At the time of Christ all the countries around the Mediterranean Sea
were ruled by the Roman emperor. The Romans, and still more the Greeks,
who were subject to them, excelled all other peoples at that time in
science and arts. But they were heathens, and did not know the true God.
Many had, however, lost faith in their own gods, and began to look about
for salvation elsewhere. And with these the Gospel speedily found
entrance. Paul had established Christian congregations in Macedonia and
Greece; and even in Rome there was a large congregation. About one
hundred years after the death of Christ there were congregations
throughout the Roman empire. But heathenism was still very powerful, and
many ridiculed the faith of the Christians, that One who had been
crucified should be the Savior of the world, and sit at the right hand
of God, and should return to judge the quick and the dead. They did not
confine themselves to ridicule; many of the emperors permitted the
Christians to worship their Lord and Savior in peace; but others
persecuted them cruelly, as Nero had persecuted them in the days of the
apostles. For about two hundred and fifty years the Christians were
exposed to persecutions, and many were those who suffered death for
Christ’s sake. Polycarp, who in his youth had heard the apostle John,
was in his old age bishop of Smyrna, in Asia Minor. He was brought
before the Roman governor, who promised him his liberty if he would
curse Christ. But he answered: Eighty and six years have I served Him,
and He never did me aught but good; how can I then curse Him, my Lord
and my Savior? The governor threatened to cast him before wild beasts.
But Polycarp remained steadfast. He was sentenced to be burned alive,
and he ascended the pyre, praising the Lord who found him worthy to
suffer the death of a martyr.
Many both men and women remained steadfast during the tortures. Many
heathens who beheld this were awakened to forsake their idols and
believe on that Lord who could inspire His believers with such courage.
And thus the persecutions served to open many hearts for Christianity.