Plays · Chapter
Scene VI explained
Julian the Apostate orders Terentianus to secretly compel John and Paul to sacrifice to Jupiter, and if they refuse, to execute them privately due to their former palace office.
What happens
Julian the Apostate orders Terentianus to secretly compel John and Paul to sacrifice to Jupiter, and if they refuse, to execute them privately due to their former palace office.
Themes in this chapter
Christian vs. Pagan Conflict
Julian's command to force John and Paul to sacrifice to Jupiter exemplifies the direct clash between pagan authority and Christian faith.
Martyrdom and Suffering
The threat of secret execution for refusing to sacrifice foreshadows the martyrdom of John and Paul.
Characters to notice
- Julian the Apostate
Issues the order for John and Paul to be compelled to sacrifice or be secretly executed.
- Terentianus
Receives orders from Julian to carry out the coercion and potential execution of John and Paul.
Key passages
“Julian Go, Terentianus. Take with you a few trusted soldiers and compel John and Paul to sacrifice to Jupiter. If they persist in their refusal, let them be put to death, not publicly, but with the greatest possible secrecy, since they once held office in this palace.”
Julian orders Terentianus to take a small group of loyal soldiers and force John and Paul to worship Jupiter. If they refuse, they are to be killed discreetly because of their former high-ranking positions in the palace.
This command sets the stage for the secret persecution of the two Christian former officials.