The Empire Strikes Back

For the start of Christianity, the church received a form of official protection by its association with Judaism. Roman officials were reluctant to get involved in matters of religion (Acts 18:15, 25:19)

Yet, that wouldn’t be the case for too long. Under Emperor Nero, Christians would become the scapegoats for Romes’s problems. As Tertullian was quoted, “If the Tiber rises too high, or the Nile too low, the remedy is always feeding Christians to the lions.”

It should not have come as a shock for the faithful, however. The apostles and writers on the New Testament had warned the faithful of the coming persecution. “Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeals” and “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (1st Peter 4:12,2^nd Timothy 3:12).

However, these attacks wouldn't hinder the spread of the Gospel, they would actually impel it. In a few years, Christianity would go from the scourge of the Empire to its official religion.

Today I think we oftentimes think of ourselves blessed to be without persecution. I understand that idea. However, it maybe is better for us to suffer for the cause of Christ. No government or order of man will outlast or defeat the Kingdom of Christ. We may be under attack but never defeated. Those trials can bring us closer to God and refine our faith. It might be just what we need.

If the early church could find joy in trials so, should we.

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