brethren, saying, “Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses,
ye cannot be saved,” he and his aforementioned companion vigorously
opposed them, according to the teaching of the holy gospel; wherefore
he and several other pious men were appointed to go to Jerusalem, to
the apostles and elders, to bring said matter to a good termination.
When they arrived at Jerusalem, he and the others were received
joyfully by the apostles and the church; yea, what is still more, they
testified of him and his companion Paul, that they were men who had
hazarded their lives for the truth; which indeed was apparent. Acts
15:1,26.
For, when he came to Salamina, a large city in the island of Cyprus, at
this day called Famagosta, to strengthen the church at that place in
the faith, he was very badly treated, as ancient history tells us, by a
Jewish sorcerer, who stirred up all the other Jews and the whole people
against him, so that they apprehended him in an uproar, and were about
to bring him to the judge; but, fearing that the judge, discovering
his innocence, would perhaps release him, they, after treating him
lamentably, put a rope around his neck, dragged him out of the city,
and burned him. _Anton, p. 1. t. 6. cap. 18. Sabell. Eu. 7. lib. 2._
Thus was this faithful servant of Christ honored with the martyr’s
crown, in his fatherland, and fell asleep happy in the Lord, about the
time that James the Just was slain at Jerusalem, under Emperor Nero;
however, before the publication of the first heathen persecution, which
began shortly after the burning of Rome. _Plat. in vita Petri, and
Pauli. Bybelsch Naembœk, p. 158, 159. letter B. ujt hist. Andr. fol. 8._
HOW MARK, THE HOLY EVANGELIST, DRAGGED TO THE STAKE AT ALEXANDRIA, DIED
ON THE WAY, A. D. 64.
[Illustration: MARK DRAGGED TO THE STAKE.]
The holy evangelist Mark is supposed by most to have been that Mark
whose surname in Holy Scripture is John. He was of the circumcision,
and a nephew of Barnabas, whose mother was called Mary, a very
godly woman, who gave her house in Jerusalem for the assembling of
Christians. Acts 12:12; Col. 4:10. _Niceph. lib. 2. cap. 33._
He was first appointed a servant of Paul and Barnabas, but on a journey
to Pamphylia he returned to Jerusalem. Acts 12:25; 13:13.
Afterwards the apostle Paul recommended him to the church at Colosse,
requesting them to receive him as a fellow worker in the kingdom of
God. He also commanded Timothy, to bring Mark to him, since he was very
profitable to him in his ministry. Col. 4:10; 2 Tim. 4:11.
This Mark was in prison with Paul, and rendered him all faithful
assistance in his bonds. Philem. verses 23,24.
The apostle Peter in his epistle to the elect scattered strangers,
calls Mark his son, 1 Pet. 5:13; undoubtedly, because through the
gospel, he had regenerated him in Christ; or, because he was his
disciple, interpreter, and the writer of the gospel which he had
taught; of which latter circumstance Jerome speaks thus: “Mark, a
disciple of Peter, at the request of the brethren at Rome, wrote a
brief gospel, according to that which he had heard Peter relate. When
Peter had examined it, he pronounced it good, and upon his word gave
it to the church to read. _Catalog. Marc. ex Cl. Al. Hypor. 6._ Also,
_Euseb. lib. 2. cap. 18, ex Clem. Al. and Papio Hierapolit._
Afterwards, when Mark was sent by Peter to Egypt, he traveled through
Aquilea, the capital city of Friol, where he converted many to the
faith, and left Hermagoras as pastor over the church. _Avent. au. Boi.
lib. 2._
Then he journeyed to Africa, filling Lybia, Marmorica, Ammonica, and
Pentapolis with the doctrine of the holy gospel. Finally he remained
several years at Alexandria, where he made his abode. _Nic. lib. 2.
cap. 43. Athan. in Synopsi._
Concerning the end of his life, Gelasius states, that he died there as
a martyr. _Concil. Rom Deer. de lib. Auth. and Apocr. Niceph. lib. 2.
cap. 43._
Mark, he writes, having been sent by Peter to Egypt, faithfully
preached the word of truth there, and nobly sealed the testimony
thereof with his blood. All the ancient and modern, Greek and Latin,
martyrologies agree with this.
