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Chapter 2—Persecution in the First Centuries
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. 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
[40]
their possessions, and driven from their homes. They “endured a
great fight of afflictions.” 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.
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.” [
Hebrews 11:37, 38
.] The subter-
ranean excavations connected with the city of Rome afforded shelter
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