Persecution in the First Centuries

Chapter 2

When Jesus revealed to His disciples the fate of Jerusalem and

the scenes of the second advent, He foretold also the experience of

His people from the time when He should be taken from them, to

His return in power and glory for their deliverance. From Olivet the

Saviour beheld the storms about to fall upon the apostolic church;

and penetrating deeper into the future, His eye discerned the fierce,

wasting tempests that were to beat upon His followers in the coming

ages of darkness and persecution. In a few brief utterances of awful

significance He foretold the portion which the rulers of this world

would mete out to the church of God. Matthew 24:9, 21, 22. The

followers of Christ must tread the same path of humiliation, reproach,

and suffering which their Master trod. The enmity that burst forth

against the world’s Redeemer would be manifested against all who

should believe on His name.

The history of the early church testified to the fulfillment of the

Saviour’s words. The powers of earth and hell arrayed themselves

against Christ in the person of His followers. Paganism foresaw that

should the gospel triumph, her temples and altars would be swept

away; therefore she summoned her forces to destroy Christianity. The

fires of persecution were kindled. Christians were stripped of their

possessions and driven from their homes. They “endured a great fight

[40] of afflictions.” Hebrews 10:32. They “had trial of cruel mockings

and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment.” Hebrews

11:36. Great numbers sealed their testimony with their blood. Noble

and slave, rich and poor, learned and ignorant, were alike slain without

mercy.

These persecutions, beginning under Nero about the time of the

martyrdom of Paul, continued with greater or less fury for centuries.

Christians were falsely accused of the most dreadful crimes and declared

to be the cause of great calamities—famine, pestilence, and

earthquake. As they became the objects of popular hatred and suspicion,

informers stood ready, for the sake of gain, to betray the innocent.

32

Persecution in the First Centuries 33

They were condemned as rebels against the empire, as foes of religion,

and pests to society. Great numbers were thrown to wild beasts or

burned alive in the amphitheaters. Some were crucified; others were

covered with the skins of wild animals and thrust into the arena to be

torn by dogs. Their punishment was often made the chief entertainment

at public fetes. Vast multitudes assembled to enjoy the sight and

greeted their dying agonies with laughter and applause.

Wherever they sought refuge, the followers of Christ were hunted

like beasts of prey. They were forced to seek concealment in desolate

and solitary places. “Destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the

world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains,

and in dens and caves of the earth.” Verses 37, 38. The catacombs

afforded shelter for thousands. Beneath the hills outside the city of

Rome, long galleries had been tunneled through earth and rock; the

dark and intricate network of passages extended for miles beyond the

city walls. In these underground retreats the followers of Christ buried

their dead; and here also, when suspected and proscribed, they found

a home. When the Life-giver shall awaken those who have fought the

good fight, many a martyr for Christ’s sake will come forth from those

gloomy caverns. [41]

Under the fiercest persecution these witnesses for Jesus kept their

faith unsullied. Though deprived of every comfort, shut away from

the light of the sun, making their home in the dark but friendly bosom

of the earth, they uttered no complaint. With words of faith, patience,

and hope they encouraged one another to endure privation and distress.

The loss of every earthly blessing could not force them to renounce

their belief in Christ. Trials and persecution were but steps bringing

them nearer their rest and their reward.

Like God’s servants of old, many were “tortured, not accepting

deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection.” Verse 35.

These called to mind the words of their Master, that when persecuted

for Christ’s sake, they were to be exceeding glad, for great would be

their reward in heaven; for so the prophets had been persecuted before

them. They rejoiced that they were accounted worthy to suffer for

the truth, and songs of triumph ascended from the midst of crackling

flames. Looking upward by faith, they saw Christ and angels leaning

over the battlements of heaven, gazing upon them with the deepest

interest and regarding their steadfastness with approval. A voice came

34 The Great Controversy

down to them from the throne of God: “Be thou faithful unto death,

and I will give thee a crown of life.” Revelation 2:10.

In vain were Satan’s efforts to destroy the church of Christ by

violence. The great controversy in which the disciples of Jesus yielded

up their lives did not cease when these faithful standard-bearers fell

at their post. By defeat they conquered. God’s workmen were slain,

but His work went steadily forward. The gospel continued to spread

and the number of its adherents to increase. It penetrated into regions

that were inaccessible even to the eagles of Rome. Said a Christian,

expostulating with the heathen rulers who were urging forward the

persecution: You may “kill us, torture us, condemn us.... Your injustice

[42] is the proof that we are innocent .... Nor does your cruelty ... avail

you.” It was but a stronger invitation to bring others to their persuasion.

“The oftener we are mown down by you, the more in number we grow;

the blood of Christians is seed.”—Tertullian, Apology, paragraph 50.

Thousands were imprisoned and slain, but others sprang up to fill

their places. And those who were martyred for their faith were secured

to Christ and accounted of Him as conquerors. They had fought the

good fight, and they were to receive the crown of glory when Christ

should come. The sufferings which they endured brought Christians

nearer to one another and to their Redeemer. Their living example and

dying testimony were a constant witness for the truth; and where least

expected, the subjects of Satan were leaving his service and enlisting

under the banner of Christ.

