#2

From Persecution to Freedom: Two Key Emperors

Prequel of Persecution:
Roman religion = Caesar is Lord

Earliest Christian Profession = Jesus is Lord

Roman religion = Inconsistent; sporadic

Christianity = under persecution, spread uncontrollably

[See example of writing of persecution in WR: #3 Justin Martyr and #4 Perpetua]

chthus = fish = secret symbol

Jesus Christ God Son Savior

AD 312 Persecution of Christianity Ends

The Battle of Milvian Bridge, AD 312
Constantine/Constantinople
Battle of Milvian Bridge vs. competing emperor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlnJRyZTfEo
Dreaming of the Chi Rho
Edict of Toleration , AD 313

chi rho = christos = Messiah = Lord

Sets all (specifically Christians) free

. . . any one of these who wishes to observe Christian religion may do so freely and
openly, without molestation. . . . we have given to those Christians free and unrestricted
opportunity of religious worship. . . . we have also conceded to other religions the
right of open and free observance of their worship for the sake of the peace of our
times, that each one may have the free opportunity to worship as he pleases ; this
regulation is made that we may not seem to detract from any dignity or any religion.
Constantines Far-Reaching Influence on Christian History
http://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=chi%20rho
Christianity Becomes the Only Legal Religion of Rome
Theodosius I, On Catholic and Heretic, AD 381
It is our desire that all should continue to the profession of that religion which was
delivered to the Romans by the divine Apostle Peter . . . . According to the apostolic
teaching and the doctrine of the Gospel, let us believe in the one deity of the Father,
Son and Holy Spirit, in equal majesty and in a holy Trinity. We authorize the followers
of this law to assume the title Catholic Christians; but as for the others, since in our
judgment they are foolish madmen, we decree that they shall be branded with the
ignominious name of heretics, . . . . They will suffer in the first place the chastisement of
divine condemnation and the second the punishment of our authority.

Ultimate Questions:
(1)
(2)

Why did the persecution of Christians end?

Political expediency?
Historical accident?
What do words such as toleration, and freedom of worship really mean?

Sovereign will of God?