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| The Martyrdom of Marinus at Cæsarea.
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Chapter
XV.—The Martyrdom of Marinus at
Cæsarea.
1. At
this time, when the peace of the churches had been everywhere2288
| 2288 The martyrdom of Marinus after the promulgation of
Gallienus’ edict of toleration and after peace had been, as
Eusebius remarks, everywhere restored to the churches, has caused
historians some difficulty. It is maintained, however, by Tillemont and
others, and with especial force by Görres in the
Jahrbücher für prot. Theol., 1877, p. 620 sq., that
the martyrdom of Marinus took place while the usurper Macrianus, who
was exceedingly hostile to the Christians, was still in power in the
East, and at a time, therefore, when the edicts of Gallienus could have
no force there. This of course explains the difficulty completely. The
martyrdom then must have taken place toward the beginning of
Gallienus’ reign, for Macrianus was slain as early as 262. Of the
martyr Marinus we know only what Eusebius tells us here. | restored, Marinus in Cæsarea in
Palestine, who was honored for his military deeds, and illustrious by
virtue of family and wealth, was beheaded for his testimony to Christ,
on the following account.
2. The vine-branch2289
is a certain mark of honor among the
Romans, and those who obtain it become, they say, centurions. A place
being vacated, the order of succession called Marinus to this position.
But when he was about to receive the honor, another person came before
the tribunal and claimed that it was not legal, according to the
ancient laws, for him to receive the Roman dignity, as he was a
Christian and did not sacrifice to the emperors; but that the office
belonged rather to him.
3. Thereupon the judge, whose
name was Achæus,2290
| 2290 Achæus is an otherwise unknown person. That he was governor
of Palestine, as Valesius asserts, is apparently a pure assumption, for
the term used of him (δικαστής) is quite indefinite. | being disturbed,
first asked what opinion Marinus held. And when he perceived that he
continually confessed himself a Christian, he gave him three hours for
reflection.
4. When he came out from the
tribunal, Theotecnus,2291
| 2291 On
Theotecnus, see above, chap. 14, note 9. | the bishop
there, took him aside and conversed with him, and taking his hand led
him into the church. And standing with him within, in the sanctuary, he
raised his cloak a little, and pointed to the sword that hung by his
side; and at the same time he placed before him the Scripture of the
divine Gospels, and told him to choose which of the two he wished. And
without hesitation he reached forth his right hand, and took the divine
Scripture. “Hold fast then,” says Theotecnus to him,
“hold fast to God, and strengthened by him mayest thou obtain
what thou hast chosen, and go in peace.”
5. Immediately on his return the
herald cried out calling him to the tribunal, for the appointed time
was already completed. And standing before the tribunal, and
manifesting greater zeal for the faith, immediately, as he was, he was
led away and finished his course by death. E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
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