Babcock University Research Portal

The Persecution of Christians in the Early Church and its Theological Implications for Mission Today

Authors: EHIOGHAE Efe

Publication Type: Journal article

Journal:

ISSN Number:

Downloads

Views

Abstract

The experience of Christians in the first few centuries of the Christian church was characterized by great persecutions. The Roman government`s attitude to the early church may be understood as a continuum: there was a measure of toleration or indifference at first, but then the distinctiveness of Christian worship and loyalty soon put the Christians on a collision course with the Roman authorities. Christianity was declared by the Romans as religio illicita, which implies that the Christian religion was illegal. One cardinal reason for this was Christians` refusal to worship the emperor as deity. Many faithful Christians who were unwilling to compromise their faith were martyred in the process in a most horrible manner. While some were burnt at the stake, others were thrown to hungry lions. Contemporary Christians may benefit a great deal from the early church`s response to persecution. They may learn the lessons of the power of non-violent action, suffering for Christ and unfeigned love in the face of persecution. Persecution may indeed be a painful experience but it helps to purify the church and emboldens her to carry out its mission.

Access to Documents

External Link
Download
Digital Object Identifier

Keywords

EHIOGHAE,E. . (0000). The Persecution of Christians in the Early Church and its Theological Implications for Mission Today, 0 (), 0-0.

EHIOGHAE,E. . "The Persecution of Christians in the Early Church and its Theological Implications for Mission Today" 0, no (), (0000): 0-0.

EHIOGHAE,E. and . (0000). The Persecution of Christians in the Early Church and its Theological Implications for Mission Today, 0 (), pp0-0.

EHIOGHAEE, . The Persecution of Christians in the Early Church and its Theological Implications for Mission Today. 0000, 0 ():0-0.

EHIOGHAE,Efe , . "The Persecution of Christians in the Early Church and its Theological Implications for Mission Today", 0 . (0000) : 0-0.

E.Efe , "The Persecution of Christians in the Early Church and its Theological Implications for Mission Today" vol.0, no., pp. 0-0, 0000.

Access to Documents

Keywords

About Us

Admissions

Contact Us

Policies

ALUMNI

STUDENT POPULATION