When some think of how Christians were persecuted in ancient Rome, they believe this happened long ago, and such persecution no longer occurs today. Unfortunately, many Christians worldwide still contend with persecution, like what occurred in ancient Rome. To understand the similarities, you must compare what happened in ancient Rome to the modern times.
Persecution During Ancient Roman Times
According to the Christian History Institute, the persecution of Christians in ancient Rome spanned over approximately three centuries. Many ancient Roman emperors partook in this persecution, some being more ruthless than others. The most ruthless emperor was Nero.
Nero became the emperor of Rome via savage means. His mother plotted for him to be given the throne instead of the son of Claudius, who was the next in line to rule. Though Claudius went along with this plan, Nero’s mother was not satisfied, thus she killed Claudius. Nero took the throne at the age of 17 and employed the most depraved tactics for torturing Christians. A favourite tactic of Nero was to burn Christians alive and watch the spectacle.
The persecution did not stop at Nero. Domitian was a blasphemous man who called himself God the Lord and assigned titles to himself that were meant for God, such as “holy,” “Lord of the earth,” and “Thou Alone.” He expected his subjects to glorify him and give him praise, and he persecuted and even went as far as executing them if they refused.
Trajan was the first emperor to persecute Christians separate from the Jews, and according to historians, Ignatius, bishop of Antioch, was killed during his reign. Marcus Aurelius fueled hostility against Christians, allowing anti-Christian literature to flourish, and numerous Christians lost their lives. Valerian blamed Christians for all the Roman empire’s problems and subjected clergy to capital punishment. Diocletian led significant persecution efforts to try to stamp out Christianity completely. Other Roman emperors engaged in persecution efforts; however, these were the most notable.
Persecution During The Modern Day
Christian persecution continues even today. Open Doors International said 5,621 Christians were murdered for their faith in 2022. One out of every seven Christians is persecuted worldwide. One out of every five Christians is persecuted in Africa. Two in five Christians living in Asia are victims of persecution.
Persecution comes in many forms. Churches are attacked, and some are even burnt to the ground. Christians face harassment and discrimination, and many are imprisoned for their faith. Thousands more are subjected to death threats, beatings and other forms of abuse. Women were even targeted by sexual harassment and rape. Some Christians are even abducted from their homes and tortured.
Why the Persecution?
While many ask the question, “Why are Christians persecuted?” you can easily find the answer in God’s Word. In John 15:19–20, Jesus tells them, “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but he chose you out of the world.
Therefore, the world hates you. Remember the word that Jesus said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted him, they will also persecute you. If they keep his word, they will also keep yours.” As Christians, you should not be surprised that unbelievers hate and persecute you. Persecution of God’s people began when Cain murdered his brother Abel, and you still contend with this persecution today.
God is pleased when you stand firm in the faith despite persecution. Even if the persecution is severe enough that you lose your life for your faith, Revelation 2:10 promises that you will receive the crown of life if you remain faithful even until death. To remain strong when you suffer persecution, you must remember the promises given to Romans in 8:38, reassuring them that nothing can separate them from God’s love.
James backs this up in James 1:12 when he says, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” you will always triumph over the persecutors when you remain in God’s love.
