The Day Christianity Almost Died: The Great Persecution of Diocletian
Michael Bird
15.53
31 October 2025
3 November 2025
In this video, Dr. Mike Bird explains Diocletians persecution of the church in 303 AD.
Outline
00:01 Intro
00:30 Welcome to Early Christian History
00:55 Augury gone Awry in Antioch
02:17 Diocletian's Edicts
04:20 Persecution in Nicomedia
06:00 Why Did the Romans Persecute the Church?
09:45 Why Diocletian's Persecution Failed
12:32 Takeaways
14:21 Tetrarchy Relief at St. Mark's Church in Venice
15:20 Outro
Check out
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC21I7qYVHPsOzL9ujxiRWZA The Channel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOqEMPs7xS8&list=PL_4rhC0z_G8t5VIOg-5ysURHbzNUOcapn&index=9 Paideia PlayList
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysKmZchYhn0&feature=youtu.be Who is the Son of Man?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q92W994iDfs&feature=youtu.be Paul, Artemis, and Women in the Church
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF9_LBc78ww The Didache
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-4Cqej1Njo&t=147s Polycarp: Bishop, Martyr, Destroyer of the Gods
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF9_LBc78ww&t=3s The Origins of Gnosticism
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