God's Warriors: The Bishop and the Tribune

By David T. Peckham

The early Christian church faced persecution from several different sources, primarily that of Judaistic sympathizers, such as Hellenistic Jews (Greek Jews) and the Roman Empire. This persecution gave rise to men and woman who would rather face death than deny Yahvahshua (whom we call Jesus).

Many suffered excruciating death by burning, beheading, crucifixion, or as entertainment in the Roman Colosseum. There they were forced to fight trained and experienced gladiators or face starving wild animals. Few survived their first encounter.

During this period of time, men, whose names have survived to this day, fearlessly preached and taught the Word of God, knowing at any moment they could be arrested for blasphemy against the emperor, the self-proclaimed god of Rome.

Such a man was Polycarp. Little is known of Polycarp, however, that which is known spurs the imagination. More is recorded of his death than of his life.

Gods Warriors is a story of Polycarp and Flavius, a young tribune in the Roman army whose first assignment is to squelch the riots allegedly perpetrated by Christians in Smyrna. His eventual contact with the Bishop of Smyrna changes his life to the extent that Rome places him on its list of traitorsa crime punishable by death.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Mar 7, 2012
• ISBN: 9781449741730

David T. Peckham

I was born and raised in Hastings, England and relocated to the USA in 1963. Since that time I have been engaged in Christian work in England, the Faroe Islands, and the USA. I was educated at Moorlands Bible College in England. After thirty years in the insurance business I retired and wrote my first book in 2004. My writings include two historical novels and six Christian works. I have three grown children and currently live with my wife in the State of Washington. For the past twelve years I have produced a weekly internet devotional called Thoughts From The Word (TFTW) that is received in twenty-one countries. The TFTWs and inforrnation on my books can be found on my website at onhisshoulders.com. or received weekly by request at [e-mail]

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GOD’S

WARRIORS

THE BISHOP AND THE TRIBUNE

DAVID T. PECKHAM

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Copyright © 2012 David T. Peckham

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ISBN: 978-1-4497-4172-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-4173-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012903632

WestBow Press rev. date: 02/29/2012

Contents

Acknowledgments

Preface

Chapter One

The Bishop

CHAPTER TWO

The Tribune

CHAPTER THREE

The fish in the sand

CHAPTER FOUR

Manumission

CHAPTER FIVE

Mistaken Identity

CHAPTER SIX

Ephesus

CHAPTER SEVEN

Change of rules

CHAPTER EIGHT

Life in the caves

CHAPTER NINE

Conflict of emotions

CHAPTER TEN

A welcome reunion

CHAPTER ELEVEN

A friendly face

CHAPTER TWELVE

Decisions

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Exile

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

The Tribune

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

The Catacombs

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

The Coliseum

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Banishment

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Martyrdom

About The Author

Other Books by David T. Peckham

OTHER BOOKS BY DAVID. T. PECKHAM

CHRISTIAN/DEVOTIONAL

Cords of Love – a book of Christian poems

This My Son – the author’s testimony and thoughts from the parable of the prodigal son

101 Thoughts From The Word. Volume One – Job thru Ecclesiastes

101 Thoughts From The Word, Volume Two – Old Testament

101 Thoughts From The Word, Volume Three – New Testament

101 Thoughts From The Word, Volume Four – a Book of Series

The Power of the Almighty – a Biblical study on the Power of God

Coming Soon:

My God and Me – Thoughts of God the Father and Spiritual Adoption.

HISTORICAL FICTION

Shepherd Warrior – A young Saxon battles against the mighty Norman army

Warrior Monk – A young Saxon torn between his duty to God and his hatred for Normans

Coming Soon:

Brothers – The adventures of abandoned twin brothers in first century Rome and Britain

FOR CHILDREN

The Little Tree that Shined

Acknowledgments

I would like to acknowledge Rose Reynoldsen, who graciously copyedited my manuscript. I would also like to mention the Wenatchee Senior Writer’s Group who listened to and critiqued excerpts throughout the development of this story.

