From the Elder's Pen "Trials" 1/12/03 Past/Future Articles

   Many times as I read of the trials, persecutions and even death suffered by the early Christians because of their great faith, I cannot help but think of the many blessings we as Christians enjoy today.  Let us look at some of the dark hours many in the early church endured as they stood firm for the Gospel of Christ paving the way and setting an example for us today.
   From the ascension of Christ and the advent of the Holy Spirit to the burning of Rome in 64 A. D., was a brief period, but within that time the church was established in many parts of the country.  According to some writers, Christians had not only become very numerous, but many of them held very influential positions in the state.  The pure spiritual principles of Christianity stood forth in striking contrast to the gross immoralities of paganism.  It met the deep needs and answered to the yearnings of the soul and thousands were turning to the Gospel of Christ.  Paganism was being undermined.
   For six days, Rome burned and half of the city was consumed.  Some attribute this fiendish act to Nero.  He laid the blame on the Christians and instituted a persecution that was unspeakably horrible, but was quite in keeping with his character.  Clothed with the skins of animals they were hunted to death with dogs.  Others were cast into the arena to be torn to pieces by wild animals for the entertainment of thousands of spectators.  Some were crucified.  Some were covered with inflammable materials and at night were set on fire to illuminate the gardens of Nero “where this diabolical monster exhibited the agonies of his victims to the public, and gloated over them.”
   Under other emperors, following the time of Domitian, persecution of the Christians took on a more organized and systematic form and continued for many decades.  Every attempt on the part of the mighty power of Rome was made to exterminate Christianity, but “the blood of the martyrs was the seed of the Church,” and at last under Constatine the Great, Christianity triumphed.  But during these many years, the Church passed through its “fiery trial” for the sake of Him who purchased them with His own blood.
   We have much to be grateful for.  First the great sacrifice of our Lord for mankind and then these early martyrs in the Church that gave their all that the Gospel might go forth.  Let us live more dedicated, faithful lives each day keeping our eyes on the goal that we, like the Apostle Paul, can say at the close of life, we have fought a good fight and therefore there is a crown awaiting us.