What impact did Domitian have on Christian history?
Domitian (Oct. 24, AD 51—Sept. 18, AD 96), was Roman Emperor from AD 81—96. He was the third and last member of the Flavian dynasty. His father, Vespasian, was a Roman general who was besieging Jerusalem in 68 when Nero died and the empire was thrown into chaos. He “assumed the purple” in 69 and…
Who was Valentinus? What was Valentinianism?
Valentinus (AD 100—160) was an early Gnostic theologian. Valentinus was born in Phrebonis, Egypt, but moved to Alexandria as a child. He was given a Greek education and supposedly became a student of Theudas, who had studied with the apostle Paul. History says Valentinus became an eloquent, well-known teacher in Rome. In 157 his fame…
What was the Decian persecution?
For a brief two years, Trajan Decius (AD 201—251) was emperor of the Roman Empire, and he was no friend of Christians. In AD 250, the former senator, consul, and governor of Illyricum (modern-day Serbia) further distinguished himself by leading his troops to victory over an army of Balkan rebels under the command of Pacatianus.…
What impact did Diocletian have on Christian history?
As the third century was a time of crisis in the ancient world, Emperor Diocletian is credited with bringing stability to the Roman Empire; regrettably, Diocletian is also remembered for his merciless persecution of Christians. Born in Dalmatia to parents of humble means, Diocletian’s rise to prominence began with his distinguished military career. Serving as…
What is the origin of Christianity?
“And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead . . . the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints . . . Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:18, 26-28).…
Who was Pliny the Elder?
Pliny the Elder (Gaius Plinius Secundus) was a first-century Roman author and government official. His duties included serving as procurator of Spain and as an admiral of the imperial fleet. He was the uncle of Pliny the Younger. Although Pliny the Elder is credited with writing seven books, only Natural History has survived. It was…
What was the Radical Reformation?
During the Protestant Reformation, men like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Ulrich Zwingli sought to reverse Catholicism’s changes to Christian doctrine and end abusive practices such as the selling of indulgences. For centuries, groups within Western Christianity had objected to the heretical drift of the Roman Church and sought to correct it. Among these were…
Why is it important to be familiar with church history?
In the minds of many, history is a subject to be tolerated when necessary, but ignored whenever possible. Sadly, this is also true for church history. The philosophy behind this attitude is that whatever was done in the past is dead and gone, but what is happening now is living and vital. But Solomon stated…
What is Montanism?
Montanism is named after a self-styled prophet named Montanus who lived in Asia Minor in the second century AD. Montanism, also called the Cataphrygian heresy or New Prophecy, taught that the Holy Spirit was continuing to give new revelation through Montanus and his followers and that Jesus would soon bring the New Jerusalem to a…
Who were the Alogi?
The Alogi were a group of early Christian heretics, active primarily during the second century. Their name derives from their rejection of the Logos doctrine in John’s Gospel. The term Alogi essentially means “against the Word” or “without the Word,” signifying their staunch opposition to John’s doctrine of the Logos. In Christology, the Logos is…