Preface

The early Christian church faced persecution from several different sources, primarily that of Judaistic sympathizers, such as Hellenistic Jews (Greek Jews) and the Roman Empire. This persecution gave rise to men and woman who would rather face death than deny Yahvahshua (whom we call Jesus), the Son of God, their Redeemer.

Many suffered excruciating death by burning, beheading, crucifixion, or as entertainment in the Roman Coliseum. There they were forced to fight trained and experienced gladiators, or face starving wild animals. Few survived their first encounter.

During this period of time, men, whose names have survived to this day, fearlessly preached and taught the Word of God, knowing at any moment they could be arrested for blasphemy against the emperor, the self-proclaimed God of Rome.

Such a man was Polycarp. He is believed to be the elder, or bishop (episkopos) of the Christian assembly in Smyrna at the time the Apostle John wrote the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Smyrna is the second assembly mentioned of the seven cities that are to receive the vision of Jesus Christ (Revelation 2:8-11).

Little is known of Polycarp, however, that which is known spurs the imagination. More is recorded of his death than of his life. He is included in the category referred to as the Early Church Fathers, along with Ignatius, Clement, Justin Martyr, and Tertullian.

God’s Warriors is a story of Polycarp and Flavius, a young tribune in the Roman army whose first assignment is to squelch the riots allegedly perpetrated by Christians in Smyrna. His eventual contact with the Bishop of Smyrna changes his life to the extent that Rome places him on its list of traitors—a crime punishable by death.

Chapter One

The Bishop

Smyrna, Asia Minor. 88 A.D.

The sound of horse’s hooves on the hard-packed ground was of no interest to Priscilla, until they stopped outside her house. She dropped the linen she was folding and ran to the window. Her heart pounded with anticipation. Before she could part the rough homespun curtains, the wooden door creaked open.

Oh, Polycarp, welcome home, welcome home, my love. Priscilla flung her arms around her young husband as he lifted her off her feet and swirled her around.

It is good to be home and have such a welcome. The big man stood his wife on the ground, held her at arms length, and gazed into her face. You are the most beautiful sight I have seen since I left, he said, and his face lit up with that God-given smile that Priscilla loved.

Four weeks is too long for you to be gone. I missed you so much. Priscilla leaned forward to meet his lips with hers. She melted in his arms, enjoying the kiss she had dreamed of since he left.

Polycarp finally released his hold on his wife, sat on a bench, and removed his shoes. It was a very long and exhausting trip, and I missed you too, he said softly. That stubborn mule of mine, well, let’s just say I sometimes wished I’d had a large stick in my hands. However, I am glad I went.

I am so glad you were able to be there, but even more pleased you are home.

Polycarp was always encouraged by Priscilla’s sincere sweet spirit. God has been good to give her to me, he thought.

She slipped away to the kitchen and soon returned with scones and a cool drink. Come, she said softly, tell me all about it. She nestled herself close to his side.

NEWS OF POLYCARP’S HOMECOMING SPREAD quickly among the Christian community. That evening, the local congregation met to hear Polycarp’s report.

It was wonderful to be in the company of so many of God’s people, he began. "John was present as well as Timothy and elders from churches all over the territory—such a gathering may never happen again. Because of the Romans and a few groups of Greek Jews, we had to meet in secret—just as here. Some of our brothers told of severe persecution, even death. Their homes have been ransacked, our sisters raped, and some of the leaders scourged in the public marketplace.

Corinth has suffered among the worst, and many of their young men are now slaves or gladiators in Rome. John, as always, was a great encouragement to everyone, and Timothy, bless his heart, shared stories of his travels and some of the intimate conversations he had with Paul. They both know what it is like to suffer persecution for their faith, but they never waver in their love and devotion to Yahvahshua.

