2. I. The “Myth and Reality” of Persecution in the Early Church CH-625-Early Church (TSM) Lesson-05 2 A “continual bloodbath of myriads upon myriads of numberless Christians” ? (Guy, p. 50)

3. II. A History of the Persecutions CH-625-Early Church (TSM) Lesson-05 3 A.New Testament period to Neronian Persecution (54-68) Stephen’s stoning (Acts 6-7) Stephen’s stoning (Acts 6-7) Apostles Peter and Paul martyred in 65 Apostles Peter and Paul martyred in 65 Peter’s Tomb by Pedro Berruguete

4. II. A History of the Persecutions CH-625-Early Church (TSM) Lesson-05 4 B. From Domitian (81- 96) to Trajan (98-117) Pliny & Trajan’s correspondence (ca. 112) Pliny & Trajan’s correspondence (ca. 112) Trajan

5. II. A History of the Persecutions CH-625-Early Church (TSM) Lesson-05 5 C.From Hadrian (117- 38) to Septimus Severus (193-211) martyrdoms of Polycarp, Perpetua, Felicity, ca. 155 martyrdoms of Polycarp, Perpetua, Felicity, ca. 155

6. II. A History of the Persecutions CH-625-Early Church (TSM) Lesson-05 6 D. From Decius (249- 251) to Valerian (253-260) Cyprian’s martyrdom in 258 Cyprian’s martyrdom in 258

7. II. A History of the Persecutions CH-625-Early Church (TSM) Lesson-05 7 E. The “Great Persecution” of Diocletian (284-305), beginning in 303 Diocletian

8. II. A History of the Persecutions CH-625-Early Church (TSM) Lesson-05 8 F. The varied reasons for these persecutions? Trajan’s Forum & Market

9. III. The Prizing of Christian Martyrdom: what did martyrdom actually mean to Christians? CH-625-Early Church (TSM) Lesson-05 9 A. Martyr v. Confessor Ignatius of Antioch martyred 110

10. III. The Prizing of Christian Martyrdom: what did martyrdom actually mean to Christians? CH-625-Early Church (TSM) Lesson-05 10 B. Roots of the martyr ideal—the Maccabean Revolt (173-164 B.C.) Icon of the Maccabean Martyrs

11. III. The Prizing of Christian Martyrdom: what did martyrdom actually mean to Christians? CH-625-Early Church (TSM) Lesson-05 11 C. Why not armed resistance? Barna da Sienna, 14 th c.

12. III. The Prizing of Christian Martyrdom: what did martyrdom actually mean to Christians? CH-625-Early Church (TSM) Lesson-05 12 D. The precedent of St. Stephen (Acts 6-7) The Stoning of Stephen by Pietro da Cortona

13. III. The Prizing of Christian Martyrdom: what did martyrdom actually mean to Christians? CH-625-Early Church (TSM) Lesson-05 13 E.Further developments in the meaning and significance of the martyrs (William G. Bixler) 1.The ultimate context 2.The ultimate companion 3.The ultimate crown 4.From love to veneration Icon of Ignatius of Antioch martyred in 110

14. IV. The Case of Polycarp CH-625-Early Church (TSM) Lesson-05 14