Re: The Early Christians: Self-Portraits and Portrayals

Megan R. wrote:

> Adam wrote:
> 
>> The first elders were very distressed unless they had to suffer
>> physically in some way all the time. They preferred to speak the
>> truth rather than to write it down.
>> 
>> Clement of Alexandria about the oral tradition of the Elders
>> in early Christian times. Selections from the Prophets 11.27.
>> 
> 
> We are accused of being "Christians" [chresteu meaning "excellent"]
> but it is not right to hate what is excellent. And again, when one of
> the accused denies his faith and simply says he is not one, you acquit
> him as though you knew of no charge to bring against him. But if
> anyone confesses that he is one, you punish him because of his
> confession. It would be your duty rather to investigate the conduct of
> both the confessor and the renegade so that the deeds of each one
> establish his guilt or his innocence.     
> 
> Justin, First Apology 4.
> 
> 


Our persecutors are actually not primarily interested in our property 
when they prosecute us, nor in our good name as citizens when they 
publicly heap insults on us, nor in any of the less important values when 
they plunge us into ruin. All these things we hold in contempt, no matter 
how important and worthwhile they may seem to the masses. We have been 
taught not to hit back at people who harass us, not to go to court 
against those who expel us and rob us. Rather are we enjoined to offer 
the other side of the face for more blows when they ignominiously smite 
us on the one side. When they take away our coat, we are to give them our 
overcoat as well.

No, it is clearly our body and our life that our persecutors plot against 
when there are no more goods they can take away from us. This is the only 
explanation for the many accusations they spread about us. If anyone can 
convict us of unjust acts, whether small or big, we are the last to beg 
off punishment; we would in fact demand the most severe and relentless 
punishment if this were to happen...While others accused of 
transgressions are not punished before they are convicted, in our case 
the judges do not inquire whether the defendant has committed any wrong 
but are provoked about the name as if that were in itself a crime.

Athenagoras, A Plea Regarding Christians I.2.