PERSECUTION UNDER DECIUS

When Decius became emperor in 249 the Roman Empire was in decline. Decius believed it was because Rome had abandoned their gods. Therefore, they could bring back ancient Roman glory by going back to their ancient religion. The primary impediment to worship of the Roman gods was the Christians.

This persecution, however, would be very different from earlier ones. Martyrdom had produced a stronger, growing church. Decius ordered that all who burned incense and offered sacrifices to Roman gods would receive a certificate. Those who could not produce a certificate would be subjected to prolonged, excruciating torture to induce recanting. Additionally, this persecution was not sporadic and regional but systematic and universal.

Many Christians were unprepared for this tumultuous challenge. Some ran to obey. Others held out to capture then eventually capitulated. Still others obtained fraudulent documents. Finally, others resolved to stand firm regardless of the consequences. There is evidence we are headed in that direction though not yet to that degree (see Albert Mohler, Why I Signed The Manhattan Document). What will you do?