Today we celebrate the memorial of The First Martyrs of the Church of Rome.

Within a dozen or so years following the death of Jesus, there were Christians in Rome, but they were not those who had been converted by the “Apostle of the Gentiles” (Romans 15:20). At the time he penned his famous epistle in 57–58 A.D., Paul had not yet traveled there.

Jews made up a sizable portion of Rome’s population. The Roman Emperor Claudius banished all Jews from Rome in 49–50 A.D., most likely because of conflict between Jews and Jewish Christians. The deportation was brought on, according to the historian Suetonius, by riots in the city “caused by the certain Chrestus” [Christ]. Following Claudius’ passing in 54 A.D., perhaps many returned. The Church Paul wrote to included both Jews and Gentiles as members.

Rome was entirely devastated by fire in July of the year 64 A.D. According to rumors, Nero planned to expand his castle, which is why the tragedy occurred. By accusing the Christians, he changed the subject. Peter and Paul were most likely among the victims, as the historian Tacitus claimed that many Christians died due to their “hatred of the human race.”

Nero killed himself in 68 A.D. after being put in danger by an army uprising and sentenced to death by the senate. a 31-year-old.

Source: franciscanmedia.org