Session 2 surveys the persecution faced by early Christians from both Jewish and Roman authorities, highlighting key moments such as Nero’s brutality after the Great Fire of Rome, and later empire-wide persecutions under Decius, Valerian, and Diocletian. It recounts powerful martyrdom stories, such as those of Perpetua and the 40 Martyrs of Sebaste, and explores common accusations against Christians, revealing both the cruelty and misunderstandings that fueled opposition to the gospel. Despite periods of intense suffering, the church’s steadfast faith and refusal to compromise bore powerful witness to the hope found in Christ.