Persecution

in the FIRST CENTURIES

The Great Controversy

CHAPTER 2

E. G. White
 ‘ WA L L O F M A R T Y R S , ’ L I S T I N G S O M E O F T H E K N O W N N A M E S O F T H E C H R I S T I A N M A R T Y R S F R O M S T E P H E N T O T H E F O U R T H C E N T U R Y I N ‘ F O X E ’ S B O O K O F M A R T Y R S . ’

E. G. White
CHAPTER 2
The Great Controversy

SECOND EDITION. PRINTED IN THE PHILIPPINES.

THE GREAT CONTROVERSY MAGAZINE PROJECT
Persecution
in the FIRST CENTURIES
‘IMPERIUM ROMANUM INDE A BELLOW ACTIACO USQUE AD DIOCLETIANI TEMPUS.’ MAP BY KARL SPRUNER VON MERZ. 1865.
GEOGRAPHICUS RARE ANTIQUE MAPS.
At the opening of the fourth
century Anno Domini (A.D.), the
hand of persecution fell heavily
upon the Christians. Beginning
in February of A.D. 303, under the
reign of Diocletian, the severe
tribulation began and claimed
the lives of thousands. “Racks,
scourges, swords, daggers, crosses,
poison, and famine, were made
use of in various parts to dispatch
the Christians; and invention
was exhausted to devise tortures
against such as had no crime...” “A
city of Phrygia, consisting entirely
of Christians, was burnt, and all
the inhabitants perished in the
flames.”—Foxe’s Book of Martyrs,
The Tenth Persecution, Under
Diocletian.

“Tired with slaughter, at length,

several governors of provinces
represented to the imperial court,
the impropriety of such conduct.
Hence many were respited from
execution, but, though they were
not put to death, as much as
possible was done to render their
lives miserable, many of them
having their ears cut off, their
noses slit, their right eyes put out,
their limbs rendered useless by
dreadful dislocations, and their
flesh seared in conspicuous places
with red-hot irons.” Ibid.

These persecutions continued

for about a decade. In A.D. 311,
Galerius issued the Edict of Serdica
(or Edict of Toleration), ending
the Diocletianic persecution in
the East. However, the slaughter
was continued in other lands by
Maximinus. In A.D. 313, after ten
years of tribulation, the Edict of
Milan was issued by Emperor
Constantine I and Emperor
Licinius, marking the effective end
of the persecutions. In A.D. 380, the
Edict of Thessalonica by Emperor
Theodosius I made Nicene
Christianity the official state
religion of the Roman Empire.
 Supplement:
Chronological Chart for Chapter 2
Crucifixion of Jesus (AD 31)
Stephen stoned (AD 34) ABOUT THIS SUPPLEMENT
The primary source of information in this Supplement is “Foxe’s
Philip scourged, prisoned, crucified Book of Martyrs.” While this chart only lists a few names, it should
be remembered that those who sealed their faith with their blood
Matthew slain with a halberd in the first centuries numbered in tens of thousands.
MARTYRDOM OF THE APOSTLES. The death of Jude crucified at Edessa As the manners of the martyrs’ deaths may be too terrible for some
the apostles have been passed down to us by
readers, only some of the descriptions were retained in this chart.
tradition. Though we may not be certain how
each of them actually died, all of them certainly
Barnabas martyred At large, only the names are listed, and the details are left for the
became martyrs, save for the one apostle who curious reader to inspect in the book mentioned above. It is the
was exiled to Patmos and afterward released: Simon crucified
compiler’s wish that this Supplement chart would help the reader
John. Below are the traditional stories, in no
particular order, of how or where the 12 died:
in understanding the events of Chapter 2.
PETER Crucified, head downward in Rome.
JAMES THE ELDER Beheaded by Herod. Erastus, Aristarchus,
JOHN Natural death at Ephesus.
Trophimus, Barsabas,
ANDREW Crucified at Edessa.
PHILIP Died at Hierapolis, probably crucified. Ananias of Damascus
BARTHOLOMEW Flayed to death in Armenia.
THOMAS Martyred near Madras, India. Germanicus, Polycarp, Metro-
MATTHEW Martyred in Ethiopia. Timothy beaten
JAMES THE LESS Crucified in Egypt.
dorus, Pionius, Carpus, Papilus,
JUDE/THADDAEUS Martyred in Persia. John died in Ephesus Agathonica, Felicitatis, Justin,
SIMON Crucified in Britain. Concordus, Vetius Agathus,
MATTHIAS Martyred at Edessa, probably stoned Blandina, Sanctus, Biblias,
then beheaded. Simeon of Jerusalem, Ignatius, Alexander, Quirinus, Attalus, Pothinus
JOHN MARK was dragged to pieces in Alexandria;
Flavia, Dionysius, Hernes, Zenon, Faustines,
PAUL was beheaded in Rome; LUKE is said to Protatius, Gervasius Jovita
have been hanged on an olive tree; BARNABAS
was also martyred; TIMOTHY was beaten and
later died.
PERSECUTION AFTER THE GREAT FIRE OF ROME:
Great Fire of Rome (AD 64).......... The people were excited and enraged, and in order to clear
Pentecost (AD 31) himself, and also to rid the city of a class whom he feared
Paul beheaded and hated, Nero turned the accusation upon the Christians.
His device succeeded, and thousands of the followers of
Peter crucified Christ—men, women, and children—were cruelly put to death.

