ACTIVELY SEEKING IT OUT

Almost two thousand years ago, the times in which Christians lived were terrible. It was a time of trials and tribulation. Roman empire was ruled by Diocletian. He was bitterly  opposed to the Christian faith.

On 12 August 304 AD, Euplius, a Christian deacon from the present day Sicily, is martyred for owning the Scriptures, and openly proclaiming himself as a Christian, loudly and repeatedly. He was taken a prisoner, and was commanded to recant.

According to historical records, while Euplius was being tortured on the rack, the Roman governor ordered him to worship Mars, Apollos, and Aeculapius, but he answered that he worshipped the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. He was beheaded in 304. 

Matthew 5:10-12 – “10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Martyrdom was so common under Emperor Diocletian. Many Christians expected it and some, like Euplius, actively sought it out. May the LORD help us stand firm in our faith, as did many men and women of God in the past.