Persecution in the Early Church

What was the primary reason for the Roman persecution of Christians?

• Refusal to worship Roman gods and the emperor.

• Support for Jewish traditions

• Desire to expand the Roman Empire

• Economic competition with Christians

Which Roman Emperor is known for the first major persecution of Christians?

• Nero

• Tiberius

• Augustus

• Caligula

What were some common methods of execution used during the Roman persecutions?

• Hanging

• Lethal injection

• Electric chair

• Crucifixion, burning at the stake, and being thrown to wild animals.

Who was the first Christian martyr, according to tradition?

• Saint Peter

• Saint Paul

• Saint John

• Saint Stephen

What role did the early Christians' refusal to worship Roman gods play in their persecution?

• The refusal to worship Roman gods led to persecution as it was seen as disloyalty and a threat to the Roman state.

• They were favored by the Roman authorities for their beliefs.

• They were persecuted for their refusal to pay taxes.

• Their worship of Roman gods was seen as a unifying force.

Which famous early Christian writer documented the martyrdom of many saints?

• Eusebius of Caesarea

• Augustine of Hippo

• Clement of Alexandria

• Tertullian

What was the significance of the Edict of Milan in relation to Christian persecution?

• The Edict of Milan was a declaration against religious tolerance.

• The Edict of Milan increased the persecution of Christians.

• The Edict of Milan ended the persecution of Christians and granted them religious tolerance.

• The Edict of Milan established Christianity as the state religion.

How did the martyrdom of early saints influence the growth of Christianity?

• The martyrdom of early saints inspired conversions and strengthened the Christian community.

• The martyrdom led to the decline of Christianity.

• Early saints were not martyred, so it had no influence.

• Martyrdom had no impact on the Christian community.

What was the impact of public spectacles on the perception of Christians in Roman society?

• Public spectacles contributed to a negative perception of Christians as outsiders and morally inferior in Roman society.

• Public spectacles had no effect on the perception of Christians in society.

• Christians were celebrated as heroes during public spectacles.

• Public spectacles improved the image of Christians as virtuous citizens.

Can you name one early saint who was martyred and is celebrated in the Christian tradition?

• Saint Peter

• Saint Paul

• Saint Stephen

• Saint John