Martyr: The Life of Saint Sebastian

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The wise Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “It is better to die for something than to live for nothing.” (Martin Luther King) That quote best befits the life of Saint Sebastian- the martyr. If someone still used their faith and preached the gospel after suffering from torture, that shows they have a calling from The Lord. A purpose that cannot stop even if tortured, shot at, beaten or even killed. His faith influenced the way that we as humans live today with his courage. Saint Sebastian, the 11th Century missionary martyr killed by Emperor Maximian and Diocletian of Rome, died in an effort of wanting to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Rome, encouraging those who were martyred and others to keep their Christian Faith and finally in his effort to end the persecution of Roman Christian
Saint Sebastian was born in Narbonne, Gaul while raised in a strict Roman Catholic home while he “trained in the military as a young boy” (Catholic Online.) When he grew up he became a soldier and advanced to the top of his militia in 283 A.D (Catholic Online.) As he advanced in his class he ranked highest in his position. He then earned the position as “Captain of the Praetorian Guard by Emperor Diocletian.” (Catholic Online.) To have the position of a Praetorian Guard gives “high authority and social/economic power in the city of Rome” (Catholic Online.) This allowed Sebastian to do whatever he wanted. He also had the authority to execute anyone publicly for their use of Christian faith in public or at all.
Christianity was illegal in Rome and the leaders established major consequences if discovered a Christian. Sebastian had to keep his Christian faith on a low profile, but still worshiped God. Although, questioned as a Christian by his ...

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...nst him and he still fought for justice, meant he had courage. Enough courage to be martyred twice.

Works Cited

“Saint Sebastian.” Catholic Online. Catholic Online, 3 Mar. 2014
“The Life and Legacy of Saint Sebastian” The Catholic Encyclopedia. Robert Appleton Company LLC, 3 Mar. 2014
“Saint Sebastian” Eternal Word Television Network. Eternal Word Network, 3 Mar. 2014
“Saint Sebastian” Catholic Exchange. Sophia Institute Press, 3 Mar. 2014
“Saint Sebastian: What did he die for?” Catholic Saints Index. Catholic Saints Info, 3 Mar. 2014
“Martyrs of Old Time: Saint Sebastian” Eternal Word Television Network. Youtube, 3 Mar. 2014
“The Evils of Roman Culture” Roman Empire Online. Roman Empire Network 3 Mar. 2014
“Christianity Persecution in Roman Empire” BBC Online. BBC Network LLC 3 Mar. 2014
"Martyr." Def. 3. Merriam Webster Online, Merriam Webster,Web. 3 Mar 2014

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