“If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that
you bear that name.” 1 Peter 4:16
Christian Martyrs A martyr is a person who is killed or executed because of their beliefs or religion. Martyrs were executed by stoning, crucifixion, burning at the stake, torture, beheading, etc. A martyr, these days, is one who is admired by modern day people due to their strong and public dedication their faith and religious beliefs.
Persecution Persecution is when a person or group are made to suffer for some reason. Christians have always faced suffering, following the example of Jesus.
How were Early Christian Communities persecuted? Early Christian communities endured a great deal of persecution under the Roman Empire and the emperor Nero. A large Christian community had gathered in Rome and it was there were the emperor Nero launched a fierce persecution of Christians. They went to their deaths with derision and were covered with skins of wild animals, ripped to pieces by dogs, they were also persecuted by being nailed to crosses, set on fire, beheaded or stoning. Early Christian communities suffered torture and horrific punishments and persecutions.
Why were Early Christian Communities persecuted? The large Christian communities in Rome suffered a harsh persecution by the Emperor Nero and were blamed for a fire that swamped the city. The Roman authorities were faced with the Christian community that they could not comprehend. Jesus had died on the cross, so there was no higher honour than to imitate that death through accepting martyrdom and persecution. Also, the Romans believed that bad things will happen to them if the Roman God's are not respected and worshiped by everyone. It was during this time that both ST peter and St Paul were martyred in Rome. The Romans were very indifferent and cruel to Christian communities.