Discover the story of Perpetua and Felicity, young Christian martyrs of Carthage, whose courage and faith reveal what it truly means to follow Jesus, even unto death.
Introduction: What Does It Really Mean to Follow Jesus?
To follow Jesus is not about convenience, comfort, or cultural identity. It is a radical decision—one that demands total surrender, unwavering faith, and eternal perspective.
In today’s postmodern world, Christianity is often presented as a path to success, prosperity, and social respect. But Jesus never promised us comfort; He promised us a cross.
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” — Luke 9:23
This means that true discipleship involves sacrifice, endurance, and sometimes even death.
The lives of Perpetua and Felicity, two young Christian women martyred in Carthage in the 3rd century, reveal this reality with piercing clarity. Their story forces us to pause and ask:
Has our Christianity grown to the point where we are consumed by the revelation of Christ, assured of salvation, and fully surrendered—even if it costs us everything?
Who Were Perpetua and Felicity?
- Perpetua was a noblewoman, young, educated, and a nursing mother when arrested.
- Felicity, her servant, was heavily pregnant and gave birth in prison shortly before her execution.
Both women were new believers preparing for baptism when Rome cracked down on Christians. Despite pressure from family, society, and the threat of death, they stood firm.
Perpetua’s father begged her to renounce Christ for the sake of her baby. She replied:
“I cannot be called anything else than what I am—a Christian.”
Felicity, mocked by guards during childbirth, said with faith:
“Now it is I that suffer what I suffer; but then another will be in me who will suffer for me, because I also shall suffer for Him.”
Days later, both women walked into the amphitheater with unshakable faith. There, before a hostile crowd, they were stripped, beaten, and attacked by wild animals. Mauled and bloodied, they still encouraged one another until finally, they were executed by the sword. Their tragic deaths, though agonizing, became their ultimate testimony of victory in Christ.
Lessons from Their Story: The Cost of Following Jesus
1. Faith Beyond Fear
Perpetua and Felicity refused to compromise even in the face of torture and death. They understood Jesus’ words:
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” — Matthew 10:28
Today, fear of man still pushes people to compromise. In Northern Nigeria, at gunpoint, many Christians were forced to deny Christ or die. Some stood firm and paid with their lives. Others renounced their faith to save their bodies but lost their testimony.
Reflection question: When pressure comes—whether through persecution, job demands, or relationships—what do you fear losing more: earthly comfort or eternal reward?
2. Eternal Perspective Over Earthly Gain
Paul declared:
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” — Philippians 1:21
Perpetua and Felicity lived this out. Death was not a loss but a doorway to glory.
But what about today? Sadly, many trade eternal life for temporary gain. Some sell their bodies just to secure employment. Others have gone as far as participating in money rituals, sacrificing their souls for fleeting riches.
This is a counterfeit faith—a belief that this world is all that matters. But the martyrs remind us that everything here is temporary. Eternal life in Christ is the true prize.
3. True Freedom Is Found in Christ Alone
Perpetua was a noblewoman; Felicity was a servant. Yet, in Christ, their earthly status vanished. They entered prison together, suffered together, and died together.
Paul’s words ring true:
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:28
In our world today, people seek identity in race, wealth, or social class. But these things crumble in trials. True freedom, dignity, and unity are only found in Christ.
4. Motherhood and Faith Combined
Both women were mothers. Perpetua left behind her baby, and Felicity gave birth in prison. Yet neither allowed motherhood to become an excuse for compromise. They entrusted their children to God, knowing He could care for them better than they could.
How many parents today panic when children wander off the right path? Some curse their children out of frustration. Others resort to strange sacrifices or charms to “secure” their future.
But the lesson of these women is clear: faithful, fervent prayer is the greatest inheritance we can give our children. Like Monica prayed for Augustine, we must pray until God brings them back.
Modern Parallels: Lessons for the Postmodern Church
Sadly, much of today’s church has traded radical faith for easy religion. Many pulpits now promise breakthrough only if you “sow a seed” or “buy a relic.” But when trials come, such faith collapses.
Let’s be honest. Many believers today cannot stand trials.
- At the threat of losing a job, some compromise their morals.
- At the offer of quick money, others turn to rituals.
- Under the pressure of persecution, some deny Christ to save their lives.
This is not the faith of Perpetua and Felicity. This is not the faith of the cross.
Their story reminds us: Christianity is not about what we get from God, but about giving ourselves wholly to Him—whether in life or in death.
Practical Lessons for Us Today
Here are steps we can take to build this kind of radical, unshakable faith:
-
Count the Cost Daily
Following Christ means sacrifice. Ask yourself: What am I unwilling to give up for Christ? -
Develop a Life of Prayer
Prayer fuels courage. Even Jesus prayed in Gethsemane before the cross (Matthew 26:36-46). -
Reject Transactional Faith
God cannot be bribed. He owns it all (Psalm 50:10). Build a real relationship with Him. Then, even if He does not rescue you, you will trust Him still. -
Live with Eternity in View
Paul reminds us that our trials are “light and momentary” compared to eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). Don’t trade eternity for a quick fix. -
Encourage Radical Faith in the Next Generation
Teach children not just by words but by example. They’re watching how you respond to trials—it shapes their faith for life.
Perpetua and Felicity’s Legacy of Courage
The story of Perpetua and Felicity is not just history—it’s a mirror. Their faith shows us what it truly means to follow Jesus: total surrender, unshakable conviction, and eternal assurance.
They remind us that Christianity is not transactional but transformational. Their courage cries out across centuries: Even if it costs you everything, Jesus is worth it all.
“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” — Revelation 2:10
May we, like Perpetua and Felicity, live as witnesses of radical faith—faith that does not bow to fear, money, or compromise, but endures to the end.
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