and 5:1-3 (which includes the martyrdom of Blandina).
What do you find in these sections that helps explain Roman persecution of the Christians or helps explain the perseverance of the Christians despite the persecutions?
Eusebius's in 4:14-17 uses the analogy of slaying Jesus is the same as the Jews killing the Prophets. "These however, the pollution of the Prophets' blood had not satisfied, and at last they slew the Son himself, that is, the Son of God! Nor was it that they knew Him not; but, when they knew fully and accurately, that He was the heir!" Which shows the beginning of the persecutions from the Jews. Which would transfer over to the Romans eventually. I would say with the Polycarp Mayter. It is really iconic when he entered the Stadium. It is also interesting when the Roman Proconsul says Rebuke Jesus and you will be spared. But Polycarp didn't deny christ. But he was burned and stabbed at the stake. Which this will symbolize both sides reslove. The Romans to stomp out Christianity and the Christians to survive. Austin Dreyer.
ReplyDeleteThe section of the martyrdom of Polycarp that really struck me as perseverance of the Christians is this. "They first relate what happened to the other martyrs, describing the fortitude they showed when tortured, amazing the spectators. Sometimes the scourges tore into their innermost veins and arteries, revealing their entrails and organs. At other times they were stretched across pointed seashells and sharp spikes and finally were fed to wild animals." Eusebius 4.15, page 147
ReplyDeleteWithin this passage, it tells about how the martyrs were basically hunted down for their teachings and killed. Despite all of this, the martyrs kept persevering to spread the word around, especially Polycarp.
A section that I believe helps explains the perseverance of the Christians despite the persecution is the story of Polycarp. Polycarp was instructed by the apostles and converse with many who has seen the Lord and was appointed by apostles in Asia as Bishop of Smyrna. He lived for a long time and died brutally. But his death rallied a lot of Jews together. Many in that time said that he was a much more reliable witness to the truth than Valentinus, Marcion, and all the other errorist.
ReplyDeletePolycarp himself was asked by Marcion if he recognized him. Polycarp replied saying I recognized the first born of Satan. From what I understand Polycarp was due to be captured and tortured by the Romans. It makes sense that the Romans wanted Polycarp mainly because his history with Christianity. If he were to surrender his faith and denounce Christ that would have changed the tides for them. Polycarp heard the Romans were basically gathering Christians and trying to get them to admit to Caesar being a God and curse Christ or denounce Jesus. Polycarp heard this news he was not disturbed, and many people wanted him to try to flee. He at first followed them but later he prayed and had a vision that he would die in a fire.
In the end, Polycarp died defending his faith, and although he died brutally, he died beautifully. his death brought hope to many other Christians his bravery inspired many to stand. History in the faith of Christianity may have led to many people turning their backs on persecuting the Jews in the first place. I feel that this story was very beautifully red ridden and that he had to be a great guy for so much to have happen the only thing I don't know is why it wasn't talked about in the Bible. It would have made sense to add in his story.
These written accounts of really show that the Romans hated anything to do with Christianity at the time. If they didn't immediately bow down and worship Caesar, then they were hated. In book IV, Polycarp was a wonderful servant of Christ who refused to curse his Lord and Savior. He was sentenced to death (with the help of the cheering Jews who were not fond of him). Instead of being scared and folding into the pressures brought on by the crowd, Polycarp stayed strong and stood his ground. He said, "For eighty-six years, I have been his servant, and he has never done me wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?" His bravery when facing certain death proved to be rather encouraging to the other Christians rather than invoking fear like the Roman leaders wanted.
ReplyDeleteIn Book V, Blandina was also sentenced to death. Whilst hanging on a stake awaiting to be eaten by wild animals, she prayed. The animals would not touch her, so she was taken down and sent back to the prison. "Her constant prayers greatly inspired her fellow victims, who saw the One who was crucified in the from of their sister" (pg. 176). Martyrs like these are evidence of brave Christians who withstood persecution and either survived by the grace of God or were killed because they refused to curse Christ. Both of these circumstances are encouraging to those that were being persecuted and pushed them to keep going and to stay strong.
-Lauren Bland
Something that I think helps explain the perseverance of the Christians despite the persecutions was how horrible these martyrs were treated and how they must have suffered greatly yet they didn’t submit and they died for their beliefs. This would’ve been huge for spectators! I know many people who are on fire with their faith but I am not sure how many would be able to stand up to the amount of pain and torture that these martyrs endured. People watching would’ve been moved and absolutely floored seeing these individuals die because they believed so strongly in something. This inspired many to take up Christianity and find something that they too could believe in just as strongly. The martyrs inspired people with their dedication and love whereas the Roman leaders invoked pain and fear.
ReplyDeleteIn these sections, I don't think the Romans fully understood what Christianity was. When the Roman soldiers go to arrest Polycarp, they hang around in his home for like an hour. He invites them to dinner, and they let him pray for them. But I think the Roman executions received a wave of support from the Jewish community, they still did not like the Christians. But also the manner in which Polycarp is fearless, he's burned at the stake and isn't tied to the stake either.
ReplyDeleteBandina is presented as almost a female Jesus figure, the lions won't touch her after she prays. These public deaths, show everyone that Christians are willing to die for their faith.
-Walker Larson
One thing that I think shows the perseverance of the church, is that even admits the persecution, Christians were still standing up for their faith. Eusebius includes a few of the writings from different bishops. In these letters the bishops are trying to settle disputes and divisions, but I feel this also shows that the bishops weren’t just hiding in fear during the trials of persecution. This in itself, the fact that Christians still refused to remain silent, also added to Roman frustration towards them.
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