Mark 16:1-8

¹ When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. ² Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb ³ and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”

⁴ But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. ⁵ As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 

⁶ “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. ⁷ But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” 

⁸ Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

 
Jesus had gone on.  The Good News would go forth.

By the Will of God.

For 4 centuries, the fragile papyrus of Scripture would be destroyed. Today, we can go to the store and just purchase a Bible - something many people have died to bring us.

Lives were allowed to be sacrificed,  for many more to hear the saving hope in Jesus' Love.

Because Jesus died for us. And our faith in Him, is so important. We have this list.

 The Roman Colosseum was build by the gold from the destruction of Jerusalem and The Temple of God in 81 A. D.

When Jesus died, Claudius was Emperor of Rome. It was Claudius who imprisoned Paul, the first time. In the remote, far away country of Judea, the name of Jesus Christ and His promises and His Word, created unease for Claudius. Imagine this could occur in the time there were no mass methods of communication. It is historical fact. 16 years after the death of Jesus. Claudius has gone from prominence to being an enigma in history.

Jesus Christ has gone forth.

Claudius – Imprisoned Christians. Reigned 25 -54 AD. Emperor during the death and resurrection of Jesus. Imprisoned Paul, for his first imprisonment, house arrest.

When Jesus died, Claudius was Emperor of Rome. It was Claudius who imprisoned Paul, the first time. In the remote, far away country of Judea, the name of Jesus Christ and His promises and His Word, created unease for Claudius. Imagine this could occur in the time there were no mass methods of communication. It is historical fact. 16 years after the death of Jesus. Claudius has gone from prominence to being an enigma in history.

Jesus Christ has gone forth.

Claudius – Imprisoned Christians. Reigned 25 -54 AD. Emperor during the death and resurrection of Jesus. Imprisoned Paul, for his first imprisonment, house arrest.

Nero – Tortured, burned and vilified Christians. Blamed them for burning Rome . 54- 68 AD

Galba – Put St. Paul and others to death. 69 AD

Otho & Vittelius– only 4 months as Emperor

Vespasian – Sent Titus to destroy Jerusalem in 70 AD, it was the natural end time of Jesus’ life. It is said it is the prophecies Jesus spoke of, His forgiveness was given to the people of His generation. In that destruction, the Temple of the Jews has not been built in 2,000 years. (In 300 A.D, a third temple had the materials gathered, but earthquake, war and fire put an end to that.) Jewish Sacrifice has not been practiced for 2,000 years, it is forsaken. The Jews don’t even know why. God said Jesus was the sacrifice for you.

Titus – See Arch of Titus, still standing, in Rome today. The Temple Tools minus the Ark of the Covenant, is carved in the marble. The profit from the sack of Jerusalem is used for the Coliseum. The Coliseum was used to burn Christians until Constantine naively adopted Christianity thinking Christians would be model citizens. Still a triumph for the 1,100 Bishops, Priests, Christians proclaiming Jesus Christ for 300 years even if they would be burned alive for it.

Domitian – Hauled St. John from Ephesus and exiled him to Patmos. Continued to be fearful of Christians. Conducted one of the fiercest battles against Christians. Under Domitan, the Church split in half. Domitan Heresy - the Church is only for saints. Domitan tortured until Christians surrendered every fragment of the Gospels and New Testament he could find. 81-96. Because of Domitan – we have the word traitor . Part of the Church wanted to forever exile anyone who lied to get out of torture or gave up Scripture. Forgiveness is the business of the Church and Jesus Christ.

Because of Domitan, we only have 15 fragments of the Gospel before 96 AD. But these portions exist and date to 30 AD. Hebrews 9 tells us when Paul wrote Hebrews, the Second Temple is in operation.

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The Love of Jesus Christ opening His arms to slaves, lepers, women, the poor, the wife of the steward of Herod’s household, Nicodemus of the Sanhedrin Council and Josephus. Ian Wilson records a letter from a Jewish rabbi, of Lyracanthra, saying it would be the end of Judaism because of the incredible miracles of healing, restoration, life transformation and complete hope. These are letters confirming the Gospels show the Rabbi to be extremely unhappy. Josephus, the Israeli General turned traitor, turned Historian says Jesus was the Christ and his brother James formed the later Christian Church until martyred in 62 AD.

