Early Persecutions
& Martyrs of the Faith

Persecution in the early Church was marked by a complex interplay of political, social, and religious factors.  Early Christians often refused to worship the Roman gods or the emperor, which was seen as a challenge to the established social order and religious traditions. This refusal led to accusations of disloyalty to the state. Christians were accused of undermining the empire’s stability by refusing to participate in public religious practices, which were viewed as essential to the welfare of the state. Christians were often labeled as atheists because they rejected the traditional pantheon of Roman gods, which was a cornerstone of Roman civic life.  Thus, Christians were convenient scapegoats for disasters, such as plagues or military defeats, often blamed for incurring the gods’ wrath.

Their secretive worship practices and the communal nature of their gatherings also fostered rumors and misunderstandings.  The Eucharist was misunderstood by outsiders, leading to accusations that Christians engaged in cannibalism due to their practice of consuming the “body and blood” of Christ.  The term “brother” and “sister” used among Christians for fellow believers raised suspicions about immoral relationships, leading to claims of incest within Christian communities. This combination of misunderstandings, political fears, and social dynamics contributed to a cycle of persecution that would persist for centuries.