Leaning forward, Polycarp continued, I must confess that at times I am a little envious of John. How wonderful it must have been to know the Master personally and to listen to him teach, and to watch as he performed all those miracles. And Timothy, to sit at the feet of the greatest teacher the church has known—apart from Yahvahshua himself, of course. God has blessed us by allowing us to fellowship with these brothers.

Suddenly the door flew open, interrupting Polycarps’s report. Every member of the congregation gasped and turned expecting to see Roman soldiers, but four young boys stood there with a look of surprise on their faces.

We are sorry, the biggest of them said, we thought this place was empty—we are just playing hide-and-seek.

That is all right, Polycarp smiled. It has been a long time since I played hide-and-seek. Go and find another place to hide, and have lots of fun.

Thank you mister, the boy said as they ran out of the building, slamming the door behind them.

Now, where was I? Polycarp continued. "Oh yes, at the close of the conference we all went our separate ways and by now most are back home, scattered all over Judea and Asia. Brother John went to Pergamos where a group has formed within the church that teaches God approves of adultery. The leaders there asked him to visit and try to solve the problem. There are other issues in that church, but I do not know the specifics. The churches have enough trouble from outside, why do they have to fight amongst themselves?

From Pergamos John plans on visiting us.

WHEN THEY ARRIVED HOME, POLYCARP told his wife he had invited John to stay with them. I didn’t think you would mind.

How wonderful, she said, I always enjoy Brother John’s visits. I will clean out the spare room; he will be comfortable there. You must be hungry, I have plenty of cakes and stew. I made plenty just in case you arrived home today. I was also able to buy a little cheese at the market. It is so expensive. I think the farmer likes me because I am sure he gave me a little more than what I paid for.

She set the table with her usual happy spirit. Polycarp thought she was always dancing in her heart. One moment with Priscilla and one tended to forget their troubles for a while. He was not surprised that the farmer liked her— everyone did.

They sat down to eat and held hands. Heavenly Father, Polycarp prayed, I thank You for watching over my wife while I was gone. I thank You for her and for her love. Thank You also for bringing me home safely after such a wonderful visit with Your own people and for the fellowship I had there. Bless this food to our bodies as we dedicate ourselves anew to You. Amen.

Priscilla laid down her spoon and said, There is some bad news.

Polycarp saw the concern on her face. What is it? Nothing too bad, I hope.

The authorities ransacked the home of Julius and Irene. They destroyed much of their furniture, threw their food into the street, and put Julius in prison. She began to cry. I was so afraid they would come here. They know we are Christians and that you were gone. Julius is not even an elder, yet they have done this to them. You are an elder … oh Polycarp, I am truly frightened.

Polycarp put his arm around her shoulder and drew her to him. God protected you for me, didn’t he?

Yes, he did. But why does he allow this to happen?

Polycarp did not know the answer to her question, so quickly changed the subject. Is Irene all right? Has anyone visited Julius?

Irene is not hurt. It was a miracle they did not touch her.

What about Julius?

Two of the brothers tried to visit him, but were turned away.

My love, John says we must expect this type of thing to continue and to even get worse.

SMYRNA WAS A WELL-USED SEAPORT situated on the west coast of Asia Minor. The long inlet protected it from many of the violent storms that wreaked havoc along the coast. It was always busy as both commercial and military ships used it constantly, often times causing a backup that made travel in the inlet both difficult and hazardous. Spacious warehouses held grain, wine, furniture, and various other products on their way to and from Rome. Every man that wanted to work was able to find a job.

Because of the flourishing commercial industry, the townsfolk lived in comparative luxury—that is if the local authorities permitted them to do so. Those who were known to be Christians were forced to live in the poverty-stricken outskirts of the town. They were often denied work because of their allegiance to Yahvahshua. Jewish radicals persecuted them more for entertainment than anything else, while the Roman authorities did so to keep them under control.

In spite of competition from Ephesus and Pergamum, Smyrna called itself the first city of Asia. Ephesus, forty miles to the south, had also established itself as a major port of commerce—military traffic, however, mostly chose to use the port of Smyrna.