Trajan (c. 53 - 117) Philosopher Pliny the Younger's letter to Trajan on the subject of the Christians and the response of Trajan to Pliny the Younger. On Early Christian Writings. How to torture Christians to discredit the claims of Jesus Christ.

Hadrian (c. 76 - 138) Foxe's Book of Martyrs -- Persecution Under Trajen...... The forenamed authors, Antoninus and Equilius

Antoninus Pius (c. 86 - 161) Instead of stirring up persecution against the Christians, he extended to them the strong hand of his protection throughout the empire. Rather than give occasion to that oppression which he regarded as inseparable from an emperor's progress through his dominions, he was content to spend all the years of his reign in Rome, or its neighborhood. Under his patronage the science of jurisprudence was cultivated by men of high ability, and a number of humane and equitable enactments were passed in his name. 161 – 180 166 Christian persecution returned - The period was one of ever-increasing calamities. The earthquakes which had alarmed Asia under Antoninus were but the prelude to more serious convulsions. The Tiber rose to an unprecedented height and swept away the public granaries. This was followed by a famine, and that by a pestilence, which spread from Egypt and Ethiopia westward. Everywhere on the frontiers there were murmurs of insurrection or invasion. The year 166 was long known as the "annus calamitosus," and it was in that year that the persecution broke out and that Justin suffered. These calamities roused the superstition of the great mass of the people, and a wild fanaticism succeeded to an epicurean atheism. The gods were wrath, and what had roused their anger but the presence of those who denied them?

Marcus Aurelius (c. 121 - 180) The Thundering Legion incident (174)

During the war with the Quadi in 174 there took place the famous incident of the Thundering Legion (Legio Fulminatrix, Fulminea, Fulminata) which has been a cause of frequent controversy between Christian and non-Christian writers. The Roman army was surrounded by enemies with no chance of escape, when a storm burst. The rain poured down in refreshing showers on the Romans, while the enemy were scattered with lightning and hail. The parched and famishing Romans received the saving drops first on their faces and parched throats, and afterwards in their helmets and shields, to refresh their horses. Marcus obtained a glorious victory as a result of this extraordinary event, and his enemies were hopelessly overthrown.

That such an event did really happen is attested both by pagan and Christian writers. The former attribute the occurrence either to magic (Dion Cassius, LXXI, 8-10) or to the prayers of the emperor (Capitolinus, "Vita Marci", XXIV; Themistius, "Orat. XV ad Theod"; Claudian, "De Sext. Cons. Hon.", V, 340 sqq.; "Sibyl. Orac.", ed. Alezandre, XII, 196 sqq. Cf. Bellori, "La Colonne Antonine", and Eckhel, "Doctrina Nummorum", III, 64). The Christian writers attributed the fact to the prayers of the Christians who were in the army (Claudius Apollinaris in Eusebius, Church History V.5; Tertullian, "Apol.", v; ad Seap. c. iv), and soon there grew up a legend to the effect that in consequence of this miracle the emperor put a stop to the persecution of the Christians (cf. Euseb. and Tert. opp cit.).

It must be conceded that the testimony of Claudius is the most valuable of all that we possess, as he wrote within a few years of the event, and that all credit must be given to the prayers of the Christians given to Tertullian

Lucius Verus (co-emperor) (c. 130 - 169) with Marcus Aurelius
180 - 192

Commodus (c. 161 - 192) All these who failed to follow the decree were brought to the Senate and were tried. This decree was a forceful attempt to put down Christians completely. But the followers who believed in Jesus Christ refused to accept this and many were ready to face the trial. "The Passion of the Scillitan Martyrs" written.

Persecution slows down -

Pertinax (193)

Didius Julianus (193) .

