Every one who renounced heathenism, and professed the name of Christ, knew very well that he must suffer for it.

"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you, but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad with exceeding joy;" this was the welcome of the Bithynian convert into the Church of Christ.

Persecution by fire and sword was then the common lot of the Church.

"I have never been present at any trials of the Christians," says the governor.

Such trials were well known to him it seems.