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 ****tion which the
rulers
of this world would mete out to the church of God. [MATT. 24:9, 21, 22.]
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. {GC88 39.1}
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 their possessions, and driven from
their homes. They "endured a great fight of afflictions." [HEB. 10:32.]
They
"had trial of cruel mockings
40
and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment." [HEB. 11:36, 37,
38.] Great numbers sealed their testimony with their blood. Noble and
slave,
rich and poor, learned and ignorant, were alike slain without mercy. {GC88
39.2}
These persecutions, beginning under Nero about the time of the
martyrdom of Paul, continued with greater or less fury for centuries.
Christians were falsely accused of the most dreadful crimes, and declared
to
be the cause of great calamities--famine, pestilence, and earthquake. As
they became the objects of popular hatred and suspicion, informers stood
ready, for the sake of gain, to betray the innocent. They were condemned
as
rebels against the empire, as foes of religion, and pests to society.
Great
numbers were thrown to wild beasts or burned alive in the amphitheaters.
Some were crucified; others were covered with the skins of wild animals,
and
thrust into the arena to be torn by dogs. Their punishment was often made
the chief entertainment at public fetes. Vast multitudes assembled to
enjoy
the sight, and greeted their dying agonies with laughter and applause.
{GC88
40.1}
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." [HEB. 11:36, 37, 38.] The catacombs afforded shelter for
thousands. Beneath the hills outside the city of Rome, long galleries had
been tunneled through earth and rock; the dark and intricate network of
passages extended for miles beyond the city walls. In these underground
retreats, the followers of Christ buried their dead; and here also, when
suspected and proscribed, they found a home. When the Lifegiver shall
awaken
those who have fought the good fight, many a martyr for Christ's sake will
come forth from those gloomy caverns.
41
{GC88 40.2}
Under the fiercest persecution, these witnesses for Jesus kept their
faith unsullied. Though deprived of every comfort, shut away from the
light
of the sun, making their home in the dark but friendly bosom of the earth,
they uttered no complaint. With words of faith, patience, and hope, they
encouraged one another to endure privation and distress. The loss of every
earthly blessing could not force them to renounce their belief in Christ.
Trials and persecution were but steps bringing them nearer their rest and
their reward. {GC88 41.1}
Like God's servants of old, many were "tortured, not accepting
deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection." [HEB. 11:35.]
These called to mind the words of their Master, that when persecuted for
Christ's sake they were to be exceeding glad; for great would be their
reward in Heaven; for so the prophets had been persecuted before them.
They
rejoiced that they were accounted worthy to suffer for the truth, and
songs
of triumph ascended from the midst of crackling flames. Looking upward by
faith, they saw Christ and angels leaning over the battlements of Heaven,
gazing upon them with the deepest interest, and regarding their
steadfastness with approval. A voice came down to them from the throne of
God, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
[REV. 2:10.] {GC88 41.2}
In vain were Satan's efforts to destroy the church of Christ by
violence. The great controversy in which the disciples of Jesus yielded up
their lives, did not cease when these faithful standard-bearers fell at
their post. By defeat they conquered. God's workmen were slain, but his
work
went steadily forward. The gospel continued to spread, and the number of
its
adherents to increase. It penetrated into regions that were inaccessible,
even to the eagles of Rome. Said a Christian, expostulating with the
heathen
rulers who were urging forward the persecution: "You may torment, afflict,
and vex us. Your wickedness puts our weakness to
42
the test, but your cruelty is of no avail. It is but a stronger invitation
to bring others to our persuasion. The more we are mowed down, the more we
spring up again. The blood of the Christians is seed." {GC88 41.3}
Thousands were imprisoned and slain; but others sprung 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. {GC88 42.1}
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 would fail, and they would fall an easy
prey. {GC88 42.2}
The great adversary now endeavored to gain by artifice what he had
failed to secure by force. Persecution ceased, and in its stead were
substituted the dangerous allurements of tem****al prosperity and worldly
honor. Idolaters were led to receive a part of the Christian faith, while
they rejected other essential truths. They professed to accept Jesus as
the
Son of God, and to believe in his death and resurrection; but they had no
conviction of sin, and felt no need of repentance or of a change of heart.
With some concessions on their part, they proposed that Christians should
make concessions, that all might unite on the platform of belief in
Christ.
