What’s true Christianity? What’s real persecution?
Meet Perpetua.
Christain believer and hero of the faith.
22 years old.
Wealthy parents.
Mother to an infant.
Martyred for her unwillingness to renounce her faith.
Her father, not a believer, visited her in prison while she awaited her death to beg her to renounce her faith.
She would not.
She would not renounce her faith in her father.
She would not renounce her faith in her infant son.
She would not renounce her faith to save her life.
She marched to the arena on her day of victory, singing Psalms in joy and not in fear. She was tossed and her tunic tore. She pulled it over her middle, being mindful more of her modesty than her suffering. Her hair disheveled, she stopped to tie her hair up, not wanting to look like she was mourning in her glory.
Not even realizing that she had been injured between the ribs, she says, “Stand fast in the faith, and love one another, all of you, and be not offended at my sufferings.”
Wanting to taste the pain, she placed the gladiator's sword at her own throat.
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“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:12
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10
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