Septimius Severus (193-211) Edict makes it illegal to convert to Christianity; persecution especially in North Africa, ca. 203: Perpetua & Felicity martyred in Carthage (North Africa)

Caracalla (211-217)

Macrinus (217-218)

Elagabalus (218-222)

Severus Alexander (222-235)

Maximinus (235-238)

Gordian I and II (238)

Balbinus (238)

Pupienus (238)

Gordian III (238-244)

Philip the Arab (244-249) .

Trajanus Decius (249-251) 250: Major Empire-Wide Persecution; Christians required to participate in Emperor Worship. Bishop Fabian of Rome martyred; Bishop Cyprian of Carthage exiled; Origen of Alexandria tortured to death.

Trebonianus Gallus (251-253)

Aemilian (253) .
Valerian (253-260) ca. 258: Bishop Cyprian of Carthage martyred
Gallienus (253-268)
Claudius Gothicus (268-270) .
Aurelian (270-275) some persecutions
Tacitus (275-276)
Probus (276-282)
Carus (282-283)
Carinus (283-284)
Numerian (283-284) .

Diocletian (284-305) Major Empire-Wide Persecution begins ca. 303; confiscation of Christian churches and books; arrest, torture, and execution of many Christian leaders. Personally sends troops to Nazareth, the Bishop of Caesarea Eusibius records Diocletian offering clemency to the nephews carefully recording their ancestry to Jesus Christ. All refuse and are tortured and put to death. Diocletian sends troops to Turkey to place the Bishop Nicholas (also known as St. Nicholas or, in German, Santa Claus, in prison.

& Maximian (286-305) Major Empire-Wide Persecution begins ca. 303; confiscation of Christian Churches and books; arrest, torture, and execution of many Christian leaders

Constantius Chlorus (305-306)
Maxentius (306-312) .
Galerius (305-311)
Licinius (311-323) 311: Edict of Galerius: toleration for Christians, allowing them to worship openly

Constantine was forced as a nephew to the Emperor to go to Nazareth and torture and kill the descendents of the Brothers of Jesus. All refused to decant Jesus. All perished. A week Constantine would have to change his life. Bishop Eusebius is eyewitness to Constantines arrival and departure for this purpose.

Constantine (307-337) 313: Edict of Constantine (Edict of Milan): toleration for all religions, including Christianity; ends persecutions

Constantine's position on the religions traditionally practiced in Rome evolved during his reign. At first he prohibited the construction of new temples and tolerated traditional sacrifices; by the end of his reign, he had begun to order the pillaging and tearing down of Roman temples. The day Christianity officially arrived in the Roman Empire was in 325 A.D. The First Council of Nicaea is regarded as the first Ecumenical Council of the Christian Church. Invited by Emperor Constantine, about 318 world-wide Bishops (including St. Nicholas), who had risked their lives and were condemned for serving Jesus, traveled across continents and oceans, continued to risk their lives in dangerous travel, to express the basis of the Church today and choose the Books of the Bible.

(* The above information was gathered from several sources and paraphrased.)

The triumph of Christianity is actually a very remarkable historical phenomenon. ...

We begin with a small group from the backwaters of the Roman Empire. Judea wasn't even a province to send someone important to govern. Syria was the overlord for tiny Judea. 16 years go by and Claudius is very worried. After two, three centuries go by, lo and behold that same group and its descendants have somehow taken over the Roman Empire and have become the official religion. Believing in Jesus Christ and having life transformations. The life and death of Jesus Christ and the promises He brought. John 1:35-42 ~ He said to them, “Come and you will see.”

Father God, let us always remember to be grateful to the people who have protected Your Word and who proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Covid has had a year of upheaval, fear, boredom, worry, anger. We are good and tired of this virus. So much so the vaccine seems to not roll out fast enough with over 350 Million people.

We have had Political Rivalries in the News for a decade. We are tired of all the Daily Damage Reports.

This is a year we have all felt has been dictated to us.

We have the opportunity for a New Year.  New and renewed efforts, hopes and dreams. A change in direction. 

We have One of the Strongest Nations in the world in our best effort available - Prayer. With God on our side, what can't we do? The Word of God describes our prayers move the Hands of God.