{GC88 42.3}
Now the church was in fearful peril. Prison, torture, fire, and sword
were blessings in comparison with this. Some of the Christians stood firm,
declaring that they could make no compromise. Others were in favor of
yielding or modifying
43
some features of their faith, and uniting with those who had accepted a
part
of Christianity, urging that this might be the means of their full
conversion. That was a time of deep anguish to the faithful followers of
Christ. Under a cloak of pretended Christianity, Satan was insinuating
himself into the church, to corrupt their faith, and turn their minds from
the Word of truth. {GC88 42.4}
Most of the Christians at last consented to lower their standard, and
a
union was formed between Christianity and paganism. Although the
wor****pers
of idols professed to be converted, and united with the church, they still
clung to their idolatry, only changing the objects of their wor****p to
images of Jesus, and even of Mary and the saints. The foul leaven of
idolatry, thus brought into the church, continued its baleful work.
Unsound
doctrines, superstitious rites, and idolatrous ceremonies were
incor****ated
into her faith, and wor****p. As the followers of Christ united with
idolaters, the Christian religion became corrupted, and the church lost
her
purity and power. There were some, however, who were not misled by these
delusions. They still maintained their fidelity to the Author of truth,
and
wor****ped God alone. {GC88 43.1}
There have ever been two classes among those who profess to be
followers of Christ. While one class study the Saviour's life, and
earnestly
seek to correct their defects and to conform to the Pattern, the other
class
shun the plain, practical truths which expose their errors. Even in her
best
estate, and church was not composed wholly of the true, pure, and sincere.
Our Saviour taught that those who willfully indulge in sin are not to be
received into the church; yet he connected with himself men who are faulty
in character, and granted them the benefits of his teachings and example,
that they might have an op****tunity to see their errors and correct them.
Among the twelve apostles was a traitor. Judas was accepted not because of
his defects of character, but notwithstanding them. He was connected with
the disciples,
44
that, through the instruction and example of Christ, he might learn what
constitutes Christian character, and thus be led to see his errors, to
repent, and, by the aid of divine grace, to purify his soul "in obeying
the
truth." But Judas did not walk in the light so graciously permitted to
****ne
upon him. By indulgence in sin, he invited the temptations of Satan. His
evil traits of character became predominant. He yielded his mind to the
control of the powers of darkness, he became angry when his faults were
reproved, and thus he was led to commit the fearful crime of betraying his
Master. So do all who cherish evil under a profession of godliness hate
those who disturb their peace by condemning their course of sin. When a
favorable op****tunity is presented, they will, like Judas, betray those
who
for their good have sought to reprove them. {GC88 43.2}
The apostles encountered those in the church who professed godliness
while they were secretly cheri****ng iniquity Ananias and Sapphira acted
the
part of deceivers, pretending to make an entire sacrifice for God, when
they
were covetously withholding a ****tion for themselves. The Spirit of truth
revealed to the apostles the real character of these pretenders, and the
judgments of God rid the church of this foul blot upon its purity. This
signal evidence of the discerning Spirit of Christ in the church was a
terror to hypocrites and evil-doers. They could not long remain in
connection with those who were, in habit and disposition, constant
representatives of Christ; and as trials and persecution came upon his
followers, those only who were willing to forsake all for the truth's sake
desired to become his disciples. Thus, as long as persecution continued,
the
church remained comparatively pure. But as it ceased, converts were added
who were less sincere and devoted, and the way was opened for Satan to
obtain a foot-hold. {GC88 44.1}
But there is no union between the Prince of light and the prince of
darkness, and there can be no union between their followers. When
Christians
consented to unite with those
45
who were but half converted from paganism, they entered upon a path which
led farther and farther from the truth. Satan exulted that he had
succeeded
in deceiving so large a number of the followers of Christ. He then brought
his power to bear more fully upon these, and inspired them to persecute
those who remained true to God. None understood so well how to oppose the
true Christian faith as did those who had once been its defenders; and
these
apostate Christians, uniting with their half-pagan companions, directed
their warfare against the most essential features of the doctrines of
Christ. {GC88 44.2}
It required a desperate struggle for those who would be faithful to
stand firm against the deceptions and abominations which were disguised in
sacerdotal garments and introduced into the church. The Bible was not
accepted as the standard of faith. The doctrine of religious freedom was
termed heresy, and its upholders were hated and proscribed. {GC88 45.1}
After a long and severe conflict, the faithful few decided to
dissolve
all union with the apostate church if she still refused to free herself
from
falsehood and idolatry. They saw that separation was an absolute necessity
if they would obey the Word of God. They dared not tolerate errors fatal
to
their own souls, and set an example which would imperil the faith of their
children and children's children. To secure peace and unity they were
ready
to make any concession consistent with fidelity to God; but they felt that
even peace would be too dearly purchased at the sacrifice of principle. If
