Blandina nyoni biography for kids

During the reign of Marcus Aurelius, terrible persecution broke out against Christians, and the pagan emperor, seemingly enlightened in other areas, tolerated it. And yet, so much confidence not one of them would venture to assume as true of himself.

These servants feared being tortured and devised all sorts of false accusations against the Christians--such as that they practiced cannibalism, incest, and other shameful practices. That cell too can still be visited today in Lyon. They were sustained not by their own arm, but by the arm of the Almighty. Thereupon, the skulls of Sanctus and Maturus were split with a poleaxe, and Blandina was conveyed back to prison.

Among the Christian captives there were Roman citizens.

It was expensive to hire gladiators, boxers and wrestlers. The answer was‚ “Unless they deny Christ let them be beheaded.” Remaining faithful they suffered decapitation. The pagans hoped to prevent even the hope of resurrection for the Christians.

The full account of Blandina's martyrdom and the other martyrs of Vienna and Lyon in 177 is contained in one of Christian History's Institute's Pocket Classics.

The expectation was that they would lose courage at the sight and make confession. As a rebuttal to meterialism, especially as manifested in the writings of Ernest Renan, John Reilly Beard produced A Manual of Christian Evidence, from which this account of Blandina is taken.

Most formidable was the persecution which raged over the Gallic Churches of Lyons and Vienne, in the year 177, A.d.

The rage of the adversary was great, and no torture too cruel to be employed by him against the followers of Christ; but still greater was the steadfastness of the sufferers, and again still greater was the inspiration which God poured into their hearts during their “fiery trial.” Truly might each one of “the martyrs of Lyons” apply to himself the Apostle’s words: “I can do (bear) all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

It is a plaything for him. She prays and suffers, but still lives. “What is to be done with them?” asked the Praetor of his master. Full of courage, Blandina communicated her spirit to the youth, who, after bearing his sufferings calmly, sank like a young fawn hunted to death on its native hills. As the church grew, spiritual resistance began to mount, and persecution against the Christians began.

Mobs formed to beat, stone and rob the Christians. Every day they had been brought to witness the sufferings of others and pressed to deny their faith and swear by idols. Even the pagans allowed that never was so much heroism seen in a slave girl.

Now she was ready to hasten after them. The bodies of those who had suffocated in prison were thrown to the dogs, and guards were stationed to prevent the remaining Christians from burying them.