Satan therefore laid his plans to war more successfully against the

government of God by planting his banner in the Christian church. If

the followers of Christ could be deceived and led to displease God,

then their strength, fortitude, and firmness would fail, and they would

fall an easy prey.

The great adversary now endeavored to gain by artifice what he

had failed to secure by force. Persecution ceased, and in its stead

were substituted the dangerous allurements of temporal prosperity and

worldly honor. Idolaters were led to receive a part of the Christian faith,

while they rejected other essential truths. They professed to accept

Jesus as the Son of God and to believe in His death and resurrection,

but they had no conviction of sin and felt no need of repentance or of

a change of heart. With some concessions on their part they proposed

Persecution in the First Centuries 35

that Christians should make concessions, that all might unite on the

platform of belief in Christ.

Now the church was in fearful peril. Prison, torture, fire, and sword

were blessings in comparison with this. Some of the Christians stood

firm, declaring that they could make no compromise. Others were in [43]

favor of yielding or modifying some features of their faith and uniting

with those who had accepted a part of Christianity, urging that this

might be the means of their full conversion. That was a time of deep

anguish to the faithful followers of Christ. Under a cloak of pretended

Christianity, Satan was insinuating himself into the church, to corrupt

their faith and turn their minds from the word of truth.

Most of the Christians at last consented to lower their standard,

and a union was formed between Christianity and paganism. Although

the worshipers of idols professed to be converted, and united with the

church, they still clung to their idolatry, only changing the objects of

their worship to images of Jesus, and even of Mary and the saints.

The foul leaven of idolatry, thus brought into the church, continued its

baleful work. Unsound doctrines, superstitious rites, and idolatrous

ceremonies were incorporated into her faith and worship. As the

followers of Christ united with idolaters, the Christian religion became

corrupted, and the church lost her purity and power. There were

some, however, who were not misled by these delusions. They still

maintained their fidelity to the Author of truth and worshiped God

alone.

There have ever been two classes among those who profess to

be followers of Christ. While one class study the Saviour’s life and

earnestly seek to correct their defects and conform to the Pattern, the

other class shun the plain, practical truths which expose their errors.

Even in her best estate the church was not composed wholly of the

true, pure, and sincere. Our Saviour taught that those who willfully

indulge in sin are not to be received into the church; yet He connected

with Himself men who were faulty in character, and granted them

the benefits of His teachings and example, that they might have an

opportunity to see their errors and correct them. Among the twelve

apostles was a traitor. Judas was accepted, not because of his defects [44]

of character, but notwithstanding them. He was connected with the

disciples, that, through the instruction and example of Christ, he might

learn what constitutes Christian character, and thus be led to see his

36 The Great Controversy

errors, to repent, and, by the aid of divine grace, to purify his soul “in

obeying the truth.” But Judas did not walk in the light so graciously

permitted to shine upon him. By indulgence in sin he invited the

temptations of Satan. His evil traits of character became predominant.

He yielded his mind to the control of the powers of darkness, he

became angry when his faults were reproved, and thus he was led

to commit the fearful crime of betraying his Master. So do all who

cherish evil under a profession of godliness hate those who disturb

their peace by condemning their course of sin. When a favorable

opportunity is presented, they will, like Judas, betray those who for

their good have sought to reprove them.

The apostles encountered those in the church who professed godliness

while they were secretly cherishing iniquity. Ananias and Sapphira

acted the part of deceivers, pretending to make an entire sacrifice

for God, when they were covetously withholding a portion for themselves.

The Spirit of truth revealed to the apostles the real character

of these pretenders, and the judgments of God rid the church of this

foul blot upon its purity. This signal evidence of the discerning Spirit

of Christ in the church was a terror to hypocrites and evildoers. They

could not long remain in connection with those who were, in habit

and disposition, constant representatives of Christ; and as trials and

persecution came upon His followers, those only who were willing to

forsake all for the truth’s sake desired to become His disciples. Thus,

as long as persecution continued, the church remained comparatively

pure. But as it ceased, converts were added who were less sincere and

[45] devoted, and the way was open for Satan to obtain a foothold.

But there is no union between the Prince of light and the prince of

darkness, and there can be no union between their followers. When

Christians consented to unite with those who were but half converted

from paganism, they entered upon a path which led further and further

from the truth. Satan exulted that he had succeeded in deceiving so

large a number of the followers of Christ. He then brought his power to

bear more fully upon these, and inspired them to persecute those who

remained true to God. None understood so well how to oppose the true

Christian faith as did those who had once been its defenders; and these

apostate Christians, uniting with their half-pagan companions, directed

their warfare against the most essential features of the doctrines of

Christ.

Persecution in the First Centuries 37

It required a desperate struggle for those who would be faithful

to stand firm against the deceptions and abominations which were

disguised in sacerdotal garments and introduced into the church. The

Bible was not accepted as the standard of faith. The doctrine of

religious freedom was termed heresy, and its upholders were hated

and proscribed.

