Eusebius
In Eusebiuss The History of the Church, Eusebius writes the accounts of many martyrs who spilled their blood for the sake of Christ. As stated in the introduction, these martyrs became the seed of the church. Their courage and devotion in the face of brutal torture and death helped to convert many to Christ.
Eusebius writes about the martyrs because their stories show how, despite the persecution from emperors and other leaders, the love of God and His Word can continue to spread even through times of tyrannical rulers. Eusebius often focused on the calmness and peace that the martyrs maintained while going through their many ordeals. The martyrs suffered through things that many of us would never even imagine going through today. 1 Peter 4:12-14 says "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." Eusebius writes about the story of the Bishop of Jerusalem, Symeon, "This is on the authority of Hegesippus, who, writing about certain heretics, goes on to describe how they accused Symeon and how, after many days of varied tortures for being a Christian to the astonishment of the judge ad his assessors he suffered an end like that of the Lord." Surely, main comfort that the martyrs found in their suffering was in the fact that Jesus also suffered and died. Many of the martyrs said that they were given the privilege to suffer and die for the name of Christ. These thoughts helped them to remain peaceful in their final moments. They were probably also overjoyed at the thought that they would soon be reunited with their Savior.
The effect of the martyrs on the people who were not Christians was incredible. The atheists and
Eusebius writes about the martyrs because their stories show how, despite the persecution from emperors and other leaders, the love of God and His Word can continue to spread even through times of tyrannical rulers. Eusebius often focused on the calmness and peace that the martyrs maintained while going through their many ordeals. The martyrs suffered through things that many of us would never even imagine going through today. 1 Peter 4:12-14 says "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." Eusebius writes about the story of the Bishop of Jerusalem, Symeon, "This is on the authority of Hegesippus, who, writing about certain heretics, goes on to describe how they accused Symeon and how, after many days of varied tortures for being a Christian to the astonishment of the judge ad his assessors he suffered an end like that of the Lord." Surely, main comfort that the martyrs found in their suffering was in the fact that Jesus also suffered and died. Many of the martyrs said that they were given the privilege to suffer and die for the name of Christ. These thoughts helped them to remain peaceful in their final moments. They were probably also overjoyed at the thought that they would soon be reunited with their Savior.
The effect of the martyrs on the people who were not Christians was incredible. The atheists and