From Rome to the Present: The History of
Christian Persecution
By: Chase Bomar (Student President of Ratio Christi)
Persecution
What is Persecution?
Persecution is the act or practice of systematically mistreating,
harassing, or inflicting suffering on individuals or groups,
especially because of their differences in origin, religion, race,
political beliefs, or social outlook. It involves unfair, cruel, or
abusive treatment over a prolonged period, often infringing
upon fundamental human rights and sometimes reaching the
level of crimes against humanity.
Persecution under Roman Emperors
● Nero (64 AD): Christians blamed for the Great Fire of Rome, infamous
executions of Peter and Paul.
● Domitian (90–96 AD): Targeted Christians and Jews, Apostle John exiled.
● Trajan (98-117): Emperor Trajan’s persecution was sporadically enforced;
When found, Christians were executed. During this persecution, Iganituis
lost his life.
● Marcus Aurelius (161-180) Emperor Marcus Aurelius opposed Christianity
on philosophical grounds. Aurelius was a Stoic who had been biased against
Christianity by his tutor, Fronto. Justin Martyr suffered martyrdom at Rome
under the reign of Aurelius.
The Great Persecution
Legal Tolerance & Transition
● Edict of Milan (313 AD): Constantine and Licinius legalized
Christianity, ending systematic official persecution.
● Previous edicts of toleration had been as short-lived as the
regimes that sanctioned them, but this time the edict effectively
established religious toleration.
● Christian status changes from illegal/underground to official
faith.
Persecution Today: Nigeria (2025)
● Violence against Christians has increased in regions like Plateau and Benue.
Islamist extremists such as Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province
(ISWAP), and Fulani herders are responsible for church burnings,
massacres, kidnappings, and displacement. Reports estimate thousands of
Christians killed annually, with hundreds of churches destroyed. Targeted
attacks occur especially during worship and in rural communities.
● Nigeria is considered one of the world’s most dangerous countries for
Christians. Plateau and Benue states have seen waves of massacres; during
worship, entire congregations have been killed or kidnapped.
● In 2025, international groups report thousands of deaths, hundreds of
churches destroyed, and whole communities displaced.
Nigeria Pastor Speaks out About Genocide
Congo
● “At the time of the attack, they were in the parish hall after a vigil, preparing a
presentation for the closing Mass, which was scheduled for the next morning.
The attackers killed 37 young people and wounded six more. Four managed to
flee. “Human life is sacred and should not be destroyed like this,” says a
statement issued by the Eucharistic Crusades.”
● Over 100 Christians were killed in 2025 attacks, with dozens kidnapped—youth
and worshippers often targeted.
● Massacres often happen during church services; attackers use machetes and burn
homes.
● The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), linked to ISIS, frequently attack Christian
communities, particularly during religious gatherings.
Congonesse Christian survivor testimonies
Libya, 2015
● In February 2015, ISIS executed 21 men in Libya: 20 Egyptian Copts and one
Ghanaian.
● Captives were given multiple opportunities to deny Christ and convert; all
refused.
● The Ghanaian, not originally Christian, chose faith and said, “Their God is my
God.”
● All were beheaded—many cried out, “O Lord Jesus!” with their final breath.
● This massacre symbolized the enduring courage and unity of persecuted
believers.
21 Martyrs doc
Sudan
● During the civil war, Christian communities and church buildings are
directly targeted by both the Sudanese military and rebel forces.
Churches burned, pastors arrested, and Christians subjected to
interrogation, torture, and forced displacement.
● Ongoing civil war devastates Christian communities. RSF and
Sudanese military target churches—hundreds burned, pastors
arrested, entire congregations displaced.
● Christians face torture, forced conversion attempts, starvation, and
legal discrimination. Human rights groups continue to document
widespread abuses as of 2025.
Sudanese Christians suffering
Why were Christians Persecuted?
● Early Christians seen as atheists, subversives, or traitors by
Roman standards.
● Refusal to conform to social/religious norms created suspicion
and hostility
● Modern persecution: different motives—political, social,
religious
Christ is LORD (he spoiled the ending)
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be
persecuted.”
(2 Timothy 3:12)
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
(Matthew 5:10)
Paintings/Pictures of Martyrdom(non-graphic)
References
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