JAN. 24: PAGANS, CHRISTIANS, PERSECUTION
Terms:
Pagan, from Latin paganus, "country-dweller" with pejorative connotations, like "hick" or "redneck." Term used by Christians to describe practitioners of traditional polytheist religion.
Martyr, from Greek martus, martyria. One who "bears witness."
Significant dates: (including major figures discussed in Pagels)
64 AD: Peter and Paul in Rome; first persecution by Nero. Read this account by the Roman historian Tacitus.
c.95 AD: Persecution under emperor Domitian, possibly inspiring the account of Antichrist in Book of Revelation.
112: Roman governor Pliny writes to emperor Trajan asking what to do with suspected Christians. Trajan’s policy: Don’t ask, don’t tell. Read the letter.
c.130-165: Career of Justin Martyr, who wrote one of the first Apologies (theological defense of Christianity).
Late second century: Celsus, a philosopher in the Platonist tradition, writes a treatise Against the Christians.
Late second century: Career of Tatian, student of Justin and one of the earliest writers in the Syrian Christian tradition. Wrote Oration to the Greeks, a treatise against worshippers of the Hellenic gods.
c.190-212: Career of Tertullian, in Roman North Africa. Wrote Exhortation to Martyrdom, an Apology, and numerous other texts. First significant Christian author to write in Latin.
203: Perpetua martyred in Carthage.
c.185-251: Origen, leading theologian in Alexandria. Biblical commentaries; a Response to Celsus’ anti-Christian book. Castrated himself to protect against sexual temptation. Eventually martyred.
249-251: Emperor Decius begins the first systematic, empire-wide persecution of Christians. Check out this example of the certificates issued to people who complied with the order to sacrifice.
260: Persecution under emperor Valerian.
260-303: The "Peace of the Church." Christian numbers expand.
c.300: Eusebius of Caesarea composes the first History of the Church.
303-305: The "Great Persecution" under Diocletian. Persecution continues in parts of the empire until 312.
312: Constantine comes to power in the western half of the empire. Constantine’s "vision" and conversion.
Additional websites:
Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors: good source for chronology and political history. Read biographies of emperors, follow links to see their faces on coins. Also good maps.
Writings of the Church Fathers: Vast library of writings by leading Christians of the first six centuries AD. Links to the text and also to Catholic Encyclopedia articles about the authors.