Third Maccabees tells the story of Jewish persecution under King Ptolemy Philopator, likely Ptolemy IV, who lived from 245 to 202 BCE and ruled from 211 to 202 BCE. After Philopator defeats Antiochus, he has a celebration tour. He visits Jerusalem and wants to enter the temple, which Jewish Law prohibits. Though he doesn’t care […]
Fourth Maccabees, written by an unknown author, is a philosophical treatise intertwined with graphic portrayals of persecution, torture, and death. The premise is that devout reason is superior to emotion and should therefore rule. The resolute suffering of the people profiled in 4 Maccabees shows how their reasoned faith in God allows them to overcome […]
To be persecuted is to be harassed, tormented, or oppressed for one’s beliefs, faith, or conviction. In some cultures, persecution can result in ostracism, torture, and death. An interesting variation of usage occurs in the conversion of Saul (aka Paul), where Jesus asks “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4) Key verse about […]