People
Who was Ananus?
Head of the peace party; wanted to settle with the Romans.
Who was Josephus?
Jewish general captured by the romans.
What is the significant (crazy/important) about this event in the history of christianity? How did God preserve the church?
-The christians in Jerusalem fled after the zealots initially drove out the Romans.
-They settled in Pella and created a christian community there.
-This event marked them as truly separate from Judaism
Ignatius (hint:vowel and vowel)
-From the Antioch in Syria
-Died under Emperor Trajan
-" I am God's wheat and I shall be ground by the teeth of beasts that I may become a pure loaf for the Lord."
Why were christians persecuted?
-They are considered a threat to the unity of the emperor
-They refused to sacrifice to the gods or the Caesars
-Practices like Lord's supper were misunderstood( they were accused of cannibalism(eating people))
Who was Eliezer?
Leader of the Zealots who wanted to free the Jews from Roman rule
What are 2 details about Emperor Nero?
- Cruel ruler who increased taxes so he could live a rich life.
-He is believed to be responsible for the burning of Rome in 64 AD which he then blamed on the christian.
-He used horrible torture methods to persecute christians, including burning them alive as torches in his garden.
Polycarp (....Pius)
-From Smyrna in Syria
- Died under Antonius Pius
- "For 86 years I have served Christ. He has done me no harm! How can I deny Jesus who is my saviour?"
How were they persecuted?
-Worship services were disrupted
-Church leaders and congregants were put in prison
- Christians were tortured and killed in many ways ( starving, burnt alive, killed by wild animals)
Who was Simon?
Leader of a band of robbers who fought with the Zealots and Peace party for control of Jerusalem.
What are 2 details about Emperor Domitian?
- Cruel ruler who used spies to report lies about Jews and christians
-First Emperor to demand to be called " Lord and God"
-Apostle John was banished to the island of Pamos under Domitian
Justin Martyr (hint: J+J) (M and m)
-From near Jerusalem in Judea
-Died under Marcus Aurelius
- "No one who is rightly minded turns from true belief to false."
What were the benefits of persecution?
-The church became stronger and closer
-it attracted new changers in faith
-christ strengthened and gave martyrs joy in their suffering
Who was Vespasian?
Roman General sent to subdue the Zealot revolt
Blandina
- From Gaul
-Died under Marcus Aurelius
-"I am a christian and nothing vile is done by us."
Who was Titus?
Son of Vespasian who besieged Jerusalem
Perpetua and Felicity (s and s)
-From Carthage in Africa
-Died under Septimus Severus
-"Stand firm in the faith and love one another, all of you, and be not offended at my sufferings."