Word & Table The Ten Persecutions
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Nov 20, 2025 Hosts delve into the tradition of 'the Ten Persecutions,' exploring why this number resonates in Christian history. They discuss early emperors like Nero and Trajan, detailing shifts in policies toward Christians. The impact of Marcus Aurelius' decree and subsequent regional persecutions highlights the struggles faced by figures like Polycarp. The conversation culminates in Diocletian's intense persecution and the eventual rise of Christianity as a legal religion under Constantine, revealing both the failures of these measures and their lasting theological implications.
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Questioning The Ten-Persecution Framework
- Augustine questioned the fixed list of ten persecutions and warned against forced numerological reading of Revelation.
- He regarded the identification as speculative rather than proven exegesis.
The Emperors Behind The Ten
- Fr. Stephen lists the emperors traditionally tied to the ten persecutions, starting with Nero and ending with Diocletian and Maximian.
- These rulers form the conventional historical anchor for the 'ten' narrative.
Trajan's Rescript And Catacomb Worship
- Trajan's rescript to Pliny set a policy: don't seek out Christians, but punish named accused without anonymous denunciations.
- This policy pushed Christians into secrecy and helped spawn catacomb worship.