Religion was a major part of life in Smyrna. In addition to animal sacrifices, prayers were regularly offered to the gods, most of which were idolized. Huge statues of Zeus, Dionysus, and Athena looked down on all activity within the city. Dionysus, was believed to have been killed and come back to life, so he offered the greatest hope of immortality. Entrepreneurs made a hefty income from selling hand-sized carvings of the gods. As long as the people continued to want them, the sculptors continued to produce them.

Dozens of cloth-covered tables lined the streets that led from the docks, some selling nothing but the small idols. Larger images were also available for display in the home. Wood was the most popular material used. These carvings were not heavy, so travelers would often take them on their frequent journeys, although silver and gold renditions were available for the more affluent.

No such idols represented the Hebrew or Christian God, even though some artificers had made the attempt. There was something in their history where their God, Yahvah, forbade it. Yahvahshua, their supposed Messiah, was crucified for blasphemy, and this was the event some craftsmen had attempted to portray in their idols. Apparently, the Christians wanted nothing to do with any idol that reminded them of Yahvahshua’s crucifixion. Many Greek Jews mocked the Christian Messiah as the ‘Hanged One’ so believers looked on the carvings as another form of mockery.

Non-Christian citizens of Smyrna frequented the shrines of the gods, usually as the need arose. They knew the gods did not wish to be pestered when there was no need, and their followers did not want to incur their anger.

The great Apostle, Paul of Tarsus, never visited Smyrna, even though he spent at least two years of his ministry only forty miles away at Ephesus—that is not to say his influence had no effect there. Ephesus, however, had John, the fisherman, known as the disciple whom Yahvahshua loved. John resided at Ephesus and was the elder there for many years. It was he who founded the church in this prosperous city, and it was here he hoped to spend his final years.

Yahvahshua had committed Mary, his mother, into John’s care, and he had taken this commission very seriously. She was an old lady now and, with all of his travels, it was becoming more and more difficult to care for her. The time was nearing when he must settle down in order to care for her increasing needs.

TWENTY-EIGHT PEOPLE HAD GATHERED IN the small room to fellowship in the name of Yahvahshua. Candles flickered softly, providing sufficient light to see each other, but not enough to alert the authorities that a meeting was taking place within its walls. Wooden benches, arranged in a square and three rows deep with a small table in the middle, were the only furniture in the room.

Polycarp stood before the small congregation with a broad smile that stretched across his young face. He would soon be nineteen years old and had committed his life to Yahvahshua two years ago under the guidance of the Apostle John. Young in age and faith, he stood before the congregation with the humility and confidence of one much more mature. It was as if he had come into the faith blessed with the wisdom and knowledge of one much older.

Within a few months of his conversion, the Christians in Smyrna began to look to him as a leader and, on the first anniversary of his conversion, had appointed him as an elder. His knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures was unparalleled amongst his peers—God had truly blessed him and his calling to leadership in the church was without question. It was to Polycarp that John turned for leadership within this young church; however, a small contingent, primarily one family of recent conversion, found it difficult to accept him as their leader.

It is my privilege and joy to welcome John, our brother and teacher, to fellowship with us this morning. Brother John, we are all so pleased that God has brought you to us for a few days, and we look forward to hearing you expound on the scriptures.

John stood and hugged Polycarp. He glanced around the group and smiled as he noted the presence of new faces since his last visit. Greetings in the name of Yahvahshua, he began.

John’s gentle voice brought a sense of calm and peace to everyone present. To be in his presence was uplifting in itself. His face glowed with the love of Christ just as the moon reflects the brightness of the sun. It had been almost eight months since his last visit to Smyrna.

How well he remembered standing alone in the market place preaching the gospel of repentance and salvation in the name of Yahvahshua of Nazareth. The people had greeted his message with mockery and violence, shouting insults and throwing everything from fruit to stones at him. This was not new to John as it was the usual reception when the locals first heard his message, no matter where he was. After all, he was telling them their gods were false and that there was only one true God. He was not a big man with a booming voice, like his good friend Peter. He appeared to be an easy target for ridicule by both children and grown men.