Josephus set out to find a new life having been a General for Judea. Josephus changed his place in the world and became the Historian for 3  Roman Emperors. And Josephus records witnessing the Christians for Jesus. Recording Jesus has lived and His followers do not scatter.  This isn't debated historically.  Jewish Roman Josephus is debated if he actually called Jesus Messiah. The first eyewitness isn't debated.

We would have to get out the Roman Emperor chart to find some less known names to find out who Josephus worked for. When his real moment is describing Jesus.

We always have plans, God decides. We don't have to face the future with fear.  Circumstances always change. We put our Future in God's Hands. We put our Trust in Jesus Christ.

And in Unity, this Nation faces a challenge. One Nation of Republicans, Independents and even Democrats have concerns regarding the Vote. National Polls say 80% of Republicans, 26% of independents and 20% of Democrats fear the Vote wasn't counted or checked following the Law of the Legislatures governing the Nation. And this is worthy of our prayers. And this is the time and the season to pray for the Republic to have the Freedom of the Vote.

God tells us He told Ahaz, Father to King Hezekiah just one time His Son would be born to a Virgin. We don't have to badger and pester God like a corrupt Judge (The Word of God tells us we sometimes think of as God Himself). We merely pray and trust God to bring forth His Word and His Will, only one time is needed. God Himself tells us the anger of man, does not bring forth the Righteousness of God.

Jesus faced a Centurion and prayed for the man's servant to be healed. Jesus didn't divide along national or political lines. Jesus Heals us all. We all, reading this Post, want the True Strength of God in our Republic. God is Love and God is, frankly, Beautiful. 

Jesus tells us in faith, even in Pandemic planet year,  we believe the Light of Jesus shines in us all.

Abba, Holy Spirit

To be Blessed to be asked to have more Heaven on earth.

Jesus dwell in us and those we love

and we will see more Heaven on earth 

and be more Heaven on earth.

To seek You first, 

Thanking the President and Trump Administration for all their work.
The First set Vaccinated.

We Pray for the Republic and the Legal Vote.

Governor Abbott and all 50 Governors and Legislatures.

Today, and always, Senator Tim Scott,
Our Nation to heal and be united.

The end of trouble surrounding this Virus.

The Research done on the Vaccine.

For Elliott with God's continued Healing, to avoid this virus and

his loving family praying and helping him and Harby.

We believe Elliott is healed.

We pray the healing of Dee and Wayne and their daughter and son-in-law.

Father, the Truth, the Way and the Life for our ALL our Nation we pray.

We continue to pray for the Safety of All the Nations.

UK and South Africa.

The Mercy of Jesus Christ Upon Us. 

Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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2 Samuel 23:1-5 ~ does my house stand so with God

 

One Easter, one of our younger family members came to stand next to me at the large family Easter luncheon.  And he said to me, college aged, "Canna asK ewe a qqquestiON?" 

Certainly, I replied. 

He asked, "Why does everrryOne lough the Eeeaster storY eef, They alllll DIed?" 

I looked at him and said, "Did you intend to sound Scottish when asking me?"  

He laughed so hard, he choked. I looked at my other nephew, "Did you hear that, too?" 

And the other nephew smiled and said, "Aye, he had a wee bit o' the brogue there!" 

And the other nephew counted, "I did?" 

And his cousin replied, "Aye, did you intent it?" 

"No!" 

And the merely commenting nephew darted away to not have to be in this particular conversation. And the older nephew remained. "So? Why? Wouldn't it have gone better for Christianity if they had lived? Instead of the Disciples dying? It's not really good God marketing?"

I see his point. It's a wonder of the world.  And another family member once told me, if I read about the Saints, I definitely feel tired. Suddenly worn out. It is difficult, too nigh impossible, to believe that we would die as bravely as the Lord.  Or want to.  And when reading the longest speech, Jesus records, He counsels His disciples to remember His Joy.  And in Easter, we need to remember Jesus didn't come back to life and ask to move to Crete. As He was asked during one of the High Holy Days by Crete Jews on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

Jesus did not ask Peter to walk on water.  Peter asked.  And didn't ask again. Instead, Peter swam to Jesus, after Jesus resurrected.  Jesus asked people allll the time to do specific things when they made prayer requests of Him. Go to see the Priest. Wash in the Pool of Salome. Go back to your family. Don't tell anyone I healed you. And Jesus never asked anyone to dive off the cliff of Nazareth and see how it works out. He never said, fly over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. 

