5 Minutes in Church History with Stephen Nichols Crisis in the 3rd Century
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Oct 29, 2025 The third century was a tumultuous time for Christians in the Roman Empire. With 26 emperors, military chaos, and economic collapse, instability was rife. Stephen Nichols highlights how emperors like Maximinus Thrax and Decius scapegoated Christians, leading to fierce persecutions. The era also saw Hippolytus facing exile and martyrdom. However, the reign of Diocletian and Constantine eventually brought about peace, legalizing Christianity and paving the way for the Nicene Council, marking a significant turning point in church history.
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A Century That Shaped The Church
- The century 235–337 AD framed church history with crisis, reform, and eventual legalization under Constantine.
- Understanding the political backdrop clarifies why theological and institutional shifts accelerated then.
How The Crisis Began
- The crisis of the third century began with the assassination of Alexander Severus and the rise of Maximinus Thrax in 235.
- This era is marked by military anarchy, financial collapse, plagues, and rampant instability affecting the church.
Twenty-Six Emperors, Massive Instability
- From 235 to 284 the empire saw 26 emperors, reflecting extreme political turnover and instability.
- Such rapid change intensified economic collapse and social disorder that pressured Christian communities.
