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Scene XI explained

Sisinnius confronts Agape and Chionia, demanding they sacrifice to the gods.

What happens

Sisinnius confronts Agape and Chionia, demanding they sacrifice to the gods. They refuse, professing their faith in the true God. Sisinnius orders them thrown alive into flames, but miraculously the fire does not harm them. Their spirits depart, and Sisinnius then summons Irena.

Themes in this chapter

  • Martyrdom and Suffering

    Agape and Chionia embrace martyrdom rather than renounce their faith, and their bodies are miraculously unharmed by the flames.

  • Divine Intervention and Miracles

    The fire fails to consume the sisters, demonstrating God's power over nature.

Characters to notice

  • Sisinnius

    Commands the sisters to sacrifice and orders their execution.

  • Agape

    Defiantly refuses to sacrifice and offers a prayer as she is thrown into the fire.

  • Chionia

    Stands with Agape, scornful of the emperor's decree.

  • Irena

    Brought forward by soldiers after the martyrdom of her sisters.

Key passages

  • “We offer a perpetual sacrifice of praise to the true God, the eternal Father, to His Son, co-eternal, and to the Holy Ghost.”

    Agape declares that their worship is directed to the triune God, not to pagan idols.

    Highlights the Christian refusal to participate in imperial cult sacrifices.

  • “Their spirits have left their bodies, but there is no sign of any hurt. Neither their hair, nor their garments, much less their bodies, have been touched by the flames!”

    The soldiers marvel that the sisters died without any physical damage from the fire.

    Emphasizes the miraculous nature of their martyrdom.

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Plays — Scene XI Explained