The Colosseum was built in Rome between A.D. 72 and 80. Just a few years before that, the apostles Paul and Peter were killed for their faith in the very same city.

The Colosseum was as tall as a 12-story building. And what a grand opening it had! People celebrated with 100 days of games. These games cost nothing for the public. Sometimes the spectators (people who watched) got free food too. Food and a show? Sounds like a great recipe to get people to like you if you’re the emperor!

The Romans even pumped in water from nearby aqueducts. This filled the bottom of the arena with about five feet of water. Little versions of ships acted out famous battles at sea. Then, pull the plug! Time for the next spectacle.

These games were held for hundreds of years. But for some people in the arena, they were anything but fun. Criminals were used as actors. They played parts in famous old stories where people died. But during the play, the prisoners were actually killed by wild animals.

Some of those who died were new Christians. Early Roman emperors did not want Christianity to spread. So when an emperor found out a person was a Christian, he sometimes put him or her to death. But not just any death. Some Christians faced animals in the amphitheater. Why? Emperors hoped this would make others not want to follow Jesus.

Did that work? Not at all! The Christians confronted death with courage and humility—and everyone watched. Instead of turning away from Christianity, many Romans asked, “Just who is this Jesus?” Christianity grew and grew. Isn’t that like our God? He uses evil to bring about good. (Genesis 50:20)

From Saint Augustine:

I am a citizen of Rome. I’m also a theologian—a person who studies God. I was born long after the Colosseum was built. But Romans still enjoyed gladiator games during my lifetime. In fact, my friend Alypius used to watch and love the games.

No sin is too great for God to forgive, and God had better plans for Alypius. You can read his story in book 6 of my writings, The Confessions.