Timeless Christians

Honoring Christ, they won lasting honor
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Scillitan Martyrs

2nd century

 

article image A pagan altar in Carthage.

What do you thank God for? Late in the second century, twelve martyrs at Carthage from the African town of Scillita, thanked God when they received a sentence of death for sticking fast to their Christian faith.

During their trial the proconsul--a magistrate or governor--gave them many chances to deny their faith and to sacrifice to Caesar. Donata, one of the women on trial, replied, "We render honor to Caesar as Caesar, but worship and prayers to God alone."

The proconsul asked the martyr Speratus what books the Christians kept in their bookcases. Speratus mentioned the four Gospels and the letters of Paul.

Because of their firm stand, these twelve men and women had their heads cut off. They are mentioned in many histories of Christianity as The Scillitan Martyrs.

by Dan Graves

All Biographies Beginning with the Letter "S"