Christian Persecution: Antiquity to Contemporary - Part 04

This is a small group discussion on early church persecution from the Church of Acts to Emperor Constantine. This lesson covers the following Martyrs and Roman Emperors:
M: Church teachers, "Confessors," Origen, Christian leaders of the state, Cyprian of Carthage, and Sixtus II of Rome (incl. Saint Lawrence)
E: Maximinus the Thracian, Decius, Valerian
Key Points:
A. Do not focus on the persecution (Great Commission)
B. Focus on the converts and disciples (Matt. 28:18-20)
-- Persecution is meant to get our eyes off the Great Commandment --
C. Focus on miraculous presence of God in the persecution (Acts 14:19, 5)
D. Focus on sharing of brotherhood with God - the person of Jesus (Romans 8:17)