Persecution in the First Centuries
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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
43
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
44
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.
45
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.
46
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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