According to The Romans, Village to Empire, “The third Jewish revolt of 132-135 and its aftermath unequivocally differentiated Christians from Jews, and Christians began to be found among the municipal elite a generation or so thereafter.” A church hierarchy was formed in Rome, demonstrating the church’s increased sophistication, spreading into the equestrian and senatorial orders. Starting in the third century, there were three Roman state persecutions of Christians. These persecutions created martyrs or witnesses. Boatwright explained, “When ordered to sacrifice and to curse Christ, the martyrs refused, even though they were aware that this would lead to torture and death. Some Christians bewildered and irked the authorities by presenting themselves voluntarily for martyrdom. Altogether, the persecutions actually strengthened Christianity.” These Christians inspired non-Christians. The presentation of bravery and an unshakeable faith encouraged the perception that Christians were a beleaguered minority that was suffering. The Martyrdom of Perpetua, spread throughout the empire, told stories of martyrs of Christianity. It strengthened Christian conviction and faith in the eyes of the …show more content…
Once Constantine heard the voice of God, the rise of Christianity in Rome surged. In 312, Constantine, on the eve of battle at Milvian Bridge, heard God say, “In Hoc Signo Vinces” or “With This Symbol You Will Win.” Believing Jesus was a war god, Constantine after a vision of the Chi Rho, ordered the symbol placed on the Roman army’s shields. After victory was achieved, Suddenly, Christians came out of hiding and worshipped publicly. The days of persecution were gone. Constantine demonstrated his piety by placing the bronze doors of the Senate on the new Christian Church. It was the first act by Constantine turning to Christianity. Constantine granted special exemptions from mandatory government service to the Christian clergy. He also gave the Christian churches a share of the imperial revenue. Constantine’s Edict of Milan, put an end to persecutions of Christians. Constantine declared Palestine as the Holy Land for the pilgrimage of Christians. Constantine at the first world council of the Christian church dictated that Christ was indeed one being with the Father, which is found in the Nicene Creed of current times. Constantine built many Christian churches. Constantine legislated that Sunday is an official day of rest. Constantine declared the Roman Empire as Christian, outlawing all other religions. Constantine died as a baptized Christian. Constantine was the final factor in the