I have recently visited Pergamos and Laodicea, and the saints in those churches send you their greetings. They have asked me to assure you of their prayers, and desire to hear that you are standing fast and growing in the knowledge of our Savior.

The group was silent as they anxiously waited to hear what the apostle had to say.

I am grateful to you for your welcome, and to my son in the faith, Polycarp and his lovely wife Priscilla, for their hospitality.

John looked directly into the eyes of his friend and said, I am reminded of Paul’s words to his young friend Timothy, ‘Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.’ God has raised you up and called you into leadership in this congregation and, I foresee, throughout Asia and beyond. I look back to my young years, for I was about your age when Yahvahshua called me to be his disciple. I grew to love him dearly, but thought and said some rash things I now regret. I recognize a maturity in you, my young brother, that is God given; accept it in humility along with God’s calling to minister among his people.

Polycarp squirmed a little in his seat. A rosy color flushed his cheeks and he was thankful he could not be seen clearly in the flickering shadows of candlelight.

Priscilla, reached across, and squeezed his hand.

John continued, "These are very difficult days for all of us. You are suffering persecution because of your faith in and love for our Savior. I want you to know that God is not ignorant of your faithfulness and love for him. I know you love God and each other, and that you help one another, making sure, that as much as is possible, none of you go without food or shelter. This is commendable and approved by God. Those who are new among you might find these things hard to understand, but the Holy Spirit will gradually enlighten your minds in his truth.

"By the grace of God you have been brought out of darkness into light. As we obey God’s commandment to love one another, the darkness in our lives disappears and the new light of life in Christ Yahvahshua shines in. Anyone who says he is walking in the light of Christ but dislikes his fellow man is still in darkness, but whoever loves his fellow man is walking in the light and can see his way without stumbling around in darkness and sin. For he who dislikes his brother is wandering in spiritual darkness and does not know where he is going, for the darkness has made him blind so that he cannot see the way.

I know it is difficult, but our Savior also told us we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us! I was with him when he preached that sermon, and I turned to Peter and whispered, Do you think he really means that?"

A soft laughter spread around the room.

John nodded his head and smiled and acknowledged their laughter.

By loving our enemies, he continued, we will be acting as true sons of our Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. If we love only those who love us, what good is that? Even scoundrels do that much. If we are friendly only to our friends, how are we different from anyone else? Even the heathen do that. But we are to strive to be perfect, even as our Father in heaven is perfect.

An hour passed as if it were ten minutes before John extended his blessing to his fellow saints.

John moved toward the group who remained seated as if they expected him to continue speaking. Polycarp was the first to stand and he thanked John for his message.

Come with us, brother, we have food and drink prepared and would like you to join us.

I will enjoy that, John said as he put his arm around Polycarp’s shoulder.

The people divided into small groups as they discussed the message they had just heard. The matter of loving their persecutors and even praying for them was the hot topic—many of them felt God was asking too much of them. Some of the men bore scars from the whips of their persecutors, and their wives and daughters carried both physical and mental scars.

A loud crashing noise jolted the group out of the peace of their surroundings. An axe smashed the lock on the door and ten Jewish teenagers ran into the room angrily shouting obscenities in the Hebrew language. Most of the group was able to understand a few words like ‘heresy’, ‘cursed’, ‘wrath of Yahweh’, and ‘punishment’. Only John and Polycarp knew exactly what they were saying—this was an illegal meeting and appropriate punishment will be administered to the leaders.

Polycarp shoved John down onto the bench and told him to stay there. John objected and tried to stand, but Polycarp’s strength was too much for him. He knew what he was doing and why he was doing it, and yielded to Polycarp’s wishes. The young Jews did not know who John was so would not recognize him as a leader. They immediately grabbed Polycarp who went with them without resistance, but not before looking over his shoulder to see that Priscilla was untouched. They tied his hands behind his back and shoved him violently through the broken door into the dark night.

