Beginning as a despised, illicit religious sect, Christianity endured 300 years of hostility to emerge as the dominant force in the Roman Empire.

The achievement brought new difficulties.

Some of his novels mercilessly lampoon Christians. Yet the great Victorian author also wrote a reverent account of Jesus' life.

Christians held a theology of martyrdom that gave them courage to endure.

In the Roman mind, there were valid religious reasons to halt the spread of Christianity.

Encouragement for believers sentenced to the Roman mines.

An interview with Richard Nelson Bolles

When aspiration and pride mix, the result may yet be ministry.

The first-century Empire swirled with an exotic mix of religions.

When misdirected zeal replaces holy ambition, we embark on a long obedience in the wrong direction.