You surely know that Abraham our father was justified by his deed because he offered his son Isaac on the altar? There you see it: faith and deeds were working together; his faith became perfect by what he did. This is what scripture really means when it says: Abraham put his faith in God and this was counted as making him justified; and that is why he was called 'the friend of God'. - James 2:21-23 -
The New Testament contains several references to Romans who were ruling at this time. Among them were Caesar Augustus - Luke 2:1 - Quirinius - Luke 2:2 - and Tiberius Caesar - Luke 3:1; 20:22 - Other minor officials ruled on behalf of Rome particularly those of the Herodian dynasty. The birth and development of Christainity took place within the borders of the Roman Empire.
The Book of 'The Acts Of The Apostles' shows how Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire. Under apostle Paul, the Gospel may have been preached as far west as Spain. - Rom. 15:28-29 - By the time, Saint Paul wrote his Epistle[Letter] to the Romans (A.D. 58) a large Christian community existed in the imperial city. Paul's appearance was ironic because he came as a prisoner and not as a missionary. - Acts 25:11-12; 27:1; 28:17-31 -
When Christians were accused by the Jews of breaking the law, they were acquitted. Rome even protected Christians from Jewish fanatics and assured apostle Paul the right of a proper trial. - The Book of Acts - Most Christians had a positive and respectful attitude toward Roman authority. Jesus spoke about paying taxes. - Mark 12:17 - Saint Paul appealed for respect, pray for and honour Roman governing authorities. - Rom. 13:1-7; 1Tim. 2:1-2; Titus 3:1-2 -
The first known persecution of Christians by the Roman authorities took place under Nero. Many Christians including apostles, lost their lives at this time and a vast multitudes of Christians who were arrested, tortured, crucified and burned. Hardships came to Christians in parts of Asia while Domitian was emperor. Later, under Trajan, there were further problems especially in Bithynia, where Pliny was governor (A.D. 112). Ignatius, bishop of Antioch was martyred during this persecution. Rome may have feared that Christians could become a political threat because they would not acknowledge Caesar as lord.
Marcus Aurelius took official action against Christianity. As emperor, he was responsible for the death of Justin Martyr. (A.D. 165) Celcius (A.D. 249-251) launched attacks against Christians and like Nero, used them as scapegoats for his own failures. Under Diocletian intense persecution of the Church, many Christians were martyred, took place for three years. (A.D. 303-305)
With the coming of Constantine, however, this policy of persecution was reversed. His Edict of Milan in A.D. 313 made Christianity the official Religion of the Roman Empire.
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Sunday, May 24, 2009
I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!
I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.
HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -
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