Nero's Reign: The First Imperial Persecution of Christians

Nero was a Roman emperor characterized by extreme cruelty and profligacy who initiated the first imperial persecution against ChristiansRH December 28, 1911, par. 3+1. He ascended to the throne at age seventeen through the crimes of his mother, Agrippina, and eventually descended into such depravity that he murdered his own mother and wifeRH December 28, 1911, par. 3+1.

The Persecution in Rome

Following a disastrous fire in Rome in AD 64, Nero falsely accused the Christians of setting the city ablaze to deflect suspicion from himselfTTR 113.2+1. This resulted in horrific suffering for the believers:

• Cruel Executions: Christians were covered in the skins of wild beasts to be torn by dogs, nailed to crosses, or smeared with combustible materials to be used as human torches to light Nero's gardens at nightTTR 113.2+2.

• Public Spectacles: The emperor turned these executions into public diversions, even participating as a charioteer while victims were torturedARSH February 18, 1862, page 91.10+1.

• A Proscribed Sect: Under his reign, Christianity became a proscribed sect, making believers everywhere objects of hatred and suspicionLP 304.3+1.

Impact on the Apostles

Nero's reign was fatal to the most prominent leaders of the early church:

• The Apostle Paul: Paul stood alone before Nero to plead for his life without any earthly advocateRH January 4, 1912, Art. A, par. 2+1. Though he initially found success winning converts even within Nero's own household, the emperor eventually ordered his executionAA 463.2+1. Paul was beheaded as a felon near Rome around AD 67SBD Paul.13+1.

• The Apostle Peter: Peter was also apprehended and thrust into prison in Rome during this timeULe 196.5+1. He was eventually crucified, bearing his last witness for Christ alongside PaulULe 196.5+1.

Nero's Character and End

Nero was viewed as a "son of perdition" and a tyrant whose heart was closed against the mercy of God 2 Thessalonians 2:3LP 316.1. Despite his power, his reign ended in disgrace as an insurrection led by Galba marched on Rome, causing the enraged populace to threaten the emperor's lifeAA 496.3. His authority, like all earthly power, was ultimately derived from God, yet he used it to embody the very essence of wickedness Romans 13:1AMS December 1887, page 89.11+1. While he could destroy the body, he could not touch the faith of those who remained steadfast unto death Revelation 2:10PTUK October 7, 1897, page 626.2.