By Ian Wilson (Rated G)
Little is known about the life of Genesius of Rome, also known as Genesius the Actor. He was a popular actor and comedian in Rome during the reign of Emperor Diocletian in the third century AD. He was well liked by the emperor, and Diocletian would attend his satirical plays often. Much of his shows concentrated on mocking Christianity, which was still a very persecuted religion at the time.
However, Genesius must have undergone some change of heart. While performing a play that satirized the Christian rite of Baptism, Genesius felt the weight of his sins. Claiming to have seen an angel, Genesius demanded to be baptized. The actor playing the priest dumped a basin of water on him, believing this to be part of the show. Genesius, however, was quite serious. He began to preach Christ to the Emperor and all others in attendance, urging them to convert and be baptized.
Enraged, Diocletian handed Genesius over to the prefect to be tortured. Genesius would not recant, however. He claimed faith in Christ all the more strongly! Emperor Diocletian had heard enough. He commanded the guard to behead Genesius as a traitor. The Christians, having heard of Genesius’ conversion and bravery under torture, collected his body, and he was buried in a Christian funeral as a martyr.
May we, like Genesius, boast more strongly in Christ even in the face of severe suffering.
LogoSophia Magazine 