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ROMANUS OF CAESAREA
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23
Acts 17:22-34

Hebrews 12:1-2

 

“…let us run with patience the race

that is set before us.”

 

ROMANUS OF CAESAREA
 
Romanus of Caesarea, remembered through the writings of Eusebius (“Church History,” Books 3 and 12), was a deacon born in Palestine. During the persecution of Christians, he lived in Antioch, where he boldly preached God’s Word to strengthen believers. When the Eparch Asclypiades threatened to destroy the church, Romanus exhorted the faithful to stand firm, assuring them that even if they died, they would sing a hymn of victory in heaven.
 
At a pagan festival, Romanus confronted Asclypiades and the idolaters, proclaiming that the idols were false and that only Jesus Christ is truly God. Enraged, Asclypiades ordered Romanus to be beaten and tortured. Suspended and scraped with metal blades, Romanus endured the torment with courage, continuing to confess Christ and rebuking the governor’s obstinacy. Condemned to death by fire, Romanus was spared when rain extinguished the flames. His tongue was then cut out, yet he still confessed Christ. Finally, he was nailed to a keg and strangled in prison. Romanus finished his race with patience and courage, entering the heavenly Kingdom where he glorifies Father, Son and Holy Spirit forever.
 
His testimony reminds us that the Christian life is a race set before us by God. We must run it with diligence, faithfulness and endurance, encouraging others to press on in Christ. Romanus shows us that victory is not in escaping suffering, but in remaining stedfast until the end.
 
“And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Rev 21:3-4).
 
THOUGHT: Am I running the race in Christ’s strength, with endurance and faithfulness?
PRAYER: Father, grant me the faith and endurance to continue running the race Thou hast set before me. Strengthen me to encourage others also to endure that, together, we may glorify Thee in life and in death.

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