After a long and severe conflict, the faithful few decided to dissolve

all union with the apostate church if she still refused to free herself

from falsehood and idolatry. They saw that separation was an absolute

necessity if they would obey the word of God. They dared not tolerate

errors fatal to their own souls, and set an example which would imperil

the faith of their children and children’s children. To secure peace and

unity they were ready to make any concession consistent with fidelity

to God; but they felt that even peace would be too dearly purchased

at the sacrifice of principle. If unity could be secured only by the

compromise of truth and righteousness, then let there be difference,

and even war. [46]

Well would it be for the church and the world if the principles

that actuated those steadfast souls were revived in the hearts of God’s

professed people. There is an alarming indifference in regard to the

doctrines which are the pillars of the Christian faith. The opinion

is gaining ground, that, after all, these are not of vital importance.

This degeneracy is strengthening the hands of the agents of Satan, so

that false theories and fatal delusions which the faithful in ages past

imperiled their lives to resist and expose, are now regarded with favor

by thousands who claim to be followers of Christ.

The early Christians were indeed a peculiar people. Their blameless

deportment and unswerving faith were a continual reproof that

disturbed the sinner’s peace. Though few in numbers, without wealth,

position, or honorary titles, they were a terror to evildoers wherever

their character and doctrines were known. Therefore they were hated

by the wicked, even as Abel was hated by the ungodly Cain. For the

same reason that Cain slew Abel, did those who sought to throw off the

restraint of the Holy Spirit, put to death God’s people. It was for the

same reason that the Jews rejected and crucified the Saviour—because

the purity and holiness of His character was a constant rebuke to their

selfishness and corruption. From the days of Christ until now His

38 The Great Controversy

faithful disciples have excited the hatred and opposition of those who

love and follow the ways of sin.

How, then, can the gospel be called a message of peace? When

Isaiah foretold the birth of the Messiah, he ascribed to Him the title,

“Prince of Peace.” When angels announced to the shepherds that

Christ was born, they sang above the plains of Bethlehem: “Glory

to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Luke 2:14. There is a seeming contradiction between these prophetic

declarations and the words of Christ: “I came not to send peace, but a

[47] sword.” Matthew 10:34. But, rightly understood, the two are in perfect

harmony. The gospel is a message of peace. Christianity is a system

which, received and obeyed, would spread peace, harmony, and happiness

throughout the earth. The religion of Christ will unite in close

brotherhood all who accept its teachings. It was the mission of Jesus

to reconcile men to God, and thus to one another. But the world at

large are under the control of Satan, Christ’s bitterest foe. The gospel

presents to them principles of life which are wholly at variance with

their habits and desires, and they rise in rebellion against it. They hate

the purity which reveals and condemns their sins, and they persecute

and destroy those who would urge upon them its just and holy claims.

It is in this sense—because the exalted truths it brings occasion hatred

and strife—that the gospel is called a sword.

The mysterious providence which permits the righteous to suffer

persecution at the hand of the wicked has been a cause of great perplexity

to many who are weak in faith. Some are even ready to cast

away their confidence in God because He suffers the basest of men to

prosper, while the best and purest are afflicted and tormented by their

cruel power. How, it is asked, can One who is just and merciful, and

who is also infinite in power, tolerate such injustice and oppression?

This is a question with which we have nothing to do. God has given us

sufficient evidence of His love, and we are not to doubt His goodness

because we cannot understand the workings of His providence. Said

the Saviour to His disciples, foreseeing the doubts that would press

upon their souls in days of trial and darkness: “Remember the word

that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they

have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.” John 15:20. Jesus

suffered for us more than any of His followers can be made to suffer

through the cruelty of wicked men. Those who are called to endure

Persecution in the First Centuries 39

torture and martyrdom are but following in the steps of God’s dear

Son. [48]

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise.” 2 Peter 3:9. He

does not forget or neglect His children; but He permits the wicked to

reveal their true character, that none who desire to do His will may

be deceived concerning them. Again, the righteous are placed in the

furnace of affliction, that they themselves may be purified; that their

example may convince others of the reality of faith and godliness;

and also that their consistent course may condemn the ungodly and

unbelieving.

God permits the wicked to prosper and to reveal their enmity

against Him, that when they shall have filled up the measure of their

iniquity all may see His justice and mercy in their utter destruction.

The day of His vengeance hastens, when all who have transgressed His

law and oppressed His people will meet the just recompense of their

deeds; when every act of cruelty or injustice toward God’s faithful

ones will be punished as though done to Christ Himself.

There is another and more important question that should engage

the attention of the churches of today. The apostle Paul declares that

“all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2

Timothy 3:12. Why is it, then, that persecution seems in a great degree

to slumber? The only reason is that the church has conformed to the

world’s standard and therefore awakens no opposition. The religion

which is current in our day is not of the pure and holy character that

marked the Christian faith in the days of Christ and His apostles. It is

only because of the spirit of compromise with sin, because the great

truths of the word of God are so indifferently regarded, because there

is so little vital godliness in the church, that Christianity is apparently

so popular with the world. Let there be a revival of the faith and power

of the early church, and the spirit of persecution will be revived, and

the fires of persecution will be rekindled