Histories state the following concerning the manner of his death: That
in the eighth year of Nero, when he, at the feast of the passover,
preached the blessed remembrance of the suffering and death of Christ,
to the church at Alexandria, the heathen priests and the whole populace
seized him, and with hooks and ropes which they fastened around his
body, dragged him out of the congregation, through the streets and out
of the city; so that his flesh everywhere adhered to the stones, and
his blood was poured out upon the earth, until he, with the last words
of our Savior, committed his spirit into the hands of the Lord, and
expired. _Anton. p. 1. cap. 6. 16. Procop. Dia Metaphr. Ado. 25. Apr.
de Fest. Apost._
Another ancient writer relates: That he was dragged very inhumanly
through the streets, his whole body torn open, so that there was not a
single spot on it, which did not bleed; and that they then again thrust
him, still alive, into prison, whence he, having been strengthened and
comforted by the Lord in the night, was taken out again, and dragged to
the place Buculi, they jestingly saying, “Let us lead the buffalo to
the buffalo-stall.” _Konst-tooneel der veertig heerlijke afbeeldingen
Christi en der postelen, printed Anno 1609._ Also, _Bybelsch Nœmboek,
printed Anno 1632, letter M. p. 642. col. 1. 2._
Death having ensued meanwhile, the aforementioned heathen wanted,
moreover, to burn him; but as they were prevented by a storm, the
Christians buried him. This happened, according to common reckoning, in
the eighth year of Nero’s reign, A. D. 64, on the 21st day of April.
OF THE TEN BLOODY PERSECUTIONS WHICH THE CHRISTIANS SUFFERED UNDER THE
HEATHEN EMPERORS OF ROME; THE FIRST OF WHICH BEGAN IN THE REIGN OF
NERO, A. D. 66.
THE FIRST PERSECUTION OF THE CHRISTIANS, UNDER NERO, ANNO 66.
When the Jews were deprived of their power, by the heathen, and their
time was past, in which they had persecuted and slain the saints of
God, the Lord God nevertheless suffered his church to be visited by the
refining fire of persecution, namely, through the power of the heathen;
of whom the Emperor Nero was the first tyrant. _Introduction to the
Mirror of the Anabaptist Martyrs, printed Anno 1631. p. 35. col. 2._
This Nero, according to the testimony of Emperor Trajan, governed
the monarchy of Rome in so laudable a manner during the first five
years of his reign, that never an emperor had greater praise than he;
for then he was so tender-hearted, that when he was asked to sign
the death warrant, of a highwayman, he replied, “O, that I could not
write!” signifying thereby his aversion to the killing of human beings.
_Trajan. in Tract._ Also, _Roomschen Adelær, door D. P. Pers, printed
Anno 1642, p. 100. in the life of Nero._ Also, _Suet. in Neron. cap.
10._
But after the first five years he became so full of hatred, murder,
and blood-shedding, that he seemed to delight in nothing more, than in
killing, murdering, and fearfully torturing, not only malefactors, but
even the saints of God who were praised even among their enemies for
their godfearing walk and conversation.
I will not mention the cruelties and tyrannies he exercised against his
own friends; how he had his beloved son Britannicus poisoned, and his
own mother Agrippina cut open, to see the place where he had lain; how
he had his faithful wife, Octavia, put to death with the sword, because
she was barren; and Seneca, his faithful teacher, bled to death,
and poisoned. We will only speak of the persecutions and unheard-of
cruelties he practiced on the beloved friends of God, namely, the true
Christians. To this end we will begin thus:
Once, desiring to see the burning of Troy represented by its equal, he
caused the city of Rome to be set on fire, and ascended a certain tower
without, where he, beholding it, began to sing, “Troy is on fire,” etc.
_Suet. Idem. in Ner. cap. 38. Rom. Adel. p. 102. in the life of Nero._
After this was done, he cast the blame on the Christians, saying that
they had done it; for, when the Romans, very much agitated on account
of the immeasurable damage and the dire calamities which had sprung
from this conflagration, began to murmur greatly, he, in order to
shield himself, and to wreak his prejudiced hatred upon the Christians,
put the whole blame on them. _Introduction to the Martyrs Mirror, p.
35, from Baron. Anno 66. num. 1._
For this reason there were proclaimed immediately, in the name of the
Emperor, throughout the whole known world (then under the monarchy of
the Romans), bloody decrees against the Christians, that they should
everywhere be put to death. The contents of these decrees were as
follows: “If any one confesses that he is a Christian, he shall be put
to death, without further trial, as a convicted enemy of mankind.”
