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Theodosius I (347-395) continued the work Constantine had begun, making Christianity "the" Roman religion. Again, his early record was spotted—most notably by a horrific episode that occurred in 387. When the city of Thessalonica rioted because a favored charioteer was imprisoned, Theodosius ordered revenge: a chariot race was announced, citizens gathered in the arena, the gates were locked, and soldiers were set upon the crowd, killing some 7,000.

But this proved the turning point of Theodosius's reign. After the debacle, Ambrose, the bishop of Milan instrumental in the conversion of the great Augustine of Hippo, refused to give the emperor Communion until he performed public penance. Theodosius consented. He put aside his royal garments, donned a shroud, and publicly pleaded for God's mercy. This marked a new chapter in the history of church and state. For the first time, less than a century after emperors had tried to wipe out the church, a secular ruler submitted to the church. By 391, Theodosius was supporting the newly elevated church by closing pagan temples and forbidding pagan worship.

Justinian I (483-565) ruled from the empire's new center in Constantinople. Most famous for his "Justinian Code" of law, he embedded in that code much that was unapologetically Christian. Among other innovations, he made it easier to free Christian slaves, gave more legal rights to women and children, made divorce harder, and reduced the number of capital crimes. He had 25 churches erected in Constantinople alone, proclaiming: "There are two great gifts which God, in his love for man, has granted from on high: the priesthood and the imperial dignity. The first serves divine things, while the latter directs and administers human affairs; both, however, proceed from the same origin and adorn the life of mankind."

Next week we will examine the lives of later leaders, continuing to ask the question: "What happens when leaders pray?"

On May 29, 2003, we will examine the lives of later leaders , continuing to ask the question: "What happens when leaders pray?"

Chris Armstrong is managing editor of Christian History magazine. Steven Gertz is editorial coordinator of Christian History magazine. More Christian history, including a list of events that occurred this week in the church's past, is available at ChristianHistory.net. Subscriptions to the quarterly print magazine are also available.

Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

For fuller versions of these and other stories of Christian leaders, see 131 Christians Everyone Should Know, by the editors of Christian History.

Christian History Corner appears every Friday at ChristianityToday.com. Previous editions include:

Got Your 'Spiritual Director' Yet? | The roots of a resurgent practice, plus 14 books for further study. (May 2, 2003)

Missionary Tales from the Iraqi Front | The modern Anglican mission to Iraq met with initial success, but its story sounds a cautionary note. (April 25, 2003)

The Goodness of Good Friday | An unhappy celebration—isn't that an oxymoron? (Apr. 17, 2003)

Top Ten Entry Points to Christian History | Some enjoyable ways to get the most out of the work of church historians. (Apr. 11, 2003)

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May (Web-only) 2003, Vol. 47