Forgiveness & Courage in Early Christian Martyrs

In the second century, a priest from Antioch named Sulpicius had steadfastly refused to sacrifice to the gods, even under torture, and was being led away to be beheaded. As he walked, a Christian named Nicephorus approached him. They had been bitterly at odds, but Nicephorus fell to his knees and said, “Martyr of Christ! Forgive me, for I have wronged you.”

Sulpicius did not respond, even as they reached the place of execution. 

But as the moment came to kneel before the…