Lecture on Early Christian Persecution in the Roman Empire

Introduction to Polycarp

• Time and Place: Between 155-160 AD in Smyrna (modern-day Izmir, Turkey).
• Polycarp: An important bishop aged 86.
  • Discipled by Apostle John.
  • Fighter for orthodoxy, confronting heretic Marcion, and against Gnostics.
• Execution:
  • Roman officials targeted him due to Christianity's spread.
  • Displayed calmness and faith; refused to flee.
  • Executed without being nailed, claiming divine strength to endure.
  • His martyrdom serves as an early Christian persecution document.

Roman Perceptions and Persecution

• Misconceptions: Christians weren't subject to ethnic cleansing like Jews in WWII.
• Persecutions: Generally sporadic and local, not widespread until later centuries.

Roman Government Structure

• Principate (31 BC - 284 AD):

  • Emperor as "first among equals."
  • Focused on global/local politics, not heavily on Christians.
  • Christians viewed as non-violent and not seditious.

• Dominate (284 - 476 AD):

  • Emperor as "Dominus" (Lord); autocratic.
  • Worse persecutions due to military emperors' traditional paganism.
  • Shift toward Christian governance with Constantine.

Sources on Persecution

• Eusebius: Primary source on early Christian martyrdom.
  • Describes persecutions before Constantine from a triumphal perspective.

Christianity and Judaism

• Romans' View: Recognized distinctions between Jews and Christians.
• Jewish Diaspora: High Jewish population in Roman Empire (~8-10%).
• Jewish-Roman Relations: Respect for ancient Judaism but tensions existed.

Early Christian Persecutions

• Initial Incidents:

  • AD 49: Jews expelled from Rome due to "Crestus" (likely a Christ-related dispute).
  • Nero's Reign (AD 64): Christians blamed for Rome's fire; gruesome tortures.

• Trajan's Policy:

  • Christians not actively sought, but accused must renounce faith or face death.
  • Systemic, cold-blooded approach to persecution.

Patterns of Persecution

• Types:
  • Hot-blooded, passionate persecutions (e.g., Nero) were intense but localized.
  • Systemic persecution under laws (e.g., Trajan).
• Official Status: Christianity was illegal, leading to suppression and sporadic executions.

Conclusion

• Overall Impact: Christianity remained a minority and persecuted religion.
• Legacy of the Apostles: According to tradition, most apostles died violently, symbolizing the broader experience of early Christians.