Instead, when Jesus met the blind men calling to Him, He started the conversation by saying, "What do you want? What can I do for you?" This is the same Messiah who knows Zaccheaus by name and his profession and home.  Jesus knows Salvation has come to Zaccheaus and his household today.  And He understands His own Power of mercy, grace and forgiveness has eternal warmth and souls bloom.

Yes, the Disciples died.  They had seen Heaven in the Life Triumphant of God in Jesus. Father of GLORY. What the Disciples had seen, and run out on, was Love.  God's overwhelming Acts and Love.

In the Parables, Jesus says when you have found Heaven, it is a field you purchase with all you have.  Knowing what the field is. God within.  The Disciples found they had to explain what they lived and knew. Jesus Christ. 

Claudius was going to say No Thank You.

Earthquake records

Pontius Pilate wrote about Jesus and Good Friday to Emperor Tiberius 'Claudius' Nero. Tertullian and Justin Martyr refer to an account of Christ's Passion sent by Pilate to Rome. The letter is lost today.

Claudius did not want the half Legion posted in Jerusalem to come home and talk about

Jesus Christ and Good Friday.  The Tribunes were too well respected. 

History 

clearly

records

the massive

Persecutions

of

Christians

the first 300 years

of this AD 

Roman Empire

If the saints tire us out,

what about the "unknown"

Roman Emperors???

(You can skip this extensive List Showing How Important Jesus became to the Roman Empire and the Emperors. This is the Steadfast Love History Principal.)

The Bible in our hands is easily found today. 
We reap what many others fought and died to save. To have the Bible in our hands today.

CLAUDIUS KNEW HE NEEDED THIS TRUTH SNUFFED OUT

Emperor Claudius didn't like the sound of Fighting a King of Kings.

He knew He did not want to battle Tombs opening and the Temples ripped apart. 

And Claudius wanted to snuff out any counter power, which could infringe on his own political power. 

The Bible in our hands is easily found today. We reap what many others fought and died to save. To have the Bible in our hands today.


Before the Coliseum, Claudius had an Imperial Palace on the site of the Coliseum. This is where the people of God found the Roman Empire would begin to destroy Scripture of the New Testament.

 The Roman Colosseum was build by the gold from the destruction of Jerusalem and The Temple of God in 81 A. D.

When Jesus died, Claudius was Emperor of Rome. 

It was Claudius who imprisoned Paul, the first time. In the remote, far away country of Judea, the name of Jesus Christ and His promises and His Word, created unease for Claudius. Imagine this could occur in the time there were no mass methods of communication. It is historical fact. 16 years after the death of Jesus. Claudius has gone from prominence to being an enigma in history.

Jesus Christ has gone forth.

Claudius – Imprisoned Christians. Reigned 25 -54 AD. Emperor during the death and resurrection of Jesus. Imprisoned Paul, for his first imprisonment, house arrest.

We can see the rooms Nero lived in where he killed his 2nd wife.

This was their home, part of the invention of Shopping Malls could be credited to crazy Nero

Galba – Put St. Paul and others to death. 69 AD

Otho & Vittelius– only 4 months as Emperor

Vespasian – Sent Titus to destroy Jerusalem in 70 AD, it was the natural end time of Jesus’ life. It is said it is the prophecies Jesus spoke of, His forgiveness was given to the people of His generation. In that destruction, the Temple of the Jews has not been built in 2,000 years. (In 300 A.D, a third temple had the materials gathered, but earthquake, war and fire put an end to that.) Jewish Sacrifice has not been practiced for 2,000 years, it is forsaken. The Jews don’t even know why. God said Jesus was the sacrifice for you.

