Basking in his victory over the Elamites he returned the idol to Babylon, and
compelled the people to restore their worship to this false god. The homecoming
of Bel-Marduk was an occasion for grand celebration by the Babylonians, but
restitution had to be made. To avenge their highest god, large numbers of
captured Elamites, as well as other human victims, were sacrificed to the
Babylonian deity. The Babylonians took great pleasure in every agony inflicted
on their foes and they believed that Bel-Marduk did too.
This is the same attitude that the followers of Christ faced in the days of the
Roman Empire. Many faithful Christians during that time gave their lives willingly
rather than deny their Lord. Some, like a faithful man named Antipas, were
roasted alive.
ìI know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's
seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my
faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr,
who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.î
Revelation 2:13
ìAntipas was an upright man and a pious witness of the
Son of God; who, in proof of his faith, tasted death, rather
than dishonor his Saviour, by denying Him, or otherwise.
This happened in the lifetime of the apostle John. Hence he
may be reckoned one of the first of those who suffered,
during the time of Domition, for the testimony of Jesus
ChristÖTouching the time and manner of his death, there
is nothing stated in Holy Writ; but some of the ancient
writers maintain that he was enclosed in a red-hot brazen
ox, and thus burned alive with great pain, yet in
steadfastness.î 3Others were tortured and burned at the stake or crucified in the same manner
as their Lord. For the sport of the populace, many were put into the arenas to
be eaten alive by wild animals. Children were covered in animal skins and wild
dogs were turned loose on them in a mad feeding frenzy.
Like blood crazed ravenous beasts themselves, the crowd screamed with
exaltation at the horrifying display. Most of these courageous Christians bore
this persecution well, knowing that they had a great reward in heaven for their
faithfulness.