PART II

I

(_b_) FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH IN ROME--INFLUENCE OF S. PAUL

S. Paul in Rome--His share in laying the foundation stories in the Capital--Paul’s Christology more detailed than that contained in S. Mark’s Gospel, which represents S. Peter’s teaching 21

II

POSITION OF CHRISTIANS AFTER A.D. 64

The great fire of Rome in the days of Nero brought the unnoticed sect of Christians into prominence--The games of Nero--Never again after A.D. 64 did Christians enjoy “stillness”--The policy of the State towards them from this time was practically unaltered 25

III

THE VEILED SHADOW OF PERSECUTION--POLICY OF THE FLAVIAN EMPERORS

Silence respecting details of persecutions in pagan and in Christian writings--Reason for this--These writings contain little history; but the Christian writings are coloured with the daily expectation of death and suffering--In spite of persecution the numbers of Christians increased rapidly--What was the strange attraction of Christianity?--Persecution of the sect under the Flavian Emperors Vespasian, Titus, Domitian 35