Page 16 - History of Christianity I - Student Textbook

lapsi. Diocletian even forced his Christian wife and daughter to recant their faith.

After the persecution ceased, the question arose of what to do with those who had recanted their faith, but
wanted to come back to worship Christ in the church. Whether to allow them back or not became known as the
Donatist Controversy. Some African churches, championed by Augustine, believed lapsi should be allowed back
into fellowship since they believed the pureness and validity of the church depended upon the person of Jesus
Christ and His forgiveness. However, Donatists, such as Petilian, rejected this idea and believed only that the
church could consist only of saints not sinners (we will learn more of this later).

When Diocletian died, his assistant emperor’s sons battled one another to ascend to the throne. Constantine
(controller of Britain and Gaul (France)) and Maxentius (controller of Italy and Rome) fought the final Battle of
Milvian Bridge (312 AD). The evening before the battle, Constantine marched toward Rome and saw a cross of
light above the sun with the words, “Hoc Signo Vinces” which means, “By this sign thou shalt conquer.”
Constantine believed the Christian God must be very powerful so decided to declare himself a follower of Christ.

In spite of the fact that Maxentius had overwhelming odds in troops and position, He was defeated and the
entire empire came under Constantine’s power. The Church which had been tried by fire was now to be tried by
favor.

In February, 313 AD, Constantine wrote the Edict of Milan, officially recognizing Christianity as an acceptable
faith. Basically it permanently established religious toleration for Christianity within the Roman Empire. The
proclamation granted all persons freedom to worship whatever deity they pleased, assured Christians of legal
rights, including the right to organize churches, and directed the prompt return to Christians of confiscated
property. It was a day of rejoicing among all believers in Christ.

Constantine the Great

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