Persecution In Rome Research Paper

THE CRISIS OF ROME

Though there have been times of persecution for Christians in recent years there has not been such persecution of Christians since the Roman Empire. Under the Roman Empire millions of Christians were martyred. The Church survived but the Roman Government eventually fell. I propose that from the time of Nero to the time of Diocletian the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. I will first give a brief history of Rome, then a description of the persecutions, then finally a historical and scriptural conclusion. The Roman Empire has unique history. Ingenuity, brutality and cold determination characterize the Roman Legions. For example they defeated Carthage in the Punic wars. Carthage was the master of the Mediterranean

In the greatest period all the other periods of persecution are combined and magnified which is why the most vivid example of the Blood of the Martyrs brings about the most dramatic growth in the church.

So it was true also that during this time scores of Christians eagerly went the places of execution to declare there beliefs and receive their rewards. It was estimated that in one month 17,000 Christians were put to death over the entire Roman Empire. It was also reported that some rivers had their colors altered because of the great amount of blood poured into them. But God delivered his children after 10 years of intense persecution Diocletian abdicated his throne because of poor health and Constantine relieved the persecution when he signed the edict of toleration in 313 A.D.

Though it may seem hard to believe but the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church. As Jesus gave his life for the sake of the people of the world so those that were martyred shared in that privilege. Though governments were confused, Jews angry, and Emperors wroth the simple message backed by the testimonies of martyrs. Paul said it best in Romans