Even unto death, p.1
Even Unto Death, page 1
Even unto
Death
Table of Contents
Title Page
Even unto Death | Gerald Bergeron | And Gerald Hernandez
Contents:
Chapter 2 | (Arena of death)
Chapter 3 | (The cave)
Chapter 4 | (The Surprise rescue)
Chapter 5 | (The winds of death)
Chapter 10 | (Death without trial)
Author bios:
IF YOU WERE GIVEN THE CHOICE BETWEEN YOUR LIFE AND YOUR FAITH, WHICH WOULD, YOU CHOOSE.
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Even unto Death
Gerald Bergeron
And Gerald Hernandez
Geraldsbooks
Copyright© Gerald Bergeron/Gerald Hernandez
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means. Electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written permission of the author.
ISBN: 13-978-1466325371
ISBN: 10-1466325372
Published by Gerald’s books, other books include
A Touch of Heaven/a Saviors heart
Behold He cometh/ Earths final battle
Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge
No V.I.P Sinners
Believers Bible study journal
Beholding Jesus, face to face
The Little Tree/Children’s book
Printed in the United States of America
Contents:
1. Death by decree... pg. 1
2. Arena of death... pg.21
3. The cave... pg.39
4. The surprise rescue... pg.57
5. Winds of Death...pg.77
6. Burial Ground...pg.95
7. The death march...pg.111
8. The rebellion...pg.127
9. The Galileans...pg.145
10. Death without trial...pg.165
11. Search for a home...pg.183
12. The move...pg.203
13. Dangerous guest...pg.221
14. Enemy takeover...pg.241
15. The Miracle deliverance...pg.259
16. No more time...pg.275
17. Trapped by the enemy...pg.295
18. Fleeing the danger...pg.313
19. The Final Sacrifice...pg.329
20. Free at last...pg.345
Introduction:
The story starts in a small province in the city of Rome, the center of the Roman Empire. Many prisoners and missionaries had been sent in the years prior to the great fire, which was blamed on the believers in Rome.
One family who came began to start small churches, and with the birth of their son, soon became the latest victims in the brutal dictatorship of the Roman Empire. Leaving behind the young child who would now be raised by the missionaries there, the saga of death begins again with the signing of a new decree.
The young man grew to be a spiritual leader and teacher of many new churches. Then after the death of his own wife, who was a great help to him in his ministry, things again begin to take a different turn of events. Julius, who now was running and teaching his own students, finds himself and his students in a push for survival.
Together Julius, and a few students, John, Thaddeus, and Barnabas set out on the adventure that just could be their last. They now face heartbreak, betrayal, and uncertainty as to what the future may hold.
As these believers began to search out new hiding places, others fleeing the danger soon join them. This now places all their lives in a struggle to find somewhere that they all can escape to freedom.
Will faith be enough to carry them on, who will be next to face the dreaded arena, yet even though all hope seems lost, they move forward. Many face death; others escape just to face another day of uncertainty. Yet all have one thing that keeps them going, a belief that their faith is more important than even their lives.
Most have resolved to suffer or die, yet they would be ready to stand up for what they all believed. They were ready to lay their lives on the line, even unto death. New churches were rising and the gospel was being spread throughout many parts of Rome. Under the former Emperors, many Christians were persecuted and scores of them were even put to death.
Yet life had become a tranquil place to grow and teach, even read letters from the early church. However, things were about to change, life was about to become a nightmare for all who would not follow the new decree. The present Emperor became sick, and within a week of his death, everything about tranquility became hostile. The new decree would read as follows:
“To all citizens and non-citizens dwelling in the Capital city of Rome, be it known. You are hereby ordered, by decree of the Roman Emperor, to be enforced by the Imperial Roman Army. To pledge your allegiance to Rome alone and a stigma mark shall be inserted in the right ear. Anyone who does not carry this mark or temporary papers to prove their citizenship shall by this order be arrested, and immediately detained.
The punishment shall be administered in the former arena, where they will be allowed to pledge their loyalty, or suffer to the extent of even death. This decree now on this day bans all religious proselytization and gathering. This loyalty will be to the Roman Emperor and the gods of Rome. Those who violate this decree may be put to death at the order of the Legionnaire, or any Roman soldier who finds just cause to vindicate Rome.”
Now the believers were in the race of their lives to flee the danger, yet to where could they run? Many would try to flee the Roman provinces yet to their dismay were captured attempting to cross the borders.
One small group of believers who had built up the church bodies had now began to take this threat serious and were now planning their next move. They were ready to flee if need be, or to set it out if possible, yet one thing was sure, they would not deny their faith. They would suffer and face whatever they needed to prove their allegiance to Christ, willing to proclaim their faith even if they must die.
