Testimonies of Roman Soldiers Who Became Christians prepared by Daniel Keeran, MSW, Victoria, Canada HOW TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN
First Century The following is a summary of the nonviolence teaching of Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus of Nazareth taught his followers in Luke 6:27-36: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” and his apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 3:19: “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing” continuing the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 5:39: “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” When Jesus was arrested and forced to die as an innocent man, he ordered the sword be put away and he declared in Matthew 26:53, “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” While the conversion afterlife of the Roman centurion Cornelius is not given, we do know he would have to follow the teaching of Jesus as would any other Christian.
Second Century Marcus Aurelius to the Roman Senate on the Christians (late second century A.D.) This disputed letter contains a clear reference to nonviolence characteristic of the early Christians. “Wherefore they (Christians) began the battle, not by preparing weapons, nor arms, nor bugles; for such preparation is hateful to them, on account of the God they bear about in their conscience.”
Third Century Marinus in Cæsarea (262 A.D.) Eusebius in his History of the Church, records the process leading to the death of a soldier who became a Christian and who chose the scripture over the sword, followed by his death. “Marinus in Cæsarea in Palestine (died 262 A.D.), who was honored for his military deeds, and illustrious by virtue of family and wealth, was beheaded for his testimony to Christ, on the following account. The vine-branch is a certain mark of honor among the Romans, and those who obtain it become, they say, centurions. A place being vacated, the order of succession called Marinus to this position. But when he was about to receive the honor, another person came before the tribunal and claimed that it was not legal, according to the ancient laws, for him to receive the Roman dignity, as he was a Christian and did not sacrifice to the emperors; but that the office belonged rather to him. Thereupon the judge, whose name was Achæus, being disturbed, first asked what opinion Marinus held. And when he perceived that he continually confessed himself a Christian, he gave him three hours for reflection. When he came out from the tribunal, Theotecnus, the bishop there, took him aside and conversed with him, and taking his hand led him into the church. And standing with him within, in the sanctuary, he raised his cloak a little, and pointed to the sword that hung by his side; and at the same time he placed before him the Scripture of the divine Gospels, and told him to choose which of the two he wished. And without hesitation he reached forth his right hand, and took the divine Scripture. “Hold fast then,” says Theotecnus to him, “hold fast to God, and strengthened by him mayest thou obtain what thou hast chosen, and go in peace.”