I served as a captain in the Praetorian Guard under Emperor Diocletian—Rome's most elite soldiers, sworn to protect the emperor himself. But I served a higher King, and my true mission was far different from what the empire imagined.
Secret Ministry to Christian Prisoners
While wearing the uniform of Rome, I secretly ministered to Christians imprisoned for their faith. I visited them in the dungeons, bringing them comfort, encouraging them to stand firm, and strengthening those whose resolve wavered. I saw men and women facing death with such peace that hardened soldiers wept. Through my position, I was able to convert many—soldiers and civilians alike—to faith in Jesus Christ.
Discovered and Condemned by Diocletian
For years I walked this double path, until my secret was discovered. Brought before Diocletian, the emperor I had sworn to protect, I was denounced as a traitor. "You have always been an enemy of Rome," he declared, "hiding under the cloak of a soldier while harboring Christians in your heart."
I replied that I had prayed daily for the emperor's safety and for Rome, but my prayers were to the true God, not to idols of wood and stone. My loyalty to Christ did not diminish my service, but perfected it.
Surviving Execution by Divine Providence
Diocletian ordered my execution. I was bound to a stake and shot with arrows until my body resembled a pincushion—they left me for dead. But a Christian widow named Irene came to retrieve my body and found me still breathing. She nursed me back to health.
Final Stand for Christian Faith
Rather than flee, I returned to confront Diocletian. Standing before him again, I declared that his persecution of Christians was an assault on the true God. Enraged, he ordered me beaten to death with clubs, and my body thrown into the sewers.
I had served the empire faithfully, but my true allegiance was never to Rome. I belonged to the Kingdom that has no end, and death was merely my passage home to the King I had always served.
