In St. Augustine’s Confessions, there are multiple historical events that allow the reader to recognize what was occurring throughout that time. Although he mentions several times his personal anecdotes, he also incorporates reflections about certain moments in history that have truly had a large impact on the world in the grand scheme of things. An impactful moment that Augustine mentions is regarding the martyrs Protasius and Gervasius and their relocation by Saint Ambrose. Additionally, he also reflects back on a historical moment when Saint Ambrose, at the time being acting bishop of Milan, was being persecuted. Throughout one of his books in Confessions, St. Augustine elaborates on St. Ambrose’s story and how several people sought to protect and guard him as well as the church during this trying time. This is important for several reasons but also because it helps tie the reader back to the history of early Christianity. It is an influential moment because it helps highlight martyrdom and how many of our early saints gave the biggest sacrifice of all. However, the original and most important martyr is Jesus Christ who helped establish Christianity as a religion. Simply put, much of what Christianity is at its essence is in relation to becoming a martyr and committing this holy sacrifice.

Being a martyr is a title that has been around for centuries. Those who sacrifice their life for the sake of their religious beliefs are people who are truly honorary of this title. In Confessions, Protasius and Gervasius were Christian martyr’s whose graves were reburied on Bishop Ambrose’s orders at his basilica, known as the Ambrosian Basilica. They themselves gave up their lives and were considered original martyrs. After Bishop Ambrose relocated and reburied their bodies in a respectful manner, Augustine mentions that several miraculous occurrences took place over the time period. When these two bodies arrived, certain miracles started to occur such as, “some people vexed by impure spirits were healed, the very demons themselves making public confessions” (Confessions 9.7.16) Prior to these events, a year had barely passed since, “Justina, mother of the young king Valentinian was persecuting…[Ambrose]… in the interest of her heresy.” (Confessions 9.7.15) Because of this of this act, the congregation was ready to protect Ambrose at all costs and go down with him if need be, hence martyrdom. This is pretty insightful because it shows that there was already a significant and devout following to Christianity. They did not live fear the possible consequences of their beliefs despite what had happened to countless of early Christians. This demonstrates that significant advancements were occurring in the religious world, despite being centuries overdue.

As a symbol, being a martyr not only is influential for its literal meaning but also because of the fact of how it illuminated Christianity. It emphasized the ‘sacrificial’ aspect of Christianity that some often take for granted. Following in the footsteps of Jesus, past martyrs have paved a way for future followers and believers of Christianity. For this reason, the act of being a martyr can be seen as a holy act. Anyone who has become a martyr has been regarding as a saint and their personal belongings and remains are recognized as relics in shrines and churches. Throughout the time when the Roman Empire remained as a dominant power, practicing a Christian faith was illegal and was punishable by death. Those who believed and practiced publicly often were persecuted and killed because of their beliefs. It wasn’t until the Edict of Milan in 313 AD when this once illegal religion finally gained legal status. However, like most things that have often been opposed longer than being embraced, Christianity was not a popular faith and had negative connotations simply out of fear and misguided beliefs. This misinformation and fear was implemented by empires in power who believed Christianity posed as a threat. Martyrs and early believers had to live in an environment such as this while holding onto their faith despite public and local judiciary opinion.

Despite the gruesome death that martyrs faced solely because of their religious beliefs, many individuals found these sacrifices as honorable and rather inspiring. Although many empires, such as the Romans, tried to oppress and persecute early Christians, these martyrs who gave up their lives to testify their faith inspired future believers. Without martyrdom Christianity may have not flourished as a religion. These sacrifices, although unfortunate, helped lay a foundation of regular humans having the power to make a sacrifice as big as their lives for the sake of religious freedom for future followers and believers.