Bishop

Once upon a time, a bishop got in the face of an emperor. One had immeasurable power behind him. The other had nothing but righteous indignation on his side.

The outcome of the standoff surprised everyone who heard the story.

Slaves have always had it tough. In early America, they had no property and no rights. It was worse in ancient societies; there, they literally didn’t have an identity. The law of non habens personam meant that they “did not have a person” or “did not have a face.”

But Jesus’s example would change all of that.

It was reported that Polycarp, the aged bishop of Smyrna, was actually a disciple of the Apostle John. He was known for leading an influential congregation and for encouraging the greater church with his writings.

But, without a doubt, his legacy revolves completely around his death.

Decius came from a long line of Roman Emperors who hated Christ and His followers. But unlike those who had gone before him, he would be quite successful in ridding the empire – and world – of the Jesus disease.

And, for the most part, he wouldn’t even have to use a sword to do it.

The act of baptism is usually a painless event. There’s not much to it: take a sinner who desires to follow Christ…and add water. Ta da! That’s baptism: as profound as it is simple.

But history tells of at least one very painful baptism in the life of the Christian church.