During the half-century between Septimius Severus and Philip the Arabian, the Church experienced alternating periods of persecution and peace, martyrdom and toleration. This age, shaped by political instability, religious syncretism, and waves of imperial hostility, became a crucible in which the character of early Christianity was refined—sometimes at immense cost.
Persecutions under Septimius Severus (193–211)
Though Septimius Severus initially showed no direct hostility to Christians, a change occurred around A.D. 202. Influenced perhaps by Montanist extremes, he enacted a harsh law prohibiting conversions to Christianity or Judaism.
- Clement of Alexandria wrote: “Many martyrs are daily burned, confined, or beheaded before our eyes.”
- Martyrdom in Egypt: Leonides, father of Origen, was beheaded. The virgin Potamiaena and her mother were martyred by boiling pitch. The guard Basilides converted after a vision and was himself martyred.
- Martyrdom in Carthage: The diary of the martyrs preserves the voices of Perpetua and Felicitas, young catechumens who faced the beasts rather than deny Christ. Perpetua overcame familial and maternal attachments; Felicitas gave birth in prison and said, “Now I suffer what I suffer; but then another will suffer for me.”
These North African martyrs, likely associated with Montanism, represent some of the most heroic witnesses of early Christian literature.
Religious Ambiguity under Caracalla and Heliogabalus
- Caracalla (211–217): Though a brutal misanthrope, he passed no new laws against Christians. The persecution climate remained volatile.
- Heliogabalus (218–222): A priest of the Syrian sun-god El-Gabal, he introduced a chaotic syncretism to Rome, promoting all religions while seeking to blend them into his own solar cult. His reign, though morally abominable, saw no systemic persecution of Christians.
Alexander Severus (222–235): A Tolerant Syncretist
Alexander Severus, raised under the influence of his mother Julia Mammaea (a patron of Origen), admired both Jewish and Christian morals.
- He placed busts of Abraham and Christ alongside Orpheus and Apollonius in his private chapel.
- The Golden Rule (“As ye would that men should do to you…”) was inscribed on palace walls and public buildings.
- He allowed Christians freedom of worship, reportedly defending their right to occupy contested public land, saying, “It is better that God be worshipped there than not at all.”
Though not a Christian himself, he established an unusual level of respect for Christian ethics and teachings.
Renewed Persecution under Maximinus Thrax (235–238)
The barbarian emperor Maximinus, a Thracian herdsman-turned-soldier, unleashed persecution as a reaction against the pro-Christian policies of his predecessor.
- Whether he targeted all clergy or just bishops is uncertain, but violence was again sanctioned.
- An earthquake stoked fears and led to renewed attacks on Christians.
- Maximinus also looted pagan temples—suggesting his persecution was more politically than religiously motivated.
The Ursula Legend
A 10th-century legend places the martyrdom of St. Ursula and her 11,000 virgin companions under Maximinus. This is likely a misreading of inscriptions like “Ursula et XI M.V.” (Martyrs, Virgins) confused with “milia” (thousands). The tale reflects medieval credulity, not historical fact.
Temporary Peace under Gordian III and Philip the Arabian
- Gordian III (r. 238–244): Left the Church in peace.
- Philip the Arabian (r. 244–249): Was long rumored to be the first Christian emperor. Though this remains uncertain, Jerome calls him “primus omnium ex Romanis imperatoribus Christianus.”
Origen is known to have corresponded with Philip and his wife, Severa, suggesting a favorable disposition.
A Church in Crisis and Comfort
The alternating years of persecution and peace had different effects:
- Persecution purified and strengthened the Church’s resolve.
- Prolonged peace under Philip led to spiritual decline: diminished brotherly love, relaxed discipline, and moral cooling.
This deterioration set the stage for the severe trials under Decius (beginning in A.D. 250), when the Church would be shaken to its foundations once again.
Between Sword and Scepter
The age from Severus to Philip witnessed the Church navigating imperial favor and fury. Amid martyrdoms and moments of respite, the Christian community matured in courage and theological identity. The memory of Perpetua, Felicitas, Potamiaena, and Basilides remained etched into the collective soul of the early Church—models of unwavering love for Christ in a world of unpredictable emperors.
