Vol. 32, No. 24
December 19, 2016
Early Church Grew Despite Persecution
That truth wins out in the end is evidenced by the expansion of the early church in Roman territory, even as emperors had Christians hunted down, tortured, and killed. ...
Fr. James Thornton is a priest in the Eastern Orthodox Church and is the author of several books on the early history of Christendom.
It is common knowledge that during the first three centuries of the Christian Era, Christians were frequently subjected to severe persecution. Jesus Himself had prophesied that his followers would suffer for their faith: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (St. Matthew 5:10-12).
Indeed, Christ’s prophecies were not long in being fulfilled.
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