At the time of Christ all the countries around the Mediterranean Sea were ruled by the Roman emperor. The Romans, and still more the Greeks, who were subject to them, excelled all other peoples at that time in science and arts. But they were heathens, and did not know the true God. Many had, however, lost faith in their own gods, and began to look about for salvation elsewhere. And with these the Gospel speedily found entrance. Paul had established Christian congregations in Macedonia and Greece; and even in Rome there was a large congregation. About one hundred years after the death of Christ there were congregations throughout the Roman empire. But heathenism was still very powerful, and many ridiculed the faith of the Christians, that One who had been crucified should be the Savior of the world, and sit at the right hand of God, and should return to judge the quick and the dead. They did not confine themselves to ridicule; many of the emperors permitted the Christians to worship their Lord and Savior in peace; but others persecuted them cruelly, as Nero had persecuted them in the days of the apostles. For about two hundred and fifty years the Christians were exposed to persecutions, and many were those who suffered death for Christ’s sake. Polycarp, who in his youth had heard the apostle John, was in his old age bishop of Smyrna, in Asia Minor. He was brought before the Roman governor, who promised him his liberty if he would curse Christ. But he answered: Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never did me aught but good; how can I then curse Him, my Lord and my Savior? The governor threatened to cast him before wild beasts. But Polycarp remained steadfast. He was sentenced to be burned alive, and he ascended the pyre, praising the Lord who found him worthy to suffer the death of a martyr. Many both men and women remained steadfast during the tortures. Many heathens who beheld this were awakened to forsake their idols and believe on that Lord who could inspire His believers with such courage. And thus the persecutions served to open many hearts for Christianity. 2. Constantine the Great Constantine, who has been called the Great, became emperor over the whole Roman empire in the year of our Lord 323. He was friendly toward Christianity, and proclaimed full religious liberty, so persecutions now ceased in all Roman countries. On his deathbed he confessed Christianity and was baptized. In his time magnificent churches were erected, and the clergy came to great influence and honor. Unfortunately he gave the Church, and especially the clergy, too many privileges, and helped to advance the power of the bishops. In the course of time this became more and more destructive to the Church.