Reasons why Romans persecuted the Christians

First, Christianity was a monotheistic religion. Christians were

fairly militant about not doing anything that would even imply
that there were any other gods than God. This meant that they
would not participate in Roman religious festivals and
observations that were believed to bring good fortune to the
Empire. This made them, in a sense, subversive because they
refused to help protect the Empire in this way.

Second, Christianity was a new religion. The Romans generally

tolerated old faiths, but they saw Christianity as a new thing and
therefore as a mere superstition. They did not accord it the
respect they gave to older religions.

Third, The Romans saw Christianity as a threat, because their

beliefs were so different than most religions. The Christians
attempted to convert as many people as they could, as this made
them dangerous. They were rocking the boat, so to speak. The
Romans at that time were wary of losing their empire.

Fourth, A few of the Roman emperors, notably Nero, picked on

Christians, but on the whole the Jews had it much worse than
Christians under Roman rule. Most of the Roman emperors didn't
care what religion their subjects followed as long as they were
obedient and paid their taxes, and it didn't take long for Rome to
become a power center in the Christian church.

Fifth, Trajan's response explains what standard Roman policy was regarding
Christians in the empire. Also, because of it, other officials followed the same
policy, making it even more official. It can be assumed that this is how all
Roman officials tended to act, right up until the rule of Constantine.
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