ABSTRACT
Christianity spread to Lyon through merchants traveling from the east. By the second century there was a diverse community of Christians – from Gnostics to Judeo-Christians and others. These quiet Christians came into conflict with their pagan neighbors leading to violence, arrests, torture and death in the arena in 177 CE. An eyewitness composed a detailed letter describing the events in Lyon, and this compelling text offers insights into the second century communities and the persecution that shaped the growing ideas of these Christians.
