Lessons

Synopsis

Christian martyrdom was typically the end result of extreme persecution, which may have been rooted in three broad categories: Jewish persecution of the church – which was an extension of their hatred of Jesus; persecution that arose from local interests – where Christian moralities may have upset the local economy; and government sponsored persecution – because leadership either misinterpreted early church practices or simply needed a convenient scapegoat to cover up some of their own illicit activities.

Key Words

Martyrdom, persecution, suffering, Jewish persecution, cursed, crucified, false assumptions, theology, Nero, evil religion, Domitian, ritual taxes

Overview

Speaker: W. Mark Lanier

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