Polycarp might well have defended himself. He was of average height but very strong. His work as a wainwright kept him physically fit, and his well-defined muscles were a match for any antagonist, but now, for fear his wife and others might be harmed, he yielded himself to the brutal intentions of his attackers.

Several people gathered in the street when they heard the disturbance, and followed as Polycarp was pushed and jostled in the direction of the docks. Three times he stumbled on the cobblestone street, scraping his knees and elbows. Priscilla wanted to run to him, but he shouted to her to stay in the crowd. When they arrived at the docks, the young men untied his hands, tore the shirt off his back, and tied him face forward to a post. He knew their intent but was helpless to do anything about it. This was not the first flogging to take place here, but in the past, he was an onlooker. Roman soldiers flogged men for civil disobedience, but now Polycarp would receive similar punishment by young fanatical Jews for being a Christian leader. They had no real reason for their actions other than it gave them an avenue to express their rebellion against anything different.

Several of her friends led Priscilla away from the spectators that had gathered to watch. They formed a circle around her and sang Psalms to keep her from seeing and hearing her husband’s punishment. John grimaced each time the whip gouged another bloody groove into his friend’s naked back. Slice after slice criss-crossed a bloody pattern of wounds as the torturers poured their hatred into each stroke. With his arms loosely tied around the post the victim gradually sank to his knees as he slowly lost consciousness. Six Roman legionnaires stood at the edge of the crowd and did nothing to stop the atrocity that was taking place before their eyes. They appreciated the Jews and Christians fighting each other—it saved them the trouble. As long as it did not turn into a riot, they would not interfere.

That’s enough. The leader’s voice broke the deathly silence. If we kill him now we will not be able to use him as an example later. Let his friends hide him in the holes they call home. His guttural laugh hung in the air as he turned and pushed his way through the crowd.

John was the first to run to the aid of his friend. He knelt by his side and gently lifted his head and nestled it in the crook of his arm. My young brother, he said with great compassion, this is John, it is all over now. I will take you to Joanna’s home and she will treat your wounds.

Polycarp slowly opened his eyes and forced a smile. Thank you, teacher, I knew you would be close by. Where is Priscilla?

I am right here, my love. Priscilla was very brave for her tender years. Tears watered her eyes, but she tried hard not to sob before her bleeding husband.

John carefully lifted Polycarp’s limp body and tried to avoid touching his still oozing wounds.

The stunned crowd dispersed and a few joined John as he carried Polycarp to Joanna’s small home at the outskirts of the village. Joanna was a very young widow, just twenty-one years old. Her husband was killed only four months after they were married—he worked on a commercial boat that transported herbs and spices to Ostia. The heavily laden boat tragically sank off the coast of Sicily in the Aegean Sea and there were no survivors. Three ships sank during the unexpected storm. Seven days later bodies and cargo washed up on the southern beaches of a Greek Island, but Joanna’s husband was never found.

By the time the small group arrived at the home of Joanna, she had warm water, salve and bandages waiting on the table. She tenderly dabbed warm water on Polycarp’s wounds, applied the healing salve,and gently wrapped bandages around his torso. The salve took some of the burning pain away, but it was all Polycarp could do to keep from crying out in agony. Thirty-one open wounds screamed out as if someone were holding flaming torches to his back.

I do not have much room, but you and your husband can stay here until he is able to go home. Joanna had a kind heart, and it went out in full to her friends.

Thank you, but no, Polycarp interjected. With help I can make it to our home.

I am sure you will be more comfortable there, Joanna conceded. My offer still stands if you change your mind.

At that moment, three of the men showed up carrying a makeshift stretcher. They placed Polycarp on it and slowly carried him to his home half a mile down the street.

After Polycarp was on his own bed, John took Priscilla aside and asked, Would you like me to find elsewhere to stay? I do not want to be a burden to you. You will have enough to do to take care of your husband.

