by Steve Hale
In the first century, Domitian is the third of three emperors who had a sense of deity about them. He was the last of the Flavian dynasty, and was the son of Vespasian and the younger brother of Titus.
Also, he was second in cruelty to Christians next to Nero. His hands were covered with the blood of Christians. In fact, the names of the Christians he executed were not recorded. This is because he regarded them as too insignificant. Domitian executed Christians much like we would swat a mosquito.
He attempted to execute the apostle John, but failed. John was arrested at Ephesus, where he was doing a great work with the church, and brought him to Rome. Domitian had him thrown into a cauldron of boiling oil that fumed and bubbled in front of the Latin Gate.
John escaped death, as that is an historical fact. It is believed he escaped it by means of a miracle, though that miracle is not revealed in Scripture. Having failed to execute John, Domitian had him banished to the stone quarries on the Isle of Patrnos. From here, the great apostle wrote Revelation.
Domitian did not think of himself as just one of many gods, but as the God! He even went so far as to insist that all documents say he was 'Dominus et Deus Noste ' which means "our Lord and God." This was too much for Christians, Jews, and even many of the Romans.
The chief rival of Domitian was his own brother, Titus, who was ten years his senior. Titus received most of the attention, and was acknowledged as the natural successor to his father. Titus offered to share power with Domitian, but the vain younger brother angrfly refused. He plotted against Titus both privately and publicly, even offering troops twice the bounty of Titus for their loyalty.
When Titus died suddenly, Domitian took his place. At first, he tried to rule with justice and moderation. He stopped castration, the ritual sacrifice of oxen, and indecent pantomime.
Domitian thought that one of the most pressing needs of the empire was religion. And so, he tried to restore the old pagan gods of Rome. After the promising beginning of culture, sculpture, justice, and equity, Domitian wanted power. He wanted to worship. Images were set-up of him throughout the empire. Executions were ordered at the slightest offense. His torture was unbelievably cruel.
When he learned about Jesus and the descendants of David, he endeavored to wipe them out. Many Christians died by refusing to worship the emperor. Among these was Domitian's own nephew, Flavius Clemens.
Domitian came to fear for his own life so much that he had his daily walk area lined with mirrors. This is so he could see a would be assassin from any angle.
Soon Domitian would be confronted with two grandsons of Jude, our Lord's half brother. That incredible confrontation will be our article next week, Lord willing.
The above article appeared in the Mt. Juliet Messenger, May 30, 1993
by Steve Hale
Domitian's own family was touched by the message of the cross, as his nephew, Flavius Clemens became a Christian. When his very own nephew refused to pay the emperor homage by burning incense, Domitian ordered his execution.
This led to a study of Jewish prophecy, and then understanding that the Messiah was to come from the lineage of David. Because of this threat, Domitian decided to execute all of these descendants. This is why he arrested the grandsons of Jude (the Lord's half-brother). Of course, these boys were of the Davidic lineage.
When Domitian brought them in, he wanted to know how much money they had. These young men replied that they only had 25 acres of land between them. They explained that it was very hard to make a living on their poor farm.
Domitian was impressed with these men, particularly moved by their honesty. And so, he began to ask Jude's grandsons about Jesus Christ and His Kingdom (church). No doubt, he wanted to know if it was a threat to him and his deity, as he believed through the persecution of thousands of Christian already during his tyrannous reign.
Jude's grandsons explained that this kingdom was not of this world. Only at the end of the world would Jesus return to judge the living and the dead. This kingdom, they explained, had no designs on political power or rule. Jesus ruled from heaven, and only He had the ultimate authority, through His word.
Domitian could find no fault with these men. In fact, he simply found them too insignificant to be worth,, of his time and trouble. He set them free, and ordered an end to the persecutions against the church.
As for Jude's grandsons, they were admired and loved by Christians everywhere. To quote Eusebius: 'On their release, they became leaders of the churches, both because they had borne testimony and because they were of the Lord's family; and thanks to the establishment of peace they lived on into Trajan's time' (The History Of The Church, by Eusebius).
Even though thousands of Christians were spared through this incredible confrontation ' still, Domitian continued his tyranny. He executed his faithful secretary (Epaphroditus) on weak suspicions. This filled others with fear, including his wife, Domitia. They plotted to assassinate Domitian, and, at an agreed time, burst into his bedroom. After a brief fight, Domitian, who had ruled with terror for fifteen years, was dead.
The Senate was so relieved upon hearing of his death, that they ordered all of his statues destroyed, and inscriptions mentioning him defaced. And thus, the end of this man who claimed to be "supreme Lord and God.' He was killed by his own wife and a handful of servants.
Domitian died on September 18, A.D. 96, and was only 44 years old. He was held with such contempt, he was denied a public funeral!