The Destruction of Jerusalem by Titus (AD 70) Tertullian (c. A.D. 155—240)

AD 30 AD 50 AD 70 AD 90 AD 110 AD 130 AD 150 AD 170

The Persecutions in
ROMAN EMPERORS

........... Tiberius Julius Caesar (AD 14—37) Domitian (AD 81—96) Antoninus Pius (AD 138—161)

Caligula (AD 37—41) Nerva (AD 96—98) Marcus Aurelius (AD 161—180)
Vespasian (AD 69—79)
Claudius (AD 41—54) Trajan (AD 98—117) Lucius Verus (AD 161—169)
Titus (AD 79—81)
Nero (AD 54—68) Hadrian (AD 117—138) Commodus (AD 177—192)

Galba (AD 68—69)

Otho
JOHN 15:20, 16:33: Jesus’ encouragement to His followers
Vitellus
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; if they have kept My saying, they will
keep yours also.
A circle followed by a name indicates a very short reign. These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might
A red bar indicates that this Emperor commenced a period of
have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of
persecution. There were ten of these from Nero to Diocletian. good cheer; I have overcome the world.
 REVELATION 2:8—11: Message to the Church of Smyrna
And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the First
and the Last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works, and tribulation,
and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say
they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those
things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into
prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou
faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let
him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; he that overcometh shall
not be hurt of the second death.

Felix Christians of Phrygia, Sebastian,

Alexander, Felician, Longinus,
Theban Legion
Tarachus, Probus, Saturninus,
executed (AD 286) Dativas, Thelico, Victoria, Victorius,
Perpetua and Felicitas;
Revocatus and Satur; Alban Carpophorus, Severus, Severianus,
Hermolaus, Eustratius, Nicander,
Saturninus; Secundulus Faith Marcian, George
(AD 205)
Cecilia (AD 222)
Calistus Quintin
Julitta
Urban Pamphilus
A violent persecution broke Persecution began in Nicomedia;
out in Alexandria (AD 249) sacred books burned, church leveled;
Sunday edict by Consantine
followed by the destruction of many
Fabian required townspeople to
other churches and sacred books;
rest on “the venerable day
Christians imprisoned and martyred
of the sun” (AD 321)
Victor
Susanna First Council of Nicaea (AD 325)
Eulalia
Trypho and Respicius (AD 251) Victor
Constantine makes Constantinople
Agatha (AD 251) Agape, Chionia, Irene as capital (AD 330)
Timothy and Maura
Babylas and three pupils
(AD 251) Sabinus
Edict of Serdica (AD 311)
Rufina and Secunda
Maxima, Donatilla, Secunda Edict of Milan (AD 313)
Cyprian
Irenaeus
AD 303—313:
At about this time, many errors have
Victor already crept into the church as human Diocletianic Persecution
reason was placed above revelation. or the Great Persecution

