Term

Decian Persecution

Also known as Persecution of Decius

A mid-3rd-century empire-wide persecution of Christians under Emperor Decius.

Definition

A systematic persecution initiated by Emperor Decius (r. 249–251) requiring all inhabitants of the Roman Empire to sacrifice to the Roman gods on behalf of the emperor. Christians who refused this act of citizenship faced state pressure, leading to the crisis of the 'lapsi' (those who fell away) and subsequent theological debates over penance and readmission to the church.

Connections

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Related to: Cyprian of CarthagePersonCyprian dealt with the theological aftermath of this persecution regarding the lapsi.

Sources

1.Everett Ferguson Church History: Volume One: From Christ to Pre-Reformation. 2nd ed.. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2013). pp. 159-175

Last revised August 20, 2026