Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands. Psalm 119:66
Cyprian (c. 258)
Key Thinker
Cyprian was an early Christian theologian who played an important role in the history of the Western Church and the development of Christian thought in the third century, especially in Africa.
Born in Tunisia in around 200, Cyprian was a lawyer and teacher of public speaking for the greater part of his life, but his later years took a different direction after he became a Christian aged 46. Two years later he was made bishop of Carthage and when, in 249, Emperor Decius began persecuting Christians, Cyprian went into hiding. He was criticised for this move but it did enable him to stay with his church and look after them.
Persecution broke out again in 258 under Emperor Valerian and Cyprian was one of the first victims. He was examined by the proconsul and, because he stood firm in his faith and would not reveal any names of his priests, Cyprian was exiled. But then a new proconsul came into office and Cyprian was brought for trial in Carthage. Here, he refused to sacrifice to the Roman gods and was consequently given a death sentence.
On 14 September Cyprian was taken to the field of Sextus and blindfolded. He knelt in prayer and was then beheaded.
No subject of contemplation will tend more to humble the mind, than thoughts of God.
C H Spurgeon (1834-92)