AD 210 AD 230 AD 250 AD 270 AD 290 AD 310 AD 330 AD 350

the First Centuries

Pertinax (AD 193) Gordian I (AD 238) Claudius Gothicus (AD 268—270) Maximinus Daia (AD 310—313)
Didius Julianus Gordian II Quintillus (AD 270)
Pupienus Licinius (AD 308—324)
Prescennius Niger Aurelian (AD 270—275)
Balbinus
Clodius Albinus
Constantine the Great (AD 306—337)
Gordian III (AD 238—244) Tacitus (AD 275—276)
Septimus Severus (AD 193—211)
Florianus (AD 276) Valerius Severus (AD 306—307)
Philip I (AD 244—249)
Caracalla (AD 198—211) Probus (AD 276—282) Constantine II (AD 337—340)
Philip II (AD 248—249) Carus (AD 282—283)
Geta (AD 209—217) Constantius II (AD 337—361)
Decius (AD 249—251) Carinus (AD 283—285)
Herennius Etruscus (AD 251)
Macrinus (AD 217—218) Constans I (AD 337—350)
Trebonianus Gallus (AD 251—253)
Diadumenian Hostillian (AD 251) Numerian (AD 285—286)
Volusianus (AD 251—253)
Elagabalus (AD 218—222) Diocletian (AD 284—305)
Aemilianus (AD 253)
Maxentius (AD 306—312)
Severus Alexander (AD 222—235) Valerian (AD 253—260) Maximian (AD 286—305)

Maximinus Thrax (AD 235—238) Gallienus (AD 253—260) Constantius I (AD 305—306)
Galerius (AD 305—311)
Saloninus (AD 260)
 Persecution
in the FIRST CENTURIES
‘ E A R LY C H R I S T I A N M A R T Y R E X P O S E D T O W I L D B E A S T S I N T H E C I R C U S . I L L U S T R A T I O N F R O M ‘ T H E B L E S S I N G O F A N O P E N B I B L E . . . ’ C O L O R I Z E D .

The Great Controversy

CHAPTER 2

W
hen Jesus revealed to His against the world’s Redeemer would be
disciples the fate of Jerusa- manifested against all who should believe
lem and the scenes of the on His name.
second advent, He foretold The history of the early church testified
also the experience of His people from the to the fulfillment of the Saviour’s words. The
time when He should be taken from them, powers of earth and hell arrayed themselves
to His return in power and glory for their against Christ in the person of His followers.
deliverance. From Olivet the Saviour beheld Paganism foresaw that should the gospel
the storms about to fall upon the apostolic triumph, her temples and altars would be
church; and penetrating deeper into the swept away; therefore she summoned her
future, His eye discerned the fierce, wasting forces to destroy Christianity. The fires of
tempests that were to beat upon His fol- persecution were kindled. Christians were
lowers in the coming ages of darkness and stripped of their possessions and driven
persecution. In a few brief utterances of from their homes. They “endured a great
awful significance He foretold the portion fight of afflictions.”b They “had trial of cruel
which the rulers of this world would mete mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of
out to the church of God.a The followers of bonds and imprisonment.”c Great numbers
Christ must tread the same path of humili- sealed their testimony with their blood.
ation, reproach, and suffering which their Noble and slave, rich and poor, learned and
Master trod. The enmity that burst forth ignorant, were alike slain without mercy.

a
Matt. 24:9, 21, 22. bHeb. 10:32. cHeb. 11:36.
The persecutions by the pagan Roman Empire began in the time of Nero after
the Great Fire of Rome in A.D. 64. These continued in varying intensities in the
decades and centuries that followed, ending in A.D. 313.
2
PERSECUTION IN THE
FIRST CENTURIES
 These persecutions, beginning under the skins of wild animals and thrust into the
Nero about the time of the martyrdom of arena to be torn by dogs. Their punishment
Paul, continued with greater or less fury for was often made the chief entertainment
centuries. Christians were falsely accused at public fetes. Vast multitudes assembled
of the most dreadful crimes and declared to enjoy the sight and greeted their dying
to be the cause of great calamities—famine, agonies with laughter and applause.
pestilence, and earthquake. As they became Wherever they sought refuge, the fol-
the objects of popular hatred and suspi- lowers of Christ were hunted like beasts of
cion, informers stood ready, for the sake prey. They were forced to seek concealment
of gain, to betray the innocent. They were in desolate and solitary places. “Destitute,
condemned as rebels against the empire, as afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world
foes of religion, and pests to society. Great was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts,
numbers were thrown to wild beasts or and in mountains, and in dens and caves
burned alive in the amphitheaters. Some of the earth.”a The catacombs afforded
were crucified; others were covered with shelter for thousands. Beneath the hills

a
Heb. 11:37, 38.

