Marinus, of Noble Descent, but Preferring the Gospel to the Sword

In the ancient records of the pious witnesses of Jesus Christ, an account is given of Marinus, a citizen of Jerusalem, of noble descent, who, although he belonged to the nobility, had a sincere affection for the true Christians, who at that time were oppressed beyond measure. For this reason those who envied him, who were jealous of the honor of his nobility, severely accused and charged him with being a Christian; which he also confessed, when he was brought before the judge; indeed, he declared with a loud and clear voice that he was certainly a Christian. The judge then gave him three hours' respite to consider whether he would die as a Christian, or whether he would sacrifice to the gods and the Emperor.

As he went away from the tribunal, Theotecnes, the bishop of the church in that city, took him by the hand, and led him to the meeting, in the meeting place, strengthened him with many words in the faith, and, placing before him the sword which he usually carried at his side, and also the Gospel [book], he asked him which of the two he would choose.

When Marinus, with a firm faith, stretched out his hand for the Gospel, choosing it instead of the sword, Theotecnes said to him: "O my son! Keep what you have chosen, and, despising this present life, hope for the eternal. Depart in good confidence, and receive the crown which the Lord has prepared for you."

Marinus accordingly returned to the tribunal, and was immediately called by the lord's servant, for the appointed time had come; he did not delay or wait until he was asked, but said of his own accord that he had considered the matter, and that it was established by the law of the fathers that God must be obeyed rather than men. Eusebius Pamphilius writes that when Marinus had answered this way, the judge immediately gave sentence that he should be beheaded. Book 7, chapter 15.

P. J. Twisck gives the following account of this Marinus: "When Marinus confessed that he was a Christian, and chose the Bible in preference to the sword, he was called before the tribunal, sentenced, and beheaded." Third book, for the year 262, page 73, column 2; from Euseb. Compare this with the Introduction, folio 41, column 2. [n213-1]