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                                                               PREFACE

As far as the Jewish leaders were concerned, Jesus Christ was put to death for "political" reasons. His ministry was of such a nature as to threaten the security of Israel. It was for this reason that the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together a council.

"What do we?" they questioned, "for this man doeth many miracles. If we let Him alone, all men will believe on Him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation."

Then Caiaphas, the High Priest, responded, "Ye know nothing at all, nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not." (John 11:48-50; see also: Mark 3:6)

So it was that in the eyes of Israel's national leaders, Jesus Christ suffered for "political reasons.

The Church of Jesus Christ has from its inception also suffered for supposes "political" reasons. With only brief respites in history, the state has constantly menaced the Church. Philip Schaff tells us that for three hundred years the Roman government prohibited by law the free exercise of Christianity, and that the profession of Christianity was punishable as a "political" crime.

Of the ten major persecutions undertaken by the Romans, the third century witnessed two "Imperial" persecutions, which were empire-wise in their scope, and the complete extirpation of the Church was their aim. Religious toleration meant meeting "State Requirements" included among which was the giving honor and worship to the Roman Emperor, and the rendering complete obedience to all the laws of the empire. Christians were thus required to surrender their allegiance and worship to the State.

In each of the Synoptic Gospels Christ warned His people, "Ye shall he hated of all men for My name's sake." (Matthew 10:22; Mark 15:13; Luke 21:17). But why was the early church so hated? In his book Great Leaders of the Christian Church, Mr. Elgin Moyer states three basic reasons: first, Rigid Morality; second, Loyalty and Devotion to Christ; and third, Religious Exclusivism. Because Christians separated from employments and diversions, which involved heathen worship, superstition or immorality, they were considered "Unsociable." Because they sought to be obedient to the Lord's command of making disciples of all nations, they became offensive to Roman law. Because they used no images in their worship, they were regarded as "Atheists." Because they refused to obey laws violating their con-sciences, they were considered "Anarchists." Because they conducted unlicensed meetings, they were regarded as "Criminal." And because they observed the Lord's Supper, they were considered "Immoral", even "Cannibals."

If they were willing to sacrifice, they would be acquitted; but as Mr. Williston Walker says, "From the standpoint of a faithful Christian, this was a test which could only be met by martyrdom," and thousands of men and women, young people in the blossom of life, as well as "budding" children met this test and "sailed through bloody seas." Others sought refuge in the Catacombs, a series of subterranean passages estimated by some to be nine hundred miles in length, most of which had been made to serve as burial vaults.

Yet, the Blessed Redeemer did not leave them comfortless. "Blessed are ye," He said, "when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and shall cast out your name as Evil, for the Son of Man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in Heaven: for in like manner did their fathers unto the prophets."

The passage then continues with a series of solemn warnings: "But woe unto you that are Rich! for ye have received your consolation. Woe unto you that are Full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that Laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets." (Luke 6:22-26)

But to His Church Christ counseled, "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in Heaven." (Matthew 5:44,45a)
 
 
 

Preface