Plays · Chapter
Scene V explained
Julian the Apostate confronts John and Paul, who refuse to serve him due to his renunciation of Christianity.
What happens
Julian the Apostate confronts John and Paul, who refuse to serve him due to his renunciation of Christianity. They praise the Christian emperors Constantine, Constantius, and Constance, and denounce Julian's idolatry. Julian offers them high office but they reject him, and he gives them ten days to repent or face punishment.
Themes in this chapter
Christian vs. Pagan Conflict
John and Paul directly oppose Julian's paganism, refusing to serve him and praising Christian emperors.
Martyrdom and Suffering
John and Paul choose potential martyrdom over serving a pagan emperor, accepting the ten-day grace period for prayer.
Characters to notice
- Julian the Apostate
Confronts John and Paul, offering them high office if they renounce their faith.
- John
Refuses to serve Julian, praises Christian emperors, and accepts the respite for prayer.
- Paul
Boldly refuses Julian's offer, denounces his idolatry, and insists on immediate action.
- Constantine
Mentioned as a Christian emperor whom John and Paul served.
Key passages
“We will not serve you.”
Paul and John refuse to serve Julian.
Direct defiance of Julian's authority.
“You are not made of the same stuff.”
John says Julian lacks the virtue of the Christian emperors.
Contrast between Julian and his predecessors.
“You cut us short with this boast to avoid hearing the righteous praised.”
John accuses Julian of interrupting to avoid praise of Christian rulers.
Julian's defensiveness about his pagan turn.