What I Am - Perpetua - The One Year Women in Christian History Devotional

CA. 180–203

Perpetua was a young Christian noblewoman in Carthage around the year 200. The authorities were demanding that everyone show their loyalty by offering a sacrifice to the “divine” spirit of the Roman emperor. Devout Christians refused to do this—Jesus was their only Lord. Though she had recently given birth, Perpetua refused to sacrifice, and she was arrested.

Her father visited her in prison and begged her to recant. Didn’t she realize that Christians were being hauled off to the city arena to face wild animals or gladiators in front of bloodthirsty mobs? Wouldn’t she consider her little baby or her aging papa and save herself?

“Look at this vase,” she told him, “or that pitcher. Can it be called by any other name than what it is?”

“No,” he responded.

“Then I can’t say I’m anything other than what I am, a Christian.”

Despite the pleas of her father and brother, she stood trial before the governor and refused to perform the sacrifice. “Are you a Christian?” he asked point-blank.

“Yes, I am.”

Sentenced to face the beasts in the arena, she was still “in high spirits,” as observers reported. She understood this as her calling—to die for Christ. Her own diary of her arrest, imprisonment, trial, and preparation for martyrdom was widely distributed among the early Christians, inspiring many to remain faithful in tough times. (It is one of the earliest Christian documents we have written by a woman.) Of course it was another writer who added a vivid account of her death. Despite official attempts to shame and humiliate her, Perpetua stood strong to the end, even guiding the sword of a trembling gladiator to her throat.

Perpetua might ask each of us, “What are you? A Christian? A faithful servant? One who is called to honor Christ with your life—in your work, in your relationships, in your worship? If that is truly what you are, why would you let any obstacle stop you?” We often feel pressure to hide our faith from others, to deny that we know Jesus, but how can we say we’re anything other than what we are: followers of Jesus?

It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.

Galatians 2:20