Chapter 0ne
(Death by decree)
The Emperor was dead; his successor would now fill the office that had been plagued with, uncertainty and a lack of loyalty. However, this new leader had been loyal to no one. Therefore, he would now take new steps to administer loyalty, and with an iron fist...demand worship! Rome would lead the world and he would prevail as one to be feared by all.
This Emperor therefore issued a new decree, one that would be complete and irrevocable. This decree would force all citizens of the Empire to become loyal to Rome only. All would be required to bear a small stigma (mark) of allegiance in their right ear. Those who would defy the decree would face arrest, and punishment. Also because of the spread of religion, this decree was to include any and all other beliefs, contrary to the gods of Rome.
This he added simply because of his hatred toward, any who would be of the Christian faith, a belief which he so detested.
Many small groups of believers were now targets of his evil plan, and the groups of Christians began fleeing for their lives. Death was becoming widespread to those who chose to rebel against this Emperor, still many would fight to the end.
When Persecution took place years before under the likes of Emperors such as Nero, numerous souls were transported to Rome to suffer. Then as time passed, the new successors became tolerant toward those who held to the Christian faith. Still believers lost their lives for crimes they had not committed.
Some of the small groups of believers fled Rome when the persecution started. One small band of believers decided to stay and help the others to freedom. Julius was their mentor and spiritual leader, who started many of the now small home groups. He had helped many find Christ even in the midst of the trouble. Now his friends fled for their lives with nowhere to go and no one to help. Julius came from the holy city when he was young, and learned the faith by reading the letters sent from the early church.
Many of his converts were those who were sent from the east to help mobilize the Roman army. They grew into large groups and many raised their families in Rome, and soon became believers. Amongst them were those who also came the same time Julius did.
The trouble now grew in every city and especially in the city of Rome itself. This distress would now plague everyone and the new decree was now irreversible and completely in force.
Down near the northern city, two believers hid themselves in the dense woods surrounding the arena’s massive walls. These woods were dark and thick with brush and broken or fallen trees. Both of them were worried and confused as to what was going on with this new threat to all the believers.
The air was thick with smoke from the burning homes of those defying the soldiers, and the sun was almost setting. With the darkness, approaching the two men felt safer, and for one thing, they did not want to be spotted by any Roman soldiers. The men found a spot behind a tree but the area was quite tight, forcing them close together. As they sat back, they tried to figure out what was taking place beyond their view, and over the arenas massive walls. One of them was attempting to locate his loved ones who were now in Roman custody or worse dead.
Thaddeus whispered, “I fear for my family John, I have not heard anything from them since the time the soldiers first started to capture our people. I cannot help but wonder if they made it or are even still alive.”
“How does a man become so evil? He orders the killings for the fun of it, and why does the crowd seem to enjoy it so much? Do they not see the innocent people that are being tortured and killed? ”
John not knowing what to say looked at the ground and said, “I am not sure Thaddeus. You know he adores the praise of a very large crowd. At all events, you see how he passes out free food; he will do anything to bring glory to himself.”
“Well John, I do not care how much he calls himself a ruler for the people. I would never follow him. He is truly mad...no one is safe.”
“Thaddeus, all we can do now is pray for our loved ones and those who are captured. They are in God’s hands my brother.”
“I have been praying every moment that somehow they made it to safety. Still, I just cannot help wondering if they did.” Thaddeus whispered, lowering his head and weeping softly.
“Things look quiet here, Thaddeus, we had better get back with the others so that they will know we are all right.’
“There seems to be nothing going on in the arena today Thaddeus, we will return tomorrow. I know you are worried.... So am I my friend, remember we must keep praying and trusting God.”
John and Thaddeus turned to go back to where they had left Julius and the others. John could see the pain on his friend’s face and the guilt he carried. Yet, he knew they had to let the others know what was happening. The worrying played heavily on everyone’s mind. All were concerned about those captured.
[Meanwhile:]
“Julius, we have been hiding here from the soldiers ever since we received the news of the Emperor’s decree,” Barnabas said. “How long must we wait?”
“What about John and Thaddeus! Where are they?” he asked. “Were they captured also?”
“Barnabas, everything will be ok we must stay calm and just wait and see.”
“Look Julius, I am not going to hide away in the shadows forever, while innocent people are being put to death.”
“I must get home and take my wife and children to the southern border where we can hopefully meet up with the other believers who are fleeing.”
“Please! Listen to me Barnabas. We are safer as long as we stay together. If we scatter, they have the advantage over us.’
“I heard that all those devoted to this new emperor are getting tattoos just to distinguish themselves as loyal. If your family is caught, traveling and none of you display this ink mark ....”
“Wait,” Barnabas interrupted, “what is this mark and where is it on the body? Why can’t we just write it on the surface of our skin just to fool the soldiers?”
