BIBST 702S:
Persecution and Martyrdom in Early Christianity
Rescript of Hadrian Regarding Treatment of Christians
This letter from Hadrian to Minucius Fundanus, procounsel of Asia, regarding the treatment of Christians is known to us only from Eusebius (HE 4.9). Eusebius provides a Greek translation of a Latin original that he found appended to Justin Martyr's First Apology.
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1 "To Minucius Fundanus. I have received an epistle, written to me by your predecessor Serennius Granianus, a most illustrious man. It does not seem right to me that the matter should be passed over without examination, lest the people be harassed and opportunity be given to the informers for practicing villainy. 2 If, therefore, the inhabitants of the province can clearly sustain this petition against the Christians so as to give answer in a court of law, let them pursue this course alone, and not be influenced by mere entreaties and outcries. For it is far more proper, if any one wishes to make an accusation, that you should examine it. 3 If any one therefore accuses them and shows that they are doing anything contrary to the laws, do pass judgment according to the seriousness of the crime. But, by Hercules, investigate seriously, and if any one should bring an accusation through mere calumny, inflict penalties in proportion to their wickedness." |