3
THE GREAT CONTROVERSY
CHAPTER 2
 S T U D Y F O R T H E ‘ T O R C H E S O F N E R O . ’ PA I N T I N G B Y H E N R Y K S I E M I R A D Z K I . C I R C A 1 8 7 6 .

outside the city of Rome, long galleries their home in the dark but friendly bosom
had been tunneled through earth and rock; of the earth, they uttered no complaint.
the dark and intricate network of passages With words of faith, patience, and hope
extended for miles beyond the city walls. In they encouraged one another to endure
these underground retreats the followers privation and distress. The loss of every
of Christ buried their dead; and here also, earthly blessing could not force them to
when suspected and proscribed, they found renounce their belief in Christ. Trials and
a home. When the Life-giver shall awaken persecution were but steps bringing them
those who have fought the good fight, many nearer their rest and their reward.
a martyr for Christ’s sake will come forth Like God’s servants of old, many were
from those gloomy caverns. “tortured, not accepting deliverance; that
Under the fiercest persecution these they might obtain a better resurrection.”a
witnesses for Jesus kept their faith unsul- These called to mind the words of their
lied. Though deprived of every comfort, Master, that when persecuted for Christ’s
shut away from the light of the sun, making sake, they were to be exceeding glad, for

a
Heb. 11:35.
The painting, above, is a study, or preparatory piece, by Henryk Siemiradzki depicting the
burning of Christians (right side of the painting) by the command of Nero to light the night
festivity. (From the center portion and towards the right side depicts Nero with his audience.)
4
This work of art is also called ‘Christian Lights’ or ‘Leading Lights of Christianity’—a fitting title PERSECUTION IN THE
to show that the martyrs’ deaths were not in vain.
FIRST CENTURIES
‘ T H E C H R I S T I A N M A R T Y R S ’ L A S T P R AY E R . ’ P A I N T I N G B Y J E A N - L É O N G É R Ô M E .
 The Christians gave their lives for their Master who selflessly gave His life for them. Looking steadfastly
toward heaven, they rejoiced that they were accounted worthy to suffer for the truth. They held fast to
the faith, knowing that their eternal reward is sure in Jesus Christ. “Fear none of those things which thou
shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have
tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10.)
great would be their reward in heaven; controversy in which the disciples of Jesus
for so the prophets had been persecuted yielded up their lives did not cease when
before them. They rejoiced that they were these faithful standard-bearers fell at their
accounted worthy to suffer for the truth, post. By defeat they conquered. God’s
and songs of triumph ascended from the workmen were slain, but His work went
midst of crackling flames. Looking upward steadily forward. The gospel continued to
by faith, they saw Christ and angels lean- spread and the number of its adherents
ing over the battlements of heaven, gazing to increase. It penetrated into regions
upon them with the deepest interest and that were inaccessible even to the eagles
regarding their steadfastness with approval. of Rome. Said a Christian, expostulating
A voice came down to them from the with the heathen rulers who were urging
throne of God: forward the persecution: You may “kill us,
torture us, condemn us.... Your injustice is
“Be thou faithful unto death, the proof that we are innocent .... Nor does
and I will give thee a crown of life.” a your cruelty ... avail you.” It was but a stron-
ger invitation to bring others to their per-
In vain were Satan’s efforts to destroy suasion. “The oftener we are mown down
the church of Christ by violence. The great 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
C ATA C O M B S O F R O M E . A U T H O R U N K N O W N .

a
Rev. 2:10.

