In the Roman Empire, everyone undertook the worship of the emperor and pagan gods. However, Christians did not tend to these rituals and kept to themselves. They were considered anti-social and started getting the attention of the police, something they did not want nor need.
The Romans saw many Christian practises as strange and even unacceptable. Talk of eating the body and blood of Christ and the customary greeting with a kiss brought charges of cannibalism and incest. Their beliefs were also considered pointless and unworthy of respect. A drawing found in Rome of a man with a donkey’s head hanging on a cross gives an idea of what pagans thought of Christian beliefs.
Before the Roman persecutions, Christians were disliked by the Jews who became jealous of their new religion.
“Then the high priests and all his associates, who
were members of the party of the Sadducees, were
filled with jealously.”
(Acts 5:17-18)
Christians became to be regarded as lower members of society and lived their lives in secrecy for fear of persecution. The Jewish population feared the Christians and hated them for what they believed. Firstly, Jewish authorities were worried that lots of Jews would convert to Christianity, and secondly they said that Christians were blaspheming by saying that Jesus was their God and he walked the Earth. Blasphemy was the greatest form of sin for the Jews and when they heard the Christians were doing so, they showed great hatred towards them and wanted them to leave.
The first Christian martyr was St. Stephen. He met his death for being a Christian and was killed by the Jews. Stephen preached to the Sanhedrin and spread the word of God. This stirred up trouble and hatred for the people did not want to be taught differently. Therefore, Stephen was killed.
“They all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city
and began to stone him.”
(Acts 7:57-58)
The persecution of early Christians and the Church has been necessary for the growth and strengthening of Christianity. Although many Christians suffered at the hands of their persecutors, we can only say that Christianity has benefited from it and given it a solid foundation with the world today.