No, no, Priscilla answered right away. Just the opposite—your fellowship means a great deal to Polycarp, and it will take his mind off his pain. You will not be a burden. I insist that you stay here. I will appreciate your help.

Two days after he was flogged, Polycarp, with John’s assistance, got up from his bed. Joanna came by every day, applied fresh salve, and changed his bandages. She was amazed at how quickly his wounds were healing, although he could not wear a shirt for seven days.

Polycarp curled his hands around a mug of tea and stared into space. John approached him and said, A denarius for your thoughts.

He did not hear John coming and thought he was alone in the room. He jumped and spilled some of his tea. Ay yea—you startled me. I didn’t hear you. I am thinking about what you said at the last meeting. He smiled and said, That was just before I was dragged outside and flogged. He placed the half-empty mug on the table, and continued, You told us the Master said we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. I do not find this an easy command to obey.

I know what you mean, John confessed with deep empathy. "As you know, I carry many scars on my back because I refuse to stop preaching the gospel. I know exactly how you feel. I do not wish to sound pious about it, only I have found that the more I let the love of God flow through me, the more able I am to love those who hate me. I forced myself to pray for them and, before I knew it, my entire attitude had changed and I wanted to pray for them.

"I want more than anything to find those who tortured me and explain the mercy and grace of God to them. Sometimes I cannot understand it. I don’t have to force myself to love my enemies, that love is just there. As you walk with God, you will find this true also. The more you love God, the more you will love others.

I first saw this divine love in our Master. I was by his side for three and a half years and can honestly say that not once did I witness him express hatred toward any person. He got angry once in the Temple when he found them selling livestock for the sacrifices. He hated what had become of the Temple, but not the people. Just before he died on the cross, he prayed for those that were killing him, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. My brother, don’t hate those who did this to you; hate their religion, but not them.

John reached out and took his hand, Shall we pray for them now?

Yes, he agreed, but you pray first.

CHAPTER TWO

The Tribune

Rome, 88 A.D.

Father and son, Longinus and Flavius of the House of Psellos, jostled their way through the noisy crowd to the seats reserved for them in the mammoth coliseum. They were together but their level of excitement was as far apart as the far ranging coasts of the Roman Empire. Longinus enjoyed every moment of the bloody entertainment, whereas his son would much prefer the solitude of his own thoughts while sitting on the bank of the mighty river Tiberis. The blood and gore was obnoxious to his gentle mind, especially as he felt the deaths of the Christians were totally unnecessary. Throughout Rome, Christians and lions were placed on the same level of existence—they were both animals without souls. He had no particular interest in Christians and their religion, and felt the same way when death was cruel and unwarranted, be it man or animal.

This was a special event as the emperor was expected to attend. Once the crowd was seated in the Coliseum, the chatter was kept at a low level in anticipation of the emperor’s arrival. The quietness was mandated in order for the crescendo upon his arrival to be as great as possible. The thirty-seven year old emperor could be counted on to arrive late, no matter what the event may be. He considered tardiness, not as a weakness or flaw of character, but as a sign of his deity. A god would not be governed by the regulations or desires of his people. Eventually he arrived. His flowing purple robes billowed out from his well-formed body as he strode quickly to his seat. Twenty members of his Praetorian Guard, formed for the sole purpose of protecting the God of Rome, followed a few paces behind. A bugle blast announced his arrival, and the pent-up energy of fifty thousand enthusiastic spectators was released simultaneously.

The emperor sat in the center of the first level of seats and raised his right hand. Silence ensued for about thirty seconds until he dropped his hand into his lap indicating that the entertainment should begin. Within seconds, a large iron gate slowly creaked open and, in order to heighten the suspense, stopped halfway. The crowd screamed its expected response and the gate continued its slow journey open. Once again, the crowd quieted as they waited for the first sight of the competitors. Would the lions run through the gate or would it be the Christians? Inevitably it would be the Christians so the crowd could spend time jeering them.