7
THE GREAT CONTROVERSY
CHAPTER 2
 C H R I S T I A N S W O R S H I P P I N G I N T H E C ATA C O M B S . I L L U S T R AT I O N F R O M W H I T E ’ S ‘ T H E G R E AT C O N T R O V E R S Y, ’ 1 8 8 8 . C O L O R I Z E D .

would fail, and they would fall an easy could make no compromise. Others were
prey. in favor of yielding or modifying some fea-
The great adversary now endeavored tures of their faith and uniting with those
to gain by artifice what he had failed to who had accepted a part of Christianity,
secure by force. Persecution ceased, and urging that this might be the means of their
in its stead were substituted the danger- full conversion. That was a time of deep
ous allurements of temporal prosperity anguish to the faithful followers of Christ.
and worldly honor. Idolaters were led to Under a cloak of pretended Christian-
receive a part of the Christian faith, while ity, Satan was insinuating himself into the
they rejected other essential truths. They church, to corrupt their faith and turn their
professed to accept Jesus as the Son of God minds from the word of truth.
and to believe in His death and resurrec- Most of the Christians at last con-
tion, but they had no conviction of sin and sented to lower their standard, and a union
felt no need of repentance or of a change was formed between Christianity and pa-
of heart. With some concessions on their ganism. Although the worshipers of idols
part they proposed that Christians should professed to be converted, and united with
make concessions, that all might unite on the church, they still clung to their idolatry,
the platform of belief in Christ. only changing the objects of their worship
Now the church was in fearful peril. to images of Jesus, and even of Mary and
Prison, torture, fire, and sword were bless- the saints. The foul leaven of idolatry, thus
ings in comparison with this. Some of the brought into the church, continued its
Christians stood firm, declaring that they baleful work. Unsound doctrines, supersti-

8
PERSECUTION IN THE
FIRST CENTURIES
tious rites, and idolatrous ceremonies were fects and conform to the Pattern, the other
incorporated into her faith and worship. class shun the plain, practical truths which
As the followers of Christ united with expose their errors. Even in her best estate
idolaters, the Christian religion became the church was not composed wholly of the
corrupted, and the church lost her purity true, pure, and sincere. Our Saviour taught
and power. There were some, however, who that those who willfully indulge in sin are
were not misled by these delusions. They not to be received into the church; yet He
still maintained their fidelity to the Author connected with Himself men who were
of truth and worshiped God alone. faulty in character, and granted them the
There have ever been two classes benefits of His teachings and example, that
among those who profess to be followers of they might have an opportunity to see their
Christ. While one class study the Saviour’s errors and correct them. Among the twelve
life and earnestly seek to correct their de- apostles was a traitor. Judas was accepted,

9
THE GREAT CONTROVERSY
CHAPTER 2
not because of his defects of character, but upon His followers, those only who were
notwithstanding them. He was connected willing to forsake all for the truth’s sake
with the disciples, that, through the in- desired to become His disciples. Thus, as
struction and example of Christ, he might long as persecution continued, the church
learn what constitutes Christian character, remained comparatively pure. But as it
and thus be led to see his errors, to repent, ceased, converts were added who were less
and, by the aid of divine grace, to purify his sincere and devoted, and the way was open
soul “in obeying the truth.” But Judas did for Satan to obtain a foothold.
not walk in the light so graciously permit- But there is no union between the
ted to shine upon him. By indulgence in sin Prince of light and the prince of darkness,
he invited the temptations of Satan. His evil and there can be no union between their
traits of character became predominant. followers. When Christians consented to
He yielded his mind to the control of the unite with those who were but half con-
powers of darkness, he became angry when verted from paganism, they entered upon a
his faults were reproved, and thus he was
led to commit the fearful crime of betray-
ing his Master. So do all who cherish evil
under a profession of godliness hate those
“As long as persectution
who disturb their peace by condemning continued, the church
their course of sin. When a favorable op-
portunity is presented, they will, like Judas,
remained comparatively
betray those who for their good have sought pure. But...”
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, path which led further and further from the
pretending to make an entire sacrifice for truth. Satan exulted that he had succeeded
God, when they were covetously with- in deceiving so large a number of the fol-
holding a portion for themselves. The lowers of Christ. He then brought his power
Spirit of truth revealed to the apostles the to bear more fully upon these, and inspired
real character of these pretenders, and the them to persecute those who remained true
judgments of God rid the church of this to God. None understood so well how to
foul blot upon its purity. This signal evi- oppose the true Christian faith as did those
dence of the discerning Spirit of Christ in who had once been its defenders; and these
the church was a terror to hypocrites and apostate Christians, uniting with their half-
evildoers. They could not long remain in pagan companions, directed their warfare
connection with those who were, in habit against the most essential features of the
and disposition, constant representatives of doctrines of Christ.
Christ; and as trials and persecution came It required a desperate struggle for

