Basilides, who, from an Executioner Became a Christian

Not long after the death of Potamiena, who had died with the above-mentioned Rhais and Marcella, one of the executioners, named Basilides, who had brought her to death, was converted to the faith in Christ. Eusebius writes: "While he was among his companions, and an oath was demanded of him on some special matter, he said that he dared not swear at all, because he was a Christian, and he openly confessed it before them. When they heard this, they thought at first that he was joking; but when he kept insisting on it, and showed that he was in earnest, he was seized and thrown into prison. When some of the brothers came to visit him, and asked how it happened that he had been changed so suddenly, he fully satisfied them about the matter. Having heard this, they gave him the sign of the Lord, that is (as A. Mellinus explains it), he was baptized in the name of Christ. The following day he was beheaded for the confession of the Lord. Compare the preceding accounts concerning the disciples of Origen with Eusebius, book 6, chapter 5, folio 107, columns 1 and 2. Also, A. Mellinus, 1st book, folio 58, columns 1 and 2. Also, P. J. Twisck, Chron., 3rd book, for the year 204, folio 55, column 2, above. Also, Introduction M. Sp., folio 39, column 1.