Roman rulers initially tolerated the Christian religion as long as they believed it did not challenge the authority of the State. In time; however, this new faith came to be seen as an enemy of the Empire because of Christians' sole allegiance to the Triune God of the Bible and His Law. Pledging allegiance to the God of the Bible instead of to Rome was considered blasphemy.
Emperor Nero (A.D. 54-68) instituted the first full-scale persecution of Christians in A.D. 64. He tortured some followers of Christ by covering them with animal skins and throwing them to packs of savage dogs. Other believers were doused with oil or dipped in tar, suspended on poles, and burned to serve as nightly illumination for Nero's garden parties.
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