The Roman Persecution of Christians

Furthermore, the Romans viewed their Emperor as both a temporal leader and a spiritual deity. By refusing to recognize the Emperor's divinity, Christians were often accused of treason and of attempting to undermine the stability of the state itself.

Legal and Social Suspicion

Roman law also played a role by forbidding secret assemblies. Because Christians met privately for religious services, these gatherings were viewed as illegal, which fueled public suspicion and hatred. This suspicion was often exacerbated by wild slanders; for example, rumors spread that Christians engaged in cannibalism or other immoral acts during their ceremonies.

Economic and Moral Motives

Beyond the religious and legal conflicts, there were practical and social reasons for the hostility toward Christians.

• Economic Motives: The refusal of Christians to participate in pagan sacrifices had a direct financial impact on certain industries. For instance, the business of selling sacrificial animals was threatened, and silver-smiths (who profited from making idols) were known to drive Christians out of cities like Ephesus.
• Moral Contrast: There was a sharp divide between the moral conduct of Christians and the perceived "bestial immorality" of Roman society. Romans often resented Christian virtue because it served as a critique of their own pride and lifestyle.

The historian Tertullian, a brilliant apologist who lived through several of these persecutions, noted that Christians became easy scapegoats for any natural disaster. He famously observed that whenever there was famine, pestilence, or even unusual weather, the public would cry out, "The Christians to the lions!".

Martyrdom and the Triumph of the Church

While the Roman government sought to crush the faith, the era of persecution produced a legacy of martyrdom that ultimately strengthened the Church. Although the Church taught that it was proper to flee persecution rather than seek it out, the history of the martyrs became the "greatest glory" of the ancient Church.

The devotion to these martyrs was profound:

1. Their bodies were buried with great care.
2. Their graves in the Catacombs often became altars for the Sacrifice of the Mass.
3. Annual ceremonies were held to observe the days of their deaths.

The era of persecution finally came to an end with the Edict of Milan in 313, which granted Christianity tolerance within the Roman Empire. Despite the attempt to destroy the religion, the Church grew to at least 4 million members by the end of this period.