The record of Pionius death is one of the most complete and interesting Martyr-Acts.
Pionius was implored by his pagan fellow-citizens to recant:
'Listen to us Pionius, we love you. There are many reasons why you deserve to live, for your character and righteousness. It is good to live and to see the light!'
Pionius replied: 'I too agree that life is good, but the life that we long for is better; and so too of light, that one true light. All these things are indeed good, and we do not run from them as though we are eager to die or because we hate God's works. Rather, we despise these things which ensare us because of the superiority of those other great goods.
Christian martyrdom never was intended to spring from a hatred of life, or from a death wish.
3 comments:
Wonderful stuff. Do you have a reference or do you just make these guys up?
Top quote, if a bit hyperbolic ;-)
Rather, we despise these things which ensare us because of the superiority of those other great goods.
'Despise'? I can't imagine Jesus ever encouraging anyone to speak like this! Oh...
The story is found in Musurillo's 'Acts of the Christian Martyrs' under 'the acts of Pionius'.
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