Being Christian under the Emperors
An historical journey through the persecution of Christians under the Emperors.
Tiberius (AD 14-37)
Crucifixion of Jesus, just outside of Jerursalem (Mark 15 & par.)
Deacon Stephen stoned to death by a mob in Jerusalem (Acts 7:51-60)
Claudius (41-54)
Apostle James, son of Zebedee, beheaded in Palestine by King Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:1-2)
Nero (54-68)
James the Just (the “brother of the Lord”) stoned in Jerusalem
Christians blamed for the burning of Rome; some Christians burned at the stake or killed by wild animals
Apostle Peter crucified just outside of Rome (cf. John 21:18-19)
Apostle Paul beheaded just outside of Rome (cf. 2 Tim 4:6-8)
Domitian (81-96)
John (author of Book of Revelation) exiled on the island of Patmos (near Ephesus)
Trajan (98-117)
Bishop Ignatius of Antioch (Syria) condemned to fight wild beasts in Rome
Antoninus Pius (138-161)
Bishop Polycarp of Smyrna (Asia Minor) martyred
Marcus Aurelius (161-180)
Christian Martyrs of Lyons & Vienne (southern France)
ca. 165: Justin Martyr, beheaded in Rome
Commodus (180-192)
The Passion of the Scillitan Martyrs
Septimius Severus (193-211)
Edict makes it illegal to convert to Christianity; persecution esp. in North Africa
Perpetua & Felicity martyred in Carthage (North Africa) .
Trajanus Decius (249-251)
Major Empire-Wide Persecution; Christians required to participate in Emperor Worship
Bishop Fabian of Rome martyred; Bishop Cyprian of Carthage exiled; Origen of Alexandria tortured to death
Valerian (253-260)
Bishop Cyprian of Carthage martyred
Diocletian (284-305)& Maximian (286-305)
Major Empire-Wide Persecution begins ca. 303; confiscation of Christian churches and books; arrest, torture, and execution of many Christian leaders
Licinius (311-323)
311: Edict of Galerius: decrees toleration for Christians, allowing them to worship openly
Constantine (307-337)
313: Edict of Constantine (Edict of Milan): decrees toleration for all religions, including Christianity; ends persecutions
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