Excerpt from St. Polycarp: Bishop of Smyrna
The Letter of the Smyrnaeans embodies the fullest and not the least affecting contemporary narrative of an early martyrdom. The faith, constancy,'' and courtesy of the aged Bishop are a striking illustration of the power work ing in the Roman world since Pentecost, and gradually subduing it. With the exception of the obvious inter polation or misreading of the dove in Chap. Xvi. There is nothing of the grotesquely marvellous which disfigures some later stories. The placing of the martyrdom under Antoninus Pius furnishes an illustration of the fact that the reigns of good emperors were not good times for the Church. The period between ad. 98 and 180, covering the generally beneficent reigns of Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius, includes famous persecutions. The accession of the brutal Commodus brought relief. Solong as Christianity was not a Religio Licita it was always open to a zealous or hostile magis trate to put unrepealed edicts in force. Bishop Lightfoot dates the martyrdom of Publius Bishop of Athens (euseb. Hist. Ecc. Iv. And of Ptolemaeus and Lucius (justin, ii. As well as that of Polycarp and his com panions, in the reign of Antoninus Pius. The second of these cases supplies a striking illustration of the state of things normally obtaining in the empire. Arrest might come at any moment, without organized and general persecution. The form of procedure indicates that later reigns saw no abrogation of the principle formulated under Trajan, that the bare confession of Christianity was held to be a capital offence irrespectively of any moral offences included in an accusation.
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Paperback. Etat : New. Print on Demand. This book delves into the life and legacy of a prominent figure in early Christianity, offering a window into the faith and practices of the second century Church. Through meticulous examination of historical records, including letters, testimonies, and early church writings, the author reconstructs the story of this influential bishop and martyr. The book places its subject within the broader context of the development of Christian theology and church organization in the post-apostolic era. It explores the challenges faced by early Christian communities, including persecution under Roman rule and the rise of heretical movements. Readers will gain insights into the significant role this bishop played in shaping Christian thought and practice, particularly his emphasis on adhering to apostolic teachings and maintaining unity within the church. Themes of faith, perseverance, and martyrdom are central to the narrative. The book highlights the unwavering commitment of early Christians to their beliefs, even in the face of adversity. It also examines the development of practices such as the veneration of martyrs and the importance of charitable works. Ultimately, this book offers a compelling portrait of a pivotal figure in Christian history and sheds light on the formative years of the Christian church. Its exploration of early Christian faith and practice provides valuable insights into the enduring legacy of this influential bishop and the development of Christianity as a global religion. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book. print-on-demand item. N° de réf. du vendeur 9781331243762_0
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PAP. Etat : New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. N° de réf. du vendeur LW-9781331243762
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PAP. Etat : New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. N° de réf. du vendeur LW-9781331243762
Quantité disponible : 15 disponible(s)