Toby Anderson-Jone

Christians and persecution

A 1) Describe the persecution of Christians in Rome by Nero.

Nero (CE 37-68) was a Roman emperor who reigned from CE 54 until 14 years

later when he died. His reign is better known for a fire that incinerated

much of Rome in CE 64. Nero built the Golden House, a gigantic palace, in

the middle of the destroyed area. Many had rumoured that Nero himself had

arranged for the fire to be started so that he would be able to build the

magnificent palace.

At this time, Christianity had started to develop in small groups within

Rome, but unfortunately, Christians were seen as outcasts and were very

unpopular at this time. Nero also felt hatred towards Christians and was

well known for their oppression. The fire that he had arranged had proven

to be a perfect opportunity for him, to blame the Christians and persecuted

the group further.

2) Explain why some people think that Mark's gospel was written for non-Jews

facing persecution.

There is much evidence in Mark's gospel that leads many people to believe

that he wrote it for the benefit of Christians and non-Jews facing

persecution. Whether or no this is correct will never be known but by

examining his gospel, there are many examples that this may be true.

In Mark's gospel, Jesus, on many occasions questioned Jewish authority. In
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the story of Jesus calls Levi (Mark 2-13), Jesus asked a tax collector named

Levi to follow him. They returned to Levi's house, along with other tax

collectors and outcasts and all sat and had a meal together. The Jewish

leaders and Pharisees saw Jesus with these outcasts and asked his disciples

why he was doing so. Jesus heard them and said "People who are well do not

need a doctor, but only those who are sick. I have not come to call

respectable people, but ...

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