Titus – See Arch of Titus, still standing, in Rome today. The Temple Tools minus the Ark of the Covenant, is carved in the marble. The profit from the sack of Jerusalem is used for the Coliseum. The Coliseum was used to burn Christians until Constantine naively adopted Christianity thinking Christians would be model citizens. Still a triumph for the 1,100 Bishops, Priests, Christians proclaiming Jesus Christ for 300 years even if they would be burned alive for it.

Then the Temple Tools carved upon the Arch of Titus, looked like this:

Domitian – Hauled St. John from Ephesus and exiled him to Patmos. Continued to be fearful of Christians. Conducted one of the fiercest battles against Christians. Under Domitan, the Church split in half. Domitan Heresy - the Church is only for saints. Domitan tortured until Christians surrendered every fragment of the Gospels and New Testament he could find. 81-96. Because of Domitan – we have the word traitor. Part of the Church wanted to forever exile anyone who lied to get out of torture or gave up Scripture. Forgiveness is the business of the Church and Jesus Christ.

Because of Domitan, we only have 15 fragments, Ryland Papyrus and Papyrus 46 of the Gospel before 96 AD. But these portions exist and date to 30 AD. Hebrews 9 tells us, when Paul wrote Hebrews, the Second Temple is in operation.

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The Love of Jesus Christ opening His arms to slaves, lepers, women, the poor, the wife of the steward of Herod’s household, Nicodemus of the Sanhedrin Council and Josephus. Ian Wilson records a letter from a Jewish rabbi, of Lyracanthra, saying it would be the end of Judaism because of the incredible miracles of healing, restoration, life transformation and complete hope. These are letters confirming the Gospels show the Rabbi to be extremely unhappy. Josephus, the Israeli General turned traitor, turned Historian says Jesus was the Christ and his brother James formed the later Christian Church until martyred in 62 AD.

Trajan (c. 53 - 117) Philosopher Pliny the Younger's letter to Trajan on the subject of the Christians and the response of Trajan to Pliny the Younger. On Early Christian Writings. How to torture Christians to discredit the claims of Jesus Christ.

Hadrian (c. 76 - 138) Foxe's Book of Martyrs -- Persecution Under Trajan...... The forenamed authors, Antoninus and Equilius

Antoninus Pius (c. 86 - 161) Instead of stirring up persecution against the Christians, he extended to them the strong hand of his protection throughout the empire. Rather than give occasion to that oppression which he regarded as inseparable from an emperor's progress through his dominions, he was content to spend all the years of his reign in Rome, or its neighborhood. Under his patronage the science of jurisprudence was cultivated by men of high ability, and a number of humane and equitable enactments were passed in his name. 161 – 180 166 Christian persecution returned - The period was one of ever-increasing calamities. The earthquakes which had alarmed Asia under Antoninus were but the prelude to more serious convulsions. The Tiber rose to an unprecedented height and swept away the public granaries. This was followed by a famine, and that by a pestilence, which spread from Egypt and Ethiopia westward. Everywhere on the frontiers there were murmurs of insurrection or invasion. The year 166 was long known as the "annus calamitosus," and it was in that year that the persecution broke out and that Justin suffered. These calamities roused the superstition of the great mass of the people, and a wild fanaticism succeeded to an epicurean atheism. The gods were wrath, and what had roused their anger but the presence of those who denied them?

Marcus Aurelius (c. 121 - 180) The Thundering Legion incident (174)

During the war with the Quadi in 174 there took place the famous incident of the Thundering Legion (Legio Fulminatrix, Fulminea, Fulminata) which has been a cause of frequent controversy between Christian and non-Christian writers. The Roman army was surrounded by enemies with no chance of escape, when a storm burst. The rain poured down in refreshing showers on the Romans, while the enemy were scattered with lightning and hail. The parched and famishing Romans received the saving drops first on their faces and parched throats, and afterwards in their helmets and shields, to refresh their horses. Marcus obtained a glorious victory as a result of this extraordinary event, and his enemies were hopelessly overthrown.