10
PERSECUTION IN THE
FIRST CENTURIES
those who would be faithful to stand firm their own souls, and set an example which
against the deceptions and abominations would imperil the faith of their children
which were disguised in sacerdotal gar- and children’s children. To secure peace
ments and introduced into the church. The and unity they were ready to make any
Bible was not accepted as the standard of concession consistent with fidelity to God;
faith. The doctrine of religious freedom but they felt that even peace would be too
was termed heresy, and its upholders were dearly purchased at the sacrifice of prin-
hated and proscribed. ciple. If unity could be secured only by the
After a long and severe conflict, the compromise of truth and righteousness,
faithful few decided to dissolve all union then let there be difference, and even war.
with the apostate church if she still refused Well would it be for the church and the
to free herself from falsehood and idolatry. world if the principles that actuated those
They saw that separation was an absolute steadfast souls were revived in the hearts of
necessity if they would obey the word of God’s professed people. There is an alarm-
God. They dared not tolerate errors fatal to ing indifference in regard to the doctrines

‘ M A P O F R O M E I N A N T I Q U I T Y. ’ 1 8 8 6 .
which are the pillars of the Christian faith. tween these prophetic declarations and the
The opinion is gaining ground, that, after words of Christ: “I came not to send peace,
all, these are not of vital importance. This but a sword.”c But, rightly understood, the
degeneracy is strengthening the hands of two are in perfect harmony. The gospel is a
the agents of Satan, so that false theories message of peace. Christianity is a system
and fatal delusions which the faithful in which, received and obeyed, would spread
ages past imperiled their lives to resist peace, harmony, and happiness throughout
and expose, are now regarded with favor the earth. The religion of Christ will unite in
by thousands who claim to be followers of close brotherhood all who accept its teach-
Christ. ings. It was the mission of Jesus to reconcile
The early Christians were indeed a men to God, and thus to one another. But
peculiar people. Their blameless deport- the world at large are under the control
ment and unswerving faith were a continual of Satan, Christ’s bitterest foe. The gospel
reproof that disturbed the sinner’s peace. presents to them principles of life which
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
“The opinion is gaining
were hated by the wicked, even as Abel was ground, that, after all
hated by the ungodly Cain. For the same
reason that Cain slew Abel, did those who
these are not of vital
sought to throw off the restraint of the Holy importance.”
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 are wholly at variance with their habits and
corruption. From the days of Christ until desires, and they rise in rebellion against
now His faithful disciples have excited the it. They hate the purity which reveals and
hatred and opposition of those who love condemns their sins, and they persecute
and follow the ways of sin. and destroy those who would urge upon
How, then, can the gospel be called them its just and holy claims. It is in this
a message of peace? When Isaiah foretold sense—because the exalted truths it brings
the birth of the Messiah, he ascribed to occasion hatred and strife—that the gospel
Him the title, “Prince of Peace.”a When is called a sword.
angels announced to the shepherds that The mysterious providence which
Christ was born, they sang above the plains permits the righteous to suffer persecution
of Bethlehem: “Glory to God in the high- at the hand of the wicked has been a cause
est, and on earth peace, good will toward of great perplexity to many who are weak
men.”b There is a seeming contradiction be- in faith. Some are even ready to cast away

a
Isaiah 9:6. bLuke 2:14. cMatt. 10:34.

12
PERSECUTION IN THE
FIRST CENTURIES
 In the centuries that would follow, notwithstanding the spiritual darkness that enveloped Europe, certain men
and women would come to the realization that many of the so-called truths taught to them would prove to be
errors when compared to the infallible teachings of the Holy Scriptures. Though opposed and threatened with
death, they fearlessly renounced the doctrines and powers that have kept the people away from seeing the light
of God’s Word. But until the arrival of these “reformers,” the Old World was to be plunged into an era of great
spiritual blindness—The Dark Ages.

