This week I read about Vibia Perpetua and was surprised by the depth of her story, its relatability, and its influence. I had heard the 3rd century martyr's name before, but had never studied her life nor her martyrdom. Only 21, Perpetua was newly married and mother to an infant son. During what is considered some of the happiest days of a woman's life, she was thrown in jail for her faith...and remained there.
Undoubtedly two of the greatest treasures of her heart, husband and son could not hold a candle to her deep, deep love of Christ.
And even amidst numerous knees-to-the-earth pleas from her elderly father (with whom she had a close relationship) to recant her faith, she would not give in:
"Father, do you see this water pot? Can it be called anything else than what its is? So too, I cannot be called anything other than what I am: a Christian."
(from Perpetua's account of her imprisonment)
Perpetua did not recant at her trial and was martyred in the amphitheater at Carthage (along with her servants, Felicity and Revocatus and fellow believers called Saturninus and Secundulus)(123).
Her life, lived out in accordance with Matthew 10:37-39, still speaking volumes centuries after she was "silenced".
I have never been thrown in jail for my faith, I have no husband or children, and I've never had to face beasts in an amphitheater.
No, I easily subject myself to far lesser things: what others think of me, if unbelievers in my family will still speak to me, choosing my words a little too carefully...
Thinking higher of human opinion than the Creator of the Universe.
And once again I find myself challenged to let my life speak loudly of what I am. A Christian.
Litfin, Bryan M. Getting to Know the Church Fathers: An Evangelical Introduction. Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2007.