The events were well plotted to give the onlookers the greatest excitement for their money. The Emperor’s coffers grew fat from the proceeds of this kind of entertainment, so it was very important to entice the crowds to return as frequently as possible.

The crowd roared their approval as three scantily clad men walked into the arena. Each man held a short sword in his right hand. The first carried a round shield in his left hand, a net hung over the left arm of the second, while the third held a chain with a spiked metal ball dangling on the end.

Lions, lions, lions, yelled the crowd. Send out the lions. Iron grates rose on their hinges from the dirt ground and three lions sprang into view and immediately began prowling the walls of the circular arena. Food had been withheld from them for three days and the sight of easy prey produced a low guttural growl from the depths of their throats. The three men formed a triangle, back to back, in the center, with their swords held in readiness for the inevitable attack. The lions continued to circle the arena and moved closer to their poorly protected meal as they did so. Suddenly, one of the animals broke rank and charged toward one petrified man but stopped short of his outstretched sword—as it cowered on its front legs the others roared and attacked from the opposite direction. It was as if the swords did not exist. The starving animals sank their sharp brown teeth into the necks of their helpless prey. The blood from their pierced jugular vein spurted into the air, and eventually soaked into the dark brown earth.

This particular part of the entertainment was quickly over. The animals ripped chunks of flesh from their kill and were permitted to feast for a short while. Six horsemen entered the arena to the jeers of the crowd, and ushered the lions back through the gate from which the three victims had first appeared. The bloody human remains were shoveled into a wooden cart and pulled to the side of the arena.

Flavius turned to his father and whispered, Father, I think I will leave now. You know I do not enjoy these festivities and prefer to not witness any more killings.

He rose to leave but Longinus pressed his hand firmly on his knee. No son of mine will leave the emperor’s presence after just one event. He squeezed the words through clenched teeth. I am a general in the Caesar’s army and both he and I expect better things of you. You will be the laughing stock of my men and will never see any promotion if you display such a weakness. If he doesn’t see you leave, he would soon learn of it.

Flavius settled back into his seat.

BORN INTO LUXURY, FLAVIUS KNEW little of the lower class. His home, known throughout Rome as the Psellos estate, was formed of brick and sheathed in white plaster. Each roof was covered with red terracotta tiles, mined, cast, and glazed at the massive clay pit outside the city wall. The main structure rose two stories high, with windows and balconies, features not seen on the lower level. Longinus, and his family, resided on the upper level, which included his private chamber and his wife’s sewing room. The floor of the arboretum, patterned with intricate tile designs, was cleaned meticulously every morning before the Psellos family awakened. Costly vases and statues stood between the marble pillars that framed the entrance.

This was Longinus’ favorite place, and it was a whipping offense should he find any dust, dirt, or bird droppings on the expensive tiles imported from Egypt. Cyprus containers, scattered throughout the compound, held lengths of wood soaked in oil and smeared with pitch. These torches were lighted every day at dusk, and flickered there dim light until dawn.

Flavuis was a slightly spoiled child, the fourth of seven born to Longinus and Julia. He was the only boy, much to the concern of Longinus who dreamed of raising many sons who would later become military heroes. His three older sisters were married and lived away from the villa. The House of Psellos had bred more than its fair share of sons over the years, a well-known fact among his peers. Six daughters and only one son was a sensitive issue with Longinus and a subject never alluded to in his presence, although a point of humor behind his back. He was well aware he was the butt of jokes among his fellow Legionnaires who considered he lacked something important in his manhood.

Longinus, a soldier of twenty-five years in the Roman army, had gained promotions over the years and now held the rank of General. He had participated in some of the greatest victories the army had won including the destruction of Jerusalem eighteen years ago. He blocked every attempt of his son to pursue a career in anything other than the military, even though Flavius preferred music and governmental studies. His grandfather was a member of the senate and he wanted to pursue his