[85:2] Matt. iv., 18; Mark i., 16-20.
[85:3] Matt. viii., 14; Mark i., 29-31; Luke iv., 38.
[85:4] Matt. iv., 18; xix., 27; Mark i., 16; John i., 35, 40, 51; Luke v.; xviii., 28.
[85:5] Mark iii., 13-19; Luke vi., 12-16.
CHAPTER VI
THE ROMAN GOVERNMENT'S TREATMENT OF THE CHRISTIANS
Outline: I.—Religious persecutions before the Christian era. II.—Christians first persecuted by the Jews. III.—Causes and motives of persecution by the Roman government. IV.—Number and general character of the persecutions. V.—Results of persecutions. VI.—Sources.
Religious persecution originated long before the Christian era began—in fact it runs through the whole history of religion. In Rome all citizens were required by law to conform to the Roman religion so that the gods would protect the state. Refusal brought punishment, but always on political grounds.[91:1] Foreign religions which were either harmless or helpful were often adopted, or at least tolerated.[91:2] Those, however, which were dangerous to public morality, social order, or political security, and which were not tolerant of other religions, were severely treated by the Roman government. This was the Roman legal principle of procedure in the case of every such religion,[91:3] hence when Christianity appeared,
Rome had already developed a distinct policy which first tolerated and then persecuted it.