13
THE GREAT CONTROVERSY
CHAPTER 2
their confidence in God because He suffers of His vengeance hastens, when all who
the basest of men to prosper, while the best have transgressed His law and oppressed
and purest are afflicted and tormented by His people will meet the just recompense
their cruel power. How, it is asked, can One of their deeds; when every act of cruelty or
who is just and merciful, and who is also injustice toward God’s faithful ones will be
infinite in power, tolerate such injustice and punished as though done to Christ Him-
oppression? This is a question with which self.
we have nothing to do. God has given us There is another and more important
sufficient evidence of His love, and we are question that should engage the attention
not to doubt His goodness because we can- of the churches of today. The apostle Paul
not understand the workings of His provi- declares that “all that will live godly in
dence. Said the Saviour to His disciples, Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”c Why
foreseeing the doubts that would press is it, then, that persecution seems in a great
upon their souls in days of trial and dark- degree to slumber? The only reason is that
ness: “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.”a Jesus suffered for us more
“Let there be a
than any of His followers can be made to revival of the faith
suffer through the cruelty of wicked men.
Those who are called to endure torture and
of the early church.”
martyrdom are but following in the steps of
God’s dear Son.
“The Lord is not slack concerning His
promise.”b He does not forget or neglect the church has conformed to the world’s
His children; but He permits the wicked standard and therefore awakens no opposi-
to reveal their true character, that none tion. The religion which is current in our
who desire to do His will may be deceived day is not of the pure and holy character
concerning them. Again, the righteous that marked the Christian faith in the days
are placed in the furnace of affliction, that of Christ and His apostles. It is only be-
they themselves may be purified; that their cause of the spirit of compromise with sin,
example may convince others of the reality because the great truths of the word of God
of faith and godliness; and also that their are so indifferently regarded, because there
consistent course may condemn the un- is so little vital godliness in the church, that
godly and unbelieving. Christianity is apparently so popular with
God permits the wicked to prosper the world. Let there be a revival of the faith
and to reveal their enmity against Him, that and power of the early church, and the spirit
when they shall have filled up the measure of persecution will be revived, and the fires
of their iniquity all may see His justice and of persecution will be rekindled.
mercy in their utter destruction. The day

a
John 15:20. b2 Peter 3:9. c2 Timothy 3:12.

14
PERSECUTION IN THE
FIRST CENTURIES
Paganism seemed to be at its end. But at the turn of the fourth century, it took on a new form. Its doctrines, ceremo-
nies, and superstitions found their way into the Christian church. The bishop of Rome emerged from the catacombs to
become a ruling power over the world. A sudden change took place: simplicity and purity were substituted by pomp,
luxury and magnificence—a display that even awakened the envy of the heathen. Lavished with rich gifts, the bishop
 ‘THE COLOSSEUM, ROME.’ BY ABRAHAM LOUIS RODOLPHE DUCROS.
M E T R O P O L I TA N M U S E U M O F A R T.

of Rome rode in a stately chariot through the streets of Rome. The humility shown by Christ and His apostles centu-
ries before was now replaced with flattery and attention. But as this apostasy began to hover over the face of Europe,
light began to shine in Ireland and Scotland; from Iona, missionaries were sent to England, Germany, Switzerland,
and Italy. Seeds of truth were planted, while the spiritual darkness over Europe grew deeper and deeper still.
 JOHN 16:33
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might
have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be
of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
COVER IMAGE: Christians Worshipping in the Catacombs.
Illustration from White’s ‘The Great Controversy.’ Published 1888. Colorized.

NEXT CHAPTER:
“An Era of Spiritual
Darkness”
The persecutions ceased, but another danger
awaits Christianity. At the turn of the fourth
century, a new kind of faith emerges—one
that is so different from the centuries before.
The Word of God was banished, and the stake
was set up. Continue the journey into the
opening of the Dark Ages and discover the
results of the “falling away” that the apostle
Paul prophesied about.

PREVIOUS:
Chapter 1: The Destruction of Jerusalem

CONTACT INFORMATION

E-mail: [email protected]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thegcproject/
Instagram: @thegcmag

We invite you to share the dream of The Great Controversy being

read in every home. You can send your donations to:

The Great Controversy Between Christ and

Satan: The Conflict of the Ages in the Christian
West Visayan Conference
Dispensation is a nineteenth century book of Seventh-day Adventists
which traces the story of redemption from Iloilo City, Philippines, 5000
the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 to
the end of time. This magazine contains a
faithful reproduction of the 1911 edition
of the text.
The logo, above, is a replica of the artistic
typography on the cover of the 1888 edition THE GREAT CONTROVERSY MAGAZINE PROJECT
of The Great Controversy.

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42