_Joh. Gysii Hist. Mart. edit. 1657. fol. 6. col. 2._
Tertullian afterwards upbraided the Roman Senate, saying: “Read your
own histories, and you will find, that Nero was the first who raged
against this sect (so he calls the Christians), which then flourished
the most in Rome.” _Apol. Contra Gentes. cap. 5._
In another place he says: “Nero was the first who stained with blood
the rising Christian faith at Rome.”
Shortly after this decree of Nero, a violent and unmerciful persecution
of the Christians manifested itself in all the countries which were
under the Roman dominion; which persecution lasted until the Emperor’s
death. The innocent Christians were accused not only of the burning
of Rome, but also of every wickedness imaginable; that they might be
tortured and put to death in the most awful manner. To this the Roman
Tactitus, (according to the translation of J. Gysius, and not that of
Fenacolius)[84] refers, saying: “Then, Nero, in order to avert this
report from himself, caused those called Christians by the common
people, to be accused and exceedingly tormented. The author of this
name is Christ, who was publicly put to death under the reign of
Tiberius, by Pontius Pilate, the governor. Those who confessed that
they were Christians, were first apprehended, and afterwards by making
it known themselves a great multitude were all condemned, not so much
on account of the conflagration, as of the hatred in which they were
held by mankind. The taking of their lives was accompanied with much
mockery; they were covered with the skins of wild beasts, and then
torn to pieces by dogs; or nailed on crosses; or placed at stakes and
burned; serving also as torches for the spectators, when the day was
over.”
[84] We quote Tacitus according to the annotation of John Gysius in
_Hist. Mart. fol. 6. col. 2._, from which the translation of John
Fenacolius differs greatly.
Thus Tacitus, a Roman himself, has sufficiently confessed, in spite of
himself, as J. Gysius writes, that the Christians were innocent of the
burning of Rome, but that they notwithstanding had to suffer on account
of their name.
Who the great multitudes were, that perished in those awful
persecutions, confessing the name of Christ even unto death, is not
stated in the histories of the fathers; however, we shall content
ourselves therewith, that God remembers them, and that their names are
written in the Book of Life. Nevertheless, we meet with some, though
but few, names of such who suffered in that persecution in the reign
of Nero, and sealed the truth of Christ with their blood and death; of
these we shall speak in the proper place.
OF THE UNHEARD-OF CRUELTIES NERO PRACTICED IN SLAYING THE PIOUS
CHRISTIANS.
Touching the manner in which the Christians were tortured and killed
at the time of Nero, A. Mellinus gives the following account from
Tacitus and other Roman writers: namely, that four extremely cruel and
unnatural kinds of torture were employed against the Christians:
Firstly, that they dressed them in the skins of tame and wild beasts,
that they might be torn to pieces by dogs or other wild animals.
Secondly, that they, according to the example of their Savior, were
fastened alive on crosses, and that in many different ways.
Thirdly, that the innocent Christians were burned and smoked by the
Romans, with torches and lamps, under the shoulders and on other tender
parts of their naked bodies, after these had been cruelly lacerated
with scourges or rods. This burning was done also with shavings and
fagots, they (the Christians) being tied to stakes worth half a
stiver.[85] Therefore they called the Christians _sarmenticii_, that
is, fagot people, and _semissii_, that is, half stiver people; because
they stood fastened to half stiver stakes, and were thus burned with
the slow fire of fagots.
[85] About one cent.
Fourthly, that these miserable, accused Christian martyrs were used as
candles, torches, or lanterns, to see by them at night.
Of those who were burned, some were tied or nailed to stakes, and held
still by a hook driven through the throat, so that they could not move
the head when the pitch, wax, tallow, and other inflammable substances
were poured boiling over their heads, and set on fire, so that all the
unctious matter of the human body flowing down made long, wide furrows
in the sand of the theatre. And thus human beings were lighted as
torches, and burned as lights for the wicked Romans at night.
Juvenal and Martial, both Roman poets, and Tertullian, state this in a
different manner, namely, that the Romans wrapped them in a painful or
burning mantle, which they wound around their hands and feet, in order
to melt the very marrow in their bones.
Furthermore, it is stated by A. Mellinus (from the aforementioned
authors), concerning those mantles, that they were made of paper or
linen, and, having been thickly coated with oil, pitch, wax, rosin,
tallow, and sulphur, were wrapped around their whole body, and then set
on fire.
For this spectacle Nero gave the use of his gardens, and appeared
himself among the people in the garb of a charioteer, taking an active
part in the Circusian games; himself standing in the circus, and, as
charioteer, guiding a chariot.
