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..(249-13) The Persecution of the Christians-- In verse 9, Christ tells the disciples of the coming opposition and suffering they and the rest of the faithful will suffer. Numerous historical accounts record the persecution, suffering and violent deaths of Christian believers. These records testify to the fulfilment of Christ's prophecy. (50:2) When Paul preached in Rome, Christians were already 'spoken against everywhere' (Acts 28:22). Christians would later suffer under sporadic violent persecutions. In AD 64 Christians were made the scapegoats for a severe fire that occurred in Rome. They were, according to Roman historian Tacitus, 'fastened on crosses, and, when daylight failed, were burned to serve as lamps by night'.
(50:3)
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