Cessation of This Persecution

Septimus Severus reigned eighteen years as Roman Emperor, and his sons, Antoninus Caracalla and Septimus Geta, succeeded him as Emperors, about the year 213. These men, although they were very unmerciful, cruel, and bloodthirsty, especially Caracalla, did not trouble the Christians to any extent, so that during their reign very little, indeed almost no, blood of the Christians was shed in the countries under their rule; and this lasted until about the year 219. Some write that the cessation of the persecution lasted about thirty-eight years, during which time, however, Maximin the Giant greatly harassed many bishops, elders, and deacons (that is, the overseers over some churches); but whether they were punished with death will be shown in the proper place. However, it is stated that this fifth persecution, which had just begun, did not cease entirely, though it was a desirable time, as Tertullian writes, when compared with the severe and very bloody persecutions that came before. See A. Mell., 1st book, folio 60, column 1, as compared with Herod. Sever. Ejusd. Antonin., and Geta Spartian de Eisdem. [n182-1]