These proceedings, according to the testimony of Tacitus, although it
had the appearance that the Christians were punished as malefactors
who had deserved the extremest penalty, nevertheless moved the people
to compassion; for they understood well enough that the Christians
were not exterminated for the good of the common weal, but simply to
gratify the cruelty of one man, Nero. Compare _Abr. Mellin. 1st book
van de Histor. der vervolg. en Mart. printed Anno 1619. fol. 11. col.
4._ and _fol. 12. col. 1._ with _Tacit. Annal. lib. 15._ and _Tertul.
Apol. Contr. Gent. cap. 50_ and _adv. Marc. cap. 5._ _Martinal. Epig.
25. lib. 25._
SIMON PETER, THE HOLY APOSTLE, CRUCIFIED WITH HIS HEAD DOWNWARD, UNDER
EMPEROR NERO, A. D. 69.
[Illustration: PETER CRUCIFIED AT ROME.]
Simon Jona, afterwards called Cephas in Syriac, but Petros or Petrus
in Greek, was the brother of Andrew, a native of Bethsaida in Galilee,
and a fisherman by occupation. He had his abode at Capernaum, with
his wife’s mother. His brother Andrew, who was a disciple of John,
first brought him to Christ, and shortly afterwards he and his brother
were called away from the fishery, to become fishers of men. Matt.
16:17; Mark 3:16; John 1:42; Matt. 4:18; John 1:44; Luke 4:31,38; John
1:41,42; Matt. 4:18,19.
He was diligently instructed by Christ, his Savior, and made such
progress therein, that he became the spokesman of all the apostles,
being generally the most frank in asking and answering, as well as
the most zealous for Christ, in order to prove to him his love and
fidelity, although at times he manifested a certain rashness therein;
on which occasions the Lord, like a father his child, faithfully
instructed, and, whenever it was necessary, kindly reproved him. Matt.
16:16; John 6:68; Matt. 18:21; 14:31; John 18:10,11.
The Lord loved him in a special manner, and permitted him, together
with James and John, to witness his glory on Mount Tabor; of which he
afterwards made mention to the chosen scattered strangers, saying, We
were eye-witnesses of his majesty. Matt. 17:1–3; 2 Pet. 1:16,17.
He was the boldest in offering to suffer with Christ, but the weakest
when the conflict began. The Lord selected him and the two sons of
Zebedee, to watch and pray with him in the garden; but his eyes as well
as those of the others were heavy with sleep; which showed that though
he was specially loved by Christ, he was nothing more than a weak
mortal. Matt. 26:33,36.
About his denying Christ we shall not mention anything, as this is
not the proper place for it, since we purpose to speak only of his
faithfulness and steadfastness until death.
After the aforesaid denial, the Lord forgave him his sin, and commanded
him three times to feed his sheep and lambs; which he subsequently
faithfully did to the full extent of his ability. John 21:15,16; 1 Pet.
5:1–3.
In one day there were converted to the faith, by his preaching,
about three thousand souls; all of whom were baptized, and continued
steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking
of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:41,42.
He confirmed his doctrine through the power of God by signs
accompanying the same, according to the promise of Christ, as is
evidenced in the case of the lame man, Ananias, Sapphira, Eneas,
Tabitha, and others. Acts 3:7; 5:5,10; 9:34,40.
The calling of the Gentiles was revealed to him in a vision from
heaven; but as he was properly an apostle of the Jews, his ministry was
most effectual among the circumcision. Acts 10:10–12; Gal. 2:8.
But since he was so excellent and worthy a man in his ministry, it
pleased the Lord, that he should also be one of his martyrs, to seal
the truth of his doctrine not only with the mouth, but also with his
blood, yea, even with his death. This the Lord showed to him shortly
before his departure from this world, saying, “Verily, verily, I say
unto thee, when thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst
whither thou wouldst: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch
forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither
thou wouldst not.” This spake he, signifying by what death he should
glorify God. John 21:18,19.
This was verified in him, for shortly afterwards he and John, his
fellow-helper, were brought before the Jewish council in Jerusalem, and
severely threatened, to desist preaching in the name of Jesus; to which
they both boldly replied, Whether it be right in the sight of God to
hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. Acts 4:19.
Afterwards he was again apprehended, together with the other apostles,
but by night, miraculously delivered out of prison by an angel. Acts
5:19.
After that he was not only apprehended, but, together with the other
apostles, scourged and commanded, that they should absolutely not
preach in the name of the Lord Jesus; but they went away from the
Council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for
his name. Acts 5:40–42.
