3rd Blog - End of Persecution

The Christians of the Roman Empire had endured much persecution since the time of Emperor Nero in the first century, but the early 4th century was to become known as The Great Persecution era. In 303AD, Under Emperor Galerius and with the support of Emperor Diocletion the Great Persecution began. Wanting to unite the Roman Empire they believed they would need to unite under one religion; so as a result pagan sacrifices were demanded of all in the Empire. Four successive edicts were issued and this became law. As a Christian I would have been on my knees begging God to intervene, to somehow stop this horror. To have known, as the word spread like wildfire, that 20 000 Christians died under Emperor Diocletion alone with have sparked fear unimaginable in the heart of all. But then after nearly ten years of severe persecution they had a new Emperor who came to power; and this changed the course of Christian history forever. Enter the man that would later be known as Constantine the Great who, like Galerius, wanting to unite the Empire through one religion; this time it would be Christianity as the uniting catalyst. Now finally all Christians were free to practise their beliefs unmolested and without fear of a gruesome death. The feelings of relief that must have been felt would have given way to celebrations all over the Empire. History has clearly shown that when the church is severely persecuted it not only survives, it intensifies in its commitment to the cause. When a church is under persecution the members are forced to make a decision as to what they really believe and would they die rather than deny the truth that is found in Christ Jesus. As a church we need to think about such things; what do we believe and would I endure the most severe persecution rather than give up Jesus? The time is coming when this question will be answered on the battlefield. For me, the church would indeed benefit from persecution. By Brad Hoffman