Perpetua and the Bravery of Christian Martyrs 

Often I have wondered at the strength of the early Christians’ faith. Chased, beaten, and often, killed, they endured the harshest punishments simply because they sought the Truth. If we in the modern day profess to be Christians, are we willing to face what these brave men, women, and children endured?

In “Ancient Christianity,” Dr. Kenneth Calvert  mentions several ordinary Christians who left behind extraordinary stories because of their great faith in the face of persecution. One that struck me was the story of a young woman, a martyr for the Christian faith: Perpetua.  

We should not be surprised that women were among those to suffer persecution. As Dr Calvert says, “it’s very important that [Christians] were among the poor, the slaves, and women. Those who were not in positions of power.” One of these women was the daughter of a wealthy magistrate who became a Christian much to her father’s chagrin.  

Well-educated, honest, of good character, and a young mother, Perpetua was arrested with her friend and slave, Felicity, and a handful of other Christians during the games in honor of Emperor Septimius Severus. Her father, who feared for her safety, often asked her to deny her faith.  

One day, when confronted by her father, Perpetua pointed to a vase in their home and asked her father if he could call it anything other than what it was. “Of course not!” was his reply. Perpetua then said, “Just like this vase cannot be called anything other than what it is, so I cannot be called anything other than what I am, a Christian.” Despite her father’s persistence, Perpetua remained steadfast in her belief, and when the authorities did come for her, she did not bat an eye.  

On their way to the arena, Perpetua and the other Christians sang hymns and called out to the people they met along the way to repent of their sins. The Romans chose an especially vicious punishment for Perpetua and her friend, Felicity. They would be subjected to a mad heifer, a symbol for the Romans of fertility and motherhood as both women were young mothers. Yet as Perpetua and Felicity stepped into the arena and the gate closed behind them, their faces were serene. 

Trampled and beaten by the mad cow, the women remained upright. As she was tossed about, Perpetua even pulled her torn garment to cover herself and preserve her modesty. Eventually Felicity succumbed to her wounds but Perpetua survived. A young gladiator was sent to kill her, and when Perpetua saw that the young man hesitated with a trembling sword in hand, she took his wrist and guided the sword to her own throat.  

All who witnessed these events and many who have heard them have been amazed by Perpetua’s courage. While we may be horrified by such tales, they have the power to convict us. Dr. Calvert notes that many pagan Romans marveled at the bravery of these martyrs.  For instance, Justin of Neapolis witnessed similar displays of courage and thought, “why would they die for anything but the truth?” Justin converted to Christianity and even faced martyrdom himself.  

As we learn about the trials, tribulations, and eventual victories of early Christians, we should ask ourselves the same question that Justin Martyr asked: Why were these early Christians willing to die for their faith?  Their conviction to stand firm in their faith is one of the keys to understanding Ancient Christianity.