Afterwards King Herod stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the
church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And
when he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further and apprehended
Peter also, and put him in prison, and delivered him to four
quaternions of soldiers; intending after Easter to bring him forth to
the people. But in the night the angel of the Lord led him out, through
the midst of the soldiers, so that he returned to the believers, who
rejoiced greatly on account of him. Acts 12:1.
Finally there was fulfilled, according to the testimony of history,
the prediction of Christ, that he should glorify God by his death;
for while he was at Rome, he was sentenced by the Emperor Nero to be
crucified. But, esteeming himself unworthy to be crucified with his
head upward, like his Savior, he requested to be crucified with his
head downward; which he easily obtained, for the tyrants were forthwith
willing and ready to increase his pain.
This occurred, as is stated, after Peter had preached the gospel for
thirty-seven years, and when he was seventy years old.[86] _Euseb. lib.
2. cap. 25._ and _3. cap. 2._ from the writings of _Origen. Egesipp.
Hist. of the miserable Destruction of the City of Jerusalem. 3d book,
2d chap._ Also, _Konst-tooneel van veertig heerlijke afbeeldingen
Christi en sijner Apostelen, door N. D. C._, printed _Anno 1609_, in
the _Life of Peter_. Also, _W. Baudart Apophthegm. Christian. lib. 1.
super Petrum. ex Hieron. de Vitis Illustribus. Johan. Strac. in Festo.
Joh. Evang. Ambr. ad Aux._
[86] The historians state that the apostle Peter wept very much daily
after the ascension of Christ. When he was asked why he wept so
much, he replied, _Desiderio Domini_, that is, “Because I very much
long for my Lord.” There are ancient writers who state that Peter
cried every time he heard a cock crow. When he saw his beloved wife
being led out, to be put to death, on account of having confessed
the faith, he addressed her in these words, “O my beloved wife! have
the Lord Jesus always before thine eyes; this is the marriage of the
saints.” He was sentenced to be crucified in theusual manner. But he
requested to be hung on the cross with his feet up, saying, “I am not
worthy to be hung on the cross, like the Son of God hung and suffered
on it.” _W. Baudart. Apophthegm._ printed _Anno 1640, first book,
page 2_.
PAUL, THE APOSTLE OF CHRIST, SORELY PERSECUTED, AND FINALLY BEHEADED,
AT ROME, UNDER THE EMPEROR NERO, A. D. 69.
[Illustration: BEHEADING OF PAUL.]
Saul, afterwards called Paul, was of Jewish descent, a Hebrew of the
tribe of Benjamin; but, as to who his father and mother were, we find
in Holy Writ no record. Phil. 3:5. As regards the place of his birth,
it appears that his parents, either on account of persecution, or of
the Roman war, or for some other reason, left their place of residence
in the portion of Benjamin, and went to dwell in a Roman, free city in
Cilicia, called Tarsus, where Paul was born, who, although he was a
Jew, yet, by the privileges of this city, became a Roman citizen. Acts
22:3.
Respecting his early training, he was diligently instructed by the wise
Gamaliel, in the law of the fathers; in which he became so proficient,
that there were but few things in the entire Old Testament, with which
he was not acquainted. Gal. 1:14.
He lived blamelessly, according to the law of Moses and the holy
prophets, and that in the strictest order of Judaism; but, having not
yet been rightly instructed in the doctrine of the holy gospel, he,
although in accordance with the law, manifested a wrong zeal, and
persecuted the church of Christ; yea, at the death of Stephen he kept
the garments of them that slew him. Acts 7:58.
But afterwards, having obtained letters from the priests at Jerusalem
to the synagogues of Damascus, to bring as prisoners such men and women
who confessed the name of Christ, the Lord, from heaven, arrested
him in his course, calling, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And
he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou
persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he
trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And
the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be
told thee what thou must do.” Acts 9:1–6.
The men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but
seeing no man. Then he arose from the earth, to which he had been
prostrated by fear; and when he opened his eyes, he could not see, so
that they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. Verse 7,8.
In the city of Damascus there was a disciple, named Ananias; and to
him the Lord said in a vision, “Arise, and go into the street which is
called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul,
of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth.
Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much
evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem.”
Then said the Lord to him, “Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto
me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children
of Israel: for I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my
name’s sake.
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his
hands on him, said, Brother Saul, the Lord hath sent me, that thou
mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And
immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales; and he
received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.” Acts 9:7–16.