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?
I think that Polycarp's story is a strong example of how the early Christians showed perseverance. You can tell the attitude set by example on pages 149-150. Polycarp is being questioned by the Emperor in front of a crowd, but Polycarp shows Christian strength and courage. When he is being threatened by the flame, he says, "You threaten a fire that burns for a time and is as quickly extinguished. Yet a fire that you know nothing about awaits the wicked in the judgment to come and in eternal punishment. But what are you waiting for? Do what you will." I think that the example set by leaders had a huge impact on Christians. Even more so, I think the promise of what was to come and that they were doing the right thing. Polycarp's stubbornness furthers the reason behind the Roman's persecution as well.
ReplyDeleteIn Book 5's initial documentation of the martyrs, what seems to be the simplest explanation for why the Romans persecuted the Christians was for "the Adversary," Satan. The Christians were a threat to their "freedom" to live as Satan would have them, whether the Romans realized this or not. This explanation is much like the growth of the early church, which, though certainly helped by common reasons of provision of security and emotional fulfillment, was ultimately spurred on by the Holy Spirit.
ReplyDeleteThe writer also describes that some who were moderate friends of the martyrs but not exactly believers, turned the Christians in for the same reason, coupled with fear of the persecution they could face if they did not turn them in. The letter says that the Christians endured the mob as well, which could be another factor as to why the persecution continued so intensely. A mob mentality over a large and generally powerful society could very quickly accomplish the great persecution the Christians would face. Roman civilization was also increasingly trying to entertain the mob with more and more graphic outlets, from crucifixion to, eventually, gladiator events. The persecution and torture of Christians would have suited the mob's hunger for such entertainment.
In Books IV and V of Church History, Eusebius of Caesarea shows that Christians were often persecuted because they refused to worship the emperor, which made them seem disloyal to Rome, as seen in the story of Polycarp. In the account of Blandina, you also see how fear and rumors led to harsh treatment. At the same time, both stories show why Christianity kept growing—people like Polycarp and Blandina stayed strong in their faith even when facing death, and that kind of courage seemed to inspire others rather than scare them away.
ReplyDeleteThese sections of Eusebius gives vivid accounts of persecution of the christians. Polycarp, for example, and his martyrdom showed how much the Romans valued loyalty to the emperor and the gods. The simple act of not participating in Roman traditions and worshipping of their gods was already bad enough, and worshipping one singular God was even worse in terms of unity. Polycarp's refusal to curse Christ or offer sacrifice was seen as blatant defiance of Roman authority, which made Christians alike appear subversive and dangerous to order. At the same time, though, these accounts indicate the perseverance of the believers. Polycarp is a good example of those who endured the torture due to the eternal hope they had. Another good example I think is Blandina in book 5, a frail woman who many others thought would not survive the torture and would probably denounce her faith. However, not only did she survive the many forms of torture - even to the point where the torturers were exhausted - she persisted that Christians were good people and that they had done nothing wrong. Eusebius portrays her and others as strengthened by Christ. The constant hope of a better life after theirs surely kept them going. If not for individuals like these to avoid folding under immense pressure and serve as a beacon for other believers, I'm sure persecution would've made a dent in the spread of the gospel rather than help spread it.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I found in Book 4 about how Christians persevered through persecution is that the persecution somehow drew others to the faith. Eusebius has a quote from Justin Martyr describing how he was led to the faith. Justin saw the Christians were being persecuted and knew that there had to be something more to them if they were willing to die for their faith and not try to extend their life.
ReplyDeleteLater in Book 4, Eusebius quotes Justin Martyr again, this time about a woman who had divorced her husband after she was converted to Christianity. Since she tried to change her husband's hedonistic ways and he resisted, she divorced him, which led to him accusing her and the teacher who introduced her to Christianity as being Christians. One of the reasons why Romans persecuted Christians was apparently because they didn't like being told how to live their lives, and were willing to have them be persecuted for giving them advice.
In Books IV and V of Church History, Eusebius of Caesarea includes powerful martyrdom accounts that help explain both why Christians were persecuted and why they continued to grow despite it. Similarly, the account of Blandina highlights the extreme suffering Christians endured, yet also emphasizes their unwavering faith. These stories suggest that persecution was driven by religious and political tensions, but they also show how the courage and steadfastness of martyrs inspired other believers. The willingness of individuals like Polycarp and Blandina to endure suffering rather than renounce their faith helps explain how Christianity continued to grow.
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