During the first four centuries, Christians were under enormous pressure to betray their relationship with Jesus and God. Especially from 100 A.D. to 313, when it was illegal to be a Christian under the Roman Empire (“Christ Our Life”). While the Roman empire normally worshipped the Roman Emperor as a god, the followers of Jesus knew that they already had a relationship with their single and own God and would not betray their beliefs. In order to reduce the number of dissidents, many of the Christians who affirmatively held on to their beliefs were subject to public executions, which were normally gruesome to further nullify the movement. But, there were a few resilient followers of Christianity that withstood their punishment and were martyred
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He was the first bishop to contribute to Africa’s historical writing, including 84 letters and 13 small treatises that tell us about Cyprian’s theology and his relationship with other members of the theological tradition. He served as bishop from 249–258 AD (Decret 69).
Not much is known of Cyprian’s life before he converted to Christianity. Historians believe he was probably born in Carthage and was born into a wealthy family and that he was a pagan prior to becoming educated. His friends included some of the wealthiest pagans in Carthage. He worked with Roman officials frequently and was respected for his skills in rhetoric and as a great communicator. When Cyprian converted to Christianity he donated most of his money to the poor and took a vow of celibacy. Cyprian was one of the most important theological Leaders in Carthage and was called the “Pope” of Carthage by some.
Cyprian’s biggest influence in the church was pushing for unity. He believed that a unified Christian church was key to ending the persecution of Christians in Rome and its provinces. His primary goal was to bring Christians together. Cyprian is quoted as saying “No one can have God for his Father, who does not have the Church for his mother” (CHI 1). Cyprian pushed this belief in many writings and discussions, He was a forerunner in unifying Christians under one church and bridging gaps in faith …show more content…
Fabian came to Rome because of his concern for the future of the faith, the curiosity of who the new pope would be and the desire to grieve for the death of Pope Anterus (Meier). During the election, the names of several noble churchmen were being considered for the next bishop of Rome, Fabian was not one of them. While the electors of Rome were trying to figure out who their next bishop would be, a dove suddenly came down onto Fabian’s head. To the electors, this sight reminded them of the gospel scene of the coming down of the Holy Spirit on Jesus Christ during his baptism. Because of this, all the electors believed that it was a sign from the heavens that Fabian should become their next bishop. Fabian would be their bishop from January 236 until January 250, a 14-year
He was the first bishop to contribute to Africa’s historical writing, including 84 letters and 13 small treatises that tell us about Cyprian’s theology and his relationship with other members of the theological tradition. He served as bishop from 249–258 AD (Decret 69).
Not much is known of Cyprian’s life before he converted to Christianity. Historians believe he was probably born in Carthage and was born into a wealthy family and that he was a pagan prior to becoming educated. His friends included some of the wealthiest pagans in Carthage. He worked with Roman officials frequently and was respected for his skills in rhetoric and as a great communicator. When Cyprian converted to Christianity he donated most of his money to the poor and took a vow of celibacy. Cyprian was one of the most important theological Leaders in Carthage and was called the “Pope” of Carthage by some.
Cyprian’s biggest influence in the church was pushing for unity. He believed that a unified Christian church was key to ending the persecution of Christians in Rome and its provinces. His primary goal was to bring Christians together. Cyprian is quoted as saying “No one can have God for his Father, who does not have the Church for his mother” (CHI 1). Cyprian pushed this belief in many writings and discussions, He was a forerunner in unifying Christians under one church and bridging gaps in faith …show more content…
Fabian came to Rome because of his concern for the future of the faith, the curiosity of who the new pope would be and the desire to grieve for the death of Pope Anterus (Meier). During the election, the names of several noble churchmen were being considered for the next bishop of Rome, Fabian was not one of them. While the electors of Rome were trying to figure out who their next bishop would be, a dove suddenly came down onto Fabian’s head. To the electors, this sight reminded them of the gospel scene of the coming down of the Holy Spirit on Jesus Christ during his baptism. Because of this, all the electors believed that it was a sign from the heavens that Fabian should become their next bishop. Fabian would be their bishop from January 236 until January 250, a 14-year