Up to 340 A.D. Christians had experienced relative peace in the Sassanian (Iranian) Empire. There had even been Bishops representing many churches, sent to church counsels to the political rival Roman Empire. Two things changed, the two rival empires were at war again, and now Constantine had led the Roman Empire toward Christianity. The Sassanian emperor, Shapur II, was now justifiably nervous about the influence of Christians in his own boarders. Who would they be loyal towards? The popular Bishop Aphrahat had preached a wide spread sermon, based on Daniel 8, proclaiming that the Roman Empire was God’s tool to institute the Kingdom of Jesus throughout the world. Christians in his own government spoke out against Zoroastrianism, Shapur’s own religion. Thus began the great persecution of Christians for 30 years. It began with working through the tax system to test loyalties. Large tax increases were raised to fight the war, and whoever didn’t pay were automatically accused of being sympathetic with the Romans. Some Christians did not pay, confirming Shapur’s suspicions. Eventually many were slaughtered, imprisoned, extorted and starved.

Aphrahat interpreted Daniels dream, consisting of symbols and animals, as representing Rome and Persia. He was trying to draw lessons from Scripture and apply them to what they saw in their daily lives. He genuinely thought they were in the last days, when Jesus was going to come back through the Christian Roman Empire and institute His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. We may look back on his sermon and think of the unnecessary suffering churches endured because of his erroneous interpretation. Could they not just find a way to support the king, fly under the radar in a sense? Yet, a short history of the church reveals this often happens. In fact I hear this all the time even today, good meaning people read Scripture then try and predict the coming of the Lord as it pertains to current events. The Lord will return, we are to live in light of this, and when persecution is present in our lives we often yearn for His return all the more. But let us be careful to remember that persecution was promised by our Lord, “Blessed are you when others revile you on account of me” (Matt. 5) Sometimes we can avoid confrontation with the earthly powers of this world, sometimes it will impossible.

Also, let us be careful to throw our hopes in governments of this world. We are about to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, what a blessing it is to live in this country, even this particular part of the country! But let us remember that we are citizens first of God’s Kingdom. Our earthly citizenship should be important, but not ultimate. Shapur was right to be skeptical of the Christians in his kingdom loyalty to him and his plans; after all, Christians have always been loyal first to Jesus as King and His Kingdom. This weekend let us celebrate, eat, fellowship, set off fireworks! Let us be thankful that we can worship in freedom and peace. But let our hearts rest in His Kingdom come.

Ben Melli