unity could be secured only by the compromise of truth and righteousness,
then let there be difference, and even war. {GC88 45.2}
Well would it be for the church and the world if the principles that
actuated those steadfast souls were revived in the hearts of God's
professed
people. There is an alarming indifference in regard to the doctrines which
are the pillars of the Christian faith. The opinion is gaining ground,
that,
46
after all, these are not of vital im****tance. This degeneracy is
strengthening the hands of the agents of Satan, so that false theories and
fatal delusions which the faithful in ages past imperiled their lives to
resist and expose, are now regarded with favor by thousands who claim to
be
followers of Christ. {GC88 45.3}
The early Christians were indeed a peculiar people. Their blameless
de****tment and unswerving faith were a continual reproof that disturbed
the
sinner's peace. Though few in numbers, without wealth, position, or
honorary
titles, they were a terror to evil-doers wherever their character and
doctrines were known. Therefore they were hated by the wicked, even as
Abel
was hated by the ungodly Cain. For the same reason that Cain slew Abel did
those who sought to throw off the restraint of the Holy 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 this character
was a constant rebuke to their selfishness and corruption. From the days
of
Christ until now, his faithful disciples have excited the hatred and
opposition of those who love and follow the ways of sin. {GC88 46.1}
How, then, can the gospel be called a message of peace? When Isaiah
foretold the birth of the Messiah, he ascribed to him the title, "Prince
of
peace." When angels announced to the shepherds that Christ was born, they
sung above the plains of Bethlehem, "Glory to God in the highest, and on
earth peace, good will toward men." [LUKE 2:14.] There is a seeming
contradiction between these prophetic declarations and the words of
Christ,
"I came not to send peace, but a sword." [MATT. 10:34.] But rightly
understood, the two are in perfect harmony. The gospel is a message of
peace. Christianity is a system, which, received and obeyed, would spread
peace, harmony, and happiness throughout the earth. The religion of Christ
will unite in close brotherhood all who accept its teachings. It was the
mission of Jesus to reconcile men to God, and
47
thus to one another. But the world at large are under the control of
Satan,
Christ's bitterest foe. The gospel presents to them principles of life
which
are wholly at variance with their habits and desires, and they rise in
rebellion against it. They hate the purity which reveals and condemns
their
sins, and they persecute and destroy those who would urge upon them its
just
and holy claims. It is in this sense-- because the exalted truths it
brings,
occasion hatred and strife--that the gospel is called a sword. {GC88 46.2}
The mysterious providence which permits the righteous to suffer
persecution at the hand of the wicked, has been a cause of great
perplexity
to many who are weak in faith. Some are even ready to cast away their
confidence in God, because he suffers the basest of men to prosper, while
the best and purest are afflicted and tormented by their cruel power. How,
it is asked, can One who is just and merciful, and who is also infinite in
power, tolerate such injustice and oppression? This is a question with
which
we have nothing to do. God has given us sufficient evidence of his love,
and
we are not to doubt his goodness because we cannot understand the workings
of his providence. Said the Saviour to his disciples, foreseeing the
doubts
that would press upon their souls in days of trial and darkness, "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." [JOHN 15:20.]
Jesus
suffered for us more than any of his followers can be made to suffer
through
the cruelty of wicked men. Those who are called to endure torture and
martyrdom, are but following in the steps of God's dear Son. {GC88 47.1}
"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise." [PETER 3:9.] He does
not forget or neglect his children; but he permits the wicked to reveal
their true character, that none who desire to do his will may be deceived
concerning them. Again, the righteous are placed in the furnace of
affliction, that they themselves may be purified; that their example may
convince
48
others of the reality of faith and godliness; and also that their
consistent
course may condemn the ungodly and unbelieving. {GC88 47.2}
God permits the wicked to prosper, and to reveal their enmity against
him, that when they shall have filled up the measure of their iniquity,
all
may see his justice and mercy in their utter destruction. The day of his
vengeance hastens, when all who have transgressed his law and oppressed
his
people will meet the just recompense of their deeds; when every act of
cruelty or injustice toward God's faithful ones will be punished as though
done to Christ himself. {GC88 48.1}
There is another and more im****tant question that should engage the
attention of the churches of today. The apostle Paul declares that "all
that
will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." [2 TIM. 3:12.]
Why is it, then, that persecution seems in a great degree to slumber?--The
only reason is, that the church has conformed to the world's standard, and
therefore awakens no opposition. The religion which is current in our day
is
not of the pure and holy character that marked the Christian faith in the
days of Christ and his apostles. It is only because of the spirit of
compromise with sin, because the great truths of the Word of God are so
indifferently regarded, because there is so little vital godliness in the
church, that Christianity is apparently so popular with the world. Let
there
be a revival of the faith and power of the early church, and the spirit of
persecution will be revived, and the fires of persecution will be
rekindled.
{GC88 48.2}
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