Chris and Casey discuss the first main period of Christian persecution in history. Beginning with the Jerusalem saints and the martyrdom of Stephen, they survey the main persecutions and well-known martyrdoms of early Christianity. They note the reasons, methods, and results of the persecution of these believers. Among the notable figures discussed are some apostles, Polycarp, and the most notorious Roman emperors who enforced state-sponsored persecution on Christians. As well as the good results that came, they highlight the misuses and abuses of persecution and martyrdom by the early worshipers of Jesus.

Recommended Resources:

The Acts of the Apostles

The Church History of Eusebius

The Martyrdom of Polycarp

The Journal of Perpetua

the histories of Tacitus

the letter of Pliny the Younger to the emperor

Foxe's Book of Martyrs