That such an event did really happen is attested both by pagan and Christian writers. The former attribute the occurrence either to magic (Dion Cassius, LXXI, 8-10) or to the prayers of the emperor (Capitolinus, "Vita Marci", XXIV; Themistius, "Orat. XV ad Theod"; Claudian, "De Sext. Cons. Hon.", V, 340 sqq.; "Sibyl. Orac.", ed. Alezandre, XII, 196 sqq. Cf. Bellori, "La Colonne Antonine", and Eckhel, "Doctrina Nummorum", III, 64). The Christian writers attributed the fact to the prayers of the Christians who were in the army (Claudius Apollinaris in Eusebius, Church History V.5; Tertullian, "Apol.", v; ad Seap. c. iv), and soon there grew up a legend to the effect that in consequence of this miracle the emperor put a stop to the persecution of the Christians (cf. Euseb. and Tert. opp cit.).

It must be conceded that the testimony of Claudius is the most valuable of all that we possess, as he wrote within a few years of the event, and that all credit must be given to the prayers of the Christians given to Tertullian

Lucius Verus (co-emperor) (c. 130 - 169) with Marcus Aurelius
180 - 192

Commodus (c. 161 - 192) All these who failed to follow the decree were brought to the Senate and were tried. This decree was a forceful attempt to put down Christians completely. But the followers who believed in Jesus Christ refused to accept this and many were ready to face the trial. "The Passion of the Scillitan Martyrs" written.

Persecution slows down -

Pertinax (193)

Didius Julianus (193) .

Septimius Severus (193-211) Edict makes it illegal to convert to Christianity; persecution especially in North Africa, ca. 203: Perpetua & Felicity martyred in Carthage (North Africa)

Caracalla (211-217)

Macrinus (217-218)

Elagabalus (218-222)

Severus Alexander (222-235)

Maximinus (235-238)

Gordian I and II (238)

Balbinus (238)

Pupienus (238)

Gordian III (238-244)

Philip the Arab (244-249) .

Trajanus Decius (249-251) 250: Major Empire-Wide Persecution; Christians required to participate in Emperor Worship. Bishop Fabian of Rome martyred; Bishop Cyprian of Carthage exiled; Origen of Alexandria tortured to death.

Trebonianus Gallus (251-253)

Aemilian (253) .
Valerian (253-260) ca. 258: Bishop Cyprian of Carthage martyred
Gallienus (253-268)
Claudius Gothicus (268-270) .
Aurelian (270-275) some persecutions
Tacitus (275-276)
Probus (276-282)
Carus (282-283)
Carinus (283-284)
Numerian (283-284) .

Diocletian (284-305) Major Empire-Wide Persecution begins ca. 303; confiscation of Christian churches and books; arrest, torture, and execution of many Christian leaders. Personally sends troops to Nazareth, the Bishop of Caesarea Eusibius records Diocletian offering clemency to the nephews carefully recording their ancestry to Jesus Christ. All refuse and are tortured and put to death. Diocletian sends troops to Turkey to place the Bishop Nicholas (also known as St. Nicholas or, in German, Santa Claus, in prison.

& Maximian (286-305) Major Empire-Wide Persecution begins ca. 303; confiscation of Christian Churches and books; arrest, torture, and execution of many Christian leaders

Constantius Chlorus (305-306)
Maxentius (306-312) .
Galerius (305-311)
Licinius (311-323) 311: Edict of Galerius: toleration for Christians, allowing them to worship openly

Constantine was forced as a nephew to the Emperor to go to Nazareth and torture and kill the descendents of the Brothers of Jesus. All refused to decant Jesus. All perished. A week Constantine would have to change his life. Bishop Eusebius is eyewitness to Constantines arrival and departure for this purpose.

Constantine (307-337) 313: Edict of Constantine (Edict of Milan): toleration for all religions, including Christianity; ends persecutions

Constantine's position on the religions traditionally practiced in Rome evolved during his reign. At first he prohibited the construction of new temples and tolerated traditional sacrifices; by the end of his reign, he had begun to order the pillaging and tearing down of Roman temples. The day Christianity officially arrived in the Roman Empire was in 325 A.D. The First Council of Nicaea is regarded as the first Ecumenical Council of the Christian Church. Invited by Emperor Constantine, about 318 world-wide Bishops (including St. Nicholas), who had risked their lives and were condemned for serving Jesus, traveled across continents and oceans, continued to risk their lives in dangerous travel, to express the basis of the Church today and choose the Books of the Bible.

