What caused the Roman Empire to persecute the early Christian church? A. T. Jones digs into the history books and the Bible to unveil the answer (this booklet is Chapter 25 from his larger book, “Great Empires of Prophecy”). Here are a few of the ideas discussed:
Ancient Rome was a highly religious empire. They drew the conclusion that since they were the most powerful nation in the world (in military might), therefore their gods were the greatest. They saw their gods as ruling through the state. Therefore the state (and later the emperors) were practically divine. This gave rise to the famous saying: Vox populi, vox dei (“the voice of the people is the voice of God”).
Christians, on the other hand, believed that there was only one true God, who was revealed in His Son Jesus Christ. They believed in being separate from the degrading rites of heathen religion. They believed that worship to God was to be rendered out of love, and therefore the conscience must be free to serve Him willingly. They believed in a separation between Caesar and God, and the duties owed to each.
So the two principles met in opposition to one another… 44p
Contents
- The Spread of Christianity
- The Christian Principle
- The Roman Principle
- Why the Conflict?
- The Battle
