Mister Richardson’s
Church History Class

Chapter 2 Outline

A. Persecution in the Bible

• Stephen, the first martyr
• James, brother of Jesus
• Paul
• John

B. Persecution under Nero

• The burning of Rome in 64
• Death of Peter and Paul
• Extent of Neronic persecution

C. Other early Martyrs

• Clement of Rome, under Domitian
• Ignatius, under Trajan
• Polycarp
• Justin Martyr under Marcus Aurelius
• Origen, under Valerian

D. Persecution under Marcus Aurelius (161-180)

• Confiscation of property
• Torture
• Execution in the arenas

E. Persecution under Septimius Severus (200-211)

• Occurred around Egypt
• Death of Origen's parents
• Death of Irenaeus
• Conversion to Christianity forbidden

F. Other Persecutions

• Maximinus the Thracian (235-236): Clergy to be executed
• Decius (249-251): First general persecution
• Diocletian (303-311): Worst of all
• Galerius ends general persecutions in 311

QUESTIONS
1. How did persecution affect the Church?
2. What were the catacombs?
3. Why did the Romans persecute Christians?
4. Why is little known about the Church from AD 70 to AD 300?

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