Julius stood up and looked directly at Barnabas, “Brother is accepting this brand not the same as saying that our God, the God we love and worship, is just a fraud? I will accept no such tattoo nor will I pretend to accept it.”
Barnabas placed his head between his hands and felt ashamed for speaking without thinking and said, “That is true and I thank you my brother for your wisdom.”
“There is a lot that I do not understand, but I have to do something! Please forgive me fear has me confused. Still I must try to get my family out of this danger.”
“Well, my friend, if your mind is made up, then just be careful, and remember if they find you, then your whole family will be in grave danger. Go my brother and do be careful.”
As Barnabas left, Julius began praying for his friend, knowing he could not talk him out of leaving. Barnabas left in such great haste he barely took the time to say goodbye to Julius. Yet, Julius knew that it was because of fear for his family that caused Barnabas to flee. Therefore, he just waved him along as he left. He began wondering what he would tell the others as he closed the door and bolted it securely.
________________________________________
The streets were dark, except for the ember that glowed from what was left of the homes that were set on fire earlier that day. John and Thaddeus were making their way back, keeping in the shadows as much as possible. They caught a glimpse of someone hastily moving in the dark. Fearing that they just may have been spotted, they remained completely still, both were too afraid to move. They strained their eyes to see if they could make out the figure that was slowly closing in on their hiding place. They both exhaled a sigh of relief as they finally recognized who it was.
“Barnabas!” they both cried out.
“You almost caused our hearts to stop,” Thaddeus exclaimed. “What are you doing out here wandering in the dark?”
“I am sorry my friends. There is no time to explain. Please ask Julius. He will explain. I must hurry...I will try to keep in touch ...good-bye my friends.”
Then he quickly departed and vanished into the shadows of the wooded area near the path leading to the inner part of the city. John and Thaddeus both stood there confused at his swift departure, yet they knew Julius would explain. So, they continued on to his home. As they approached the home of Julius, he quickly opened the door and ushered them inside.
“What have you found out about the prisoners? Are they being prepared for a trial tonight?”
“We do not think so Julius. The arena looks too empty,” said John. “Never mind that...what is going on with Barnabas, and where is he going?”
“Please sit down my brothers,” Julius motioned, as he sat down on a stone bench near the door and began to explain the sudden parting of their friend. He also reminded them that God would not leave them to make it on their own. He could see the worry and pain on their faces and the tears in their eyes. Yet, he knew they would now have to begin to plan what they would do next.
________________________________________
The Emperor was having breakfast when his guard announced the arrival of two soldiers. He lifted his hand and gestured for the guards to allow the soldiers to enter.
They had news about the prisoners that they were commanded to transport to the arena from the southern end of the city. Both were now trembling as they hurried into the Emperor’s chamber.
“Where are the prisoners? You do have them, do you not?” the Emperor demanded.
The soldiers appeared pale as they broke the news to the Emperor.
“Your lordship, we were bringing them here. However, word came to us of a planned uprising. So, we left them secured with the Legionnaire near the southern border.”
“Fools... I gave you orders to bring them here! YOU CHOSE TO DEFY ME!
Guards...Guards...get these fools out of my sight. Lock them in the dungeon. They will take the place of the prisoners.”
“My lord, we still have the prisoners,” the soldier retorted. “We just thought it best that we maintain them in the guarded camp of the Legionnaire to prevent escape.”
“Is that so? You have disobeyed my orders and now you try to appease me? Let your death prove as an example for all of those who choose to defy my orders. Today you will learn why Rome is the greatest in all the land. No one will defy the Emperor, not even you! These rebels have been spreading their religious heresy and causing many to forsake the gods of Rome. I deserve the adoration and devotion of every citizen. All will worship our gods or they will die!”
“Get them out of here!” the Emperor ordered, refusing to listen to their cries of mercy.
________________________________________
Barnabas approached his home, after hiding from the soldiers most of the night.
He could see the soldiers riding through the end of town searching every dwelling. The soldiers were checking people. The ones who did not have the tattoo were tortured, questioned, and most of them killed. The soldier’s orders were simple: Use any means necessary to destroy those who resisted the new decree. The few they allowed to live, the soldiers bound and brought them to the middle of town.
One young man stood up and pleaded with a soldier, “What have we done to deserve this kind of treatment?”
The soldier quickly removed his sword and pointed it at the man, answering, “Shut up and get back with the others or else I will cut you down right where you stand!”
“If any of you would like to come forward and confess betraying Rome as a part of this Christian cult, then it will save us much time and we can get this over with quickly. Don’t worry, you will not be harmed any further, you have my word.” With that, he winked to the other soldier standing next to him.
“The evil dogs,” Barnabas whispered, as he quickly passed them in the darkness of the trees lining the forest. Knowing what the soldiers were doing and wanting to help, he forced himself forward thinking of his family.
