Standing up for what you believe in, is a truly noble act. Be it your country, personal beliefs, or even religious views, standing by your beliefs is admirable. So it is  not a huge surprise that being a martyr is one of the most honorable of stances in regards Christianity today and throughout history. It is an idea that has been regarded as a holy act, after the crucifixion and there was no higher honor, than to symbolize that death than willing to follow in a similar manner. It is not dying that makes one into a martyr, it is the cause which one fights and dies for. It is extremely important in the history of Christianity because it shows the devotion people had towards it and the extent that they were willing to go to in order to demonstrate their own religious belief. For if a person is able to stick by what they believe, even in the face of death itself, they show true commitment, and dedication, along with bravery and many other “heroic” acts. To respect those in such positions, martyrs are often highly honored and become sacredness symbols.

In Saint Augustine’s Confessions, he reflects on his decision of wanting to convert from Manichaeism to Catholicism,and as such, the impact on the rest of his life. During the rule of Ambrose as bishop, the church was highly persecuted, especially by Emperor Valentinian’s mother, an Arian who disagreed on major religions ideals and beliefs of Christianity. As a result of this, many were enacted based on their Christian faith, and often willing to even die before turning away from their stances.. Augustine recollects many martyrs willing to go to such ends with bishop Ambrose, including his own mom, and Ambrose’s discovery of the location of the dead martyrs Protasius and Gervasius. Even more, he reflects on the many miracles coming into light, upon inspection of the holy remains. A blind man regained his vision prior to lifting the cloth off of their bodies, and soon many found a newfound curiosity in the existence of the Holy Spirit. Augustine questions the reason God has him recollect such times and memories in the vigor he has, which leads to inspiration for his devotion for Jesus Christ of Nazarene as the Messiah, even if Augustine did not realize it at that point. 

This event was extremely significant in diminishing the quarrel between the Arians and the Anti-Aryans, which was highly prevalent during the early years of Christianity, as Christians were being openly, and increasingly oppressed by the then Roman Empire. Early followers of the Christian faith used as examples and deterrents to the growing religion and its followers.  Often such brutal messages were public, and extremely violent and cruel.  The Roman Empire was willing to do everything in its power to quell followers of Christ, in order to move along their agenda of making the supremacy of the Roman religion, especially for common folk. Suffering was expected during the Holy Church, but people’s unquestionable faith in Jesus  presents many who were recovering, even with the face of death in the shadows. The deaths of these Christians did not go in vain, as martyrs were becoming beloved symbols of the people, and religious figures as examples of the greatest calling of followers of Christ and unwavering devotion to God. To may, those who sacrificed, or were willing to sacrifice, personified the calling written in their scripture:  “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it” (Mt 10: 38-39). People’s belief in Jesus worked as inspiration for martyrs,and similarly, those who followed in his steps, served as great symbols to those suffering for their beliefs in this time. Often they became even more than symbols, as they were believed to be risen again and blessed in death, as seen with the findings and frenzy regarding Protasius and Gervasius.

Following the discovery of the two saints, Augustine began his phase of questioning the ideologies of Manichaeism, which would lead him to Christianity. Although, at this point in time, he was also questioning the teachings behind Christianity. It was only after his baptism that he had peace of mind, and soul, and began his journey as a follower of God, as a member of the Christian teachings. Though Saint Augustine does not directly state martyrs directly lead to his new personal beliefs, in the context of the time frame of the religion as a whole, it played a major role defining what Christianity is today. Augustine’s brief discussion of the martyrs in his Confessions allows much understanding of the beginning of Christianity, both as a whole, and in regards to his own personal journey.