The Catacombs

 By the middle of the First Century AD, There were large number of Christians living in the Imperial City of Rome! These people, were largely, but not exclusively, the poorest of the poor. A number were slaves. During the reign of Nero, severe persecution of these Christians began. These persecutions would continue on for the rest of this century!

 The Christians of that time period were considered to be traitors- Jesus and not THE CAESAR, The Reigning Roman Emperor of That moment was their Lord and Ruler. The Emperor and his supporters really decided what gods were to be worshiped, bowed to and given an offering to. Thus to not worship the preferred god/ gods was an act of defiance in the eyes of the Roman leaders.  To the Christians being persecuted they felt they had no choice, The Emperor was their Earthly and Mortal authority but their Lord, That role was solely reserved to Jesus The Christ risen from the dead and alive forever more.

These Christians were hunted down, thrown into prisons, killed by gladiators in the Coliseum, crucified and set on fire The Roman methods of execution were many and various!They hid from the Roman authorities underground in the Catacombs -which were Roman Tombs.  There were large networks of the Catacombs underneath the City Of Rome. Even fleeing for their very lives, These brave men and women of faith still worshipped their Lord- both in prayer and song. They generally and and prayed in whispers because the Catacombs tended to be echo chambers. Yet, Sometimes the worship became more enthusiastic and it wafted upwards into the city. You'd here chorus such as  " Jesus is King and Lord of Lords, Jesus is King and Lord of Lordssssss, Alleluia! Jesus is King and Lord! Jesus is King and Lord. Jesus is King and Lord of Lords! " These very acts of worship would lead , at times, to the arrest of  of the worshippers.. Yet, They would not withhold praising their God aloud, no matter what the personal risk to themselves might be!!!!

 People will do what they believe they must do. They will cling to their most chreished principles no matter what the cost. If it goes against the standards of their time, they still will not grow faint or relent. This is trur interms of spirituality. This is also true of other areas of life! I can't help but notice that these early Christians put their lives on the line but would not take violent action against those who fought againsr, opposed and challenged their faith, They believed that God changed hearts and it was not up to them to wage acts of violence against others to show that they were committed and faithful.

 The road of living by principle no matter what the cost can be a very costly and deadly one- yet it is a path that has the power to change hearts and minds. Let those who do what seems to work right now and those who feel the path of least resistance is always a path to success keep this well in mind!

 - Johnny -