(* The above information was gathered from several sources and paraphrased.)

The triumph of Christianity is actually a very remarkable historical phenomenon

The Roman Colosseum was build by the gold from the destruction of Jerusalem and The Temple of God in 81 A. D.

All these centuries of persecution. Jesus took His Disciples to Caesarea and explained His Church would overcome all darkness even to the gates of hell.

It was the size of the enemy that took the world by surprise. 

IT WAS THE SIZE of THE ENEMY

And the Length of the Fight

THAT TOOK THE WORLD'S NOTICE

And they wanted to know WHY JESUS CHRIST?

When we ask why the Disciples died, we can figure this out pretty quickly. 

But when we consider two more important facts. 1) Why didn't this just pass on by? Even the Roman Emperor Historians were so very intrigued by the events of the Christians of the day.  The Sheer Bravery.  2) We have to consider the Gospels spread by those who wanted to Live and Love and speak of Jesus and move far from the conflict. Carrying the rare papyrus in their hands. Like Papyrus 46. Salvation in Jesus from Living and Speaking and Praying and Loving Others!!!!!

And what is the condition of those who would put down their lives?

Consider King David.  He lived the poverty of being overlooked by his father, Jesse, in the number of good sons. To be a famous young warrior given a princess of Saul's to wed. To become hated by the king. Outlaw. On the run. Family in danger. Mercenary. By passed after Saul and Jonathon died. Passé. Done for. Done in. And crowned with little kingdoms, until the fourth coronation day.

Why would this King risk his throne for what he believed God would give him?

What would King David say upon dying?

2 Samuel 23:1-5

Now, these are the last words of David:

The oracle of David, the son of Jesse,

the oracle of the man who was raised on high,

the anointed of the God of Jacob,

the sweet psalmist of Israel:

2

“The Spirit of the Lord speaks by me;

His Word is on my tongue.

3

The God of Israel has Spoken;

the Rock of Israel has said to me:

When one rules justly over men,

ruling in the fear of God,

He dawns on them 

like the morning Light,

like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning

Like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth.

“For does not my house stand so with God?

For He has made with me 

an everlasting covenant,

ordered in all things and secure."

Revelation 22:1 

 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, 

bright as crystal, 

flowing from the throne of God 

and 

of the Lamb

Matthew 5:8 

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 

Abba, Father, 

Know the Scriptures,

Know the Power of God.

And we will believe in the One He has Sent.

Surely, He took on our infirmities 

and carried our sorrows; 

yet, we considered Him stricken by God, 

struck down and afflicted.  

But He was pierced for our transgressions,

 He was crushed for our iniquities; 

the punishment that brought us peace 

was upon Him, 

and by His stripes 

we are healed. 

Each Day we are Blessed 

to ask for more

More Heaven on earth.

More Give us This Day.

More Daily Bread.

The Universe is upheld

by the 

Power of Your Word.

May The Lord God Almighty

His Son Jesus

surround and uphold us

in This Peace.

The Peace is Upheld by God Himself 

and 

we ask

His Blessing and Favor.

Gently, we hand You our Cares

knowing Your Hands hold

this so well.

Tenderly.

And we are Loved and Filled.

We give thanks for

Your Sacrifice

to bring those unworthy

to be adopted into Your Family.

Knowing we are not perfect,

have weakness,

flaws 

and sins.

And draw near to you with confidence

in Jesus Christ

according to Your Will

Your Word

Your Steadfast Love

and Your Promises in Jesus.

Dwell in us

and help us to be Pleasing to You

Dwell in those we Love and Honor

and help us to seek You first

and we will end well in Jesus Christ.

In the Highest Name 

of Jesus Christ,

Amen

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Our Lord Jesus