Source edition
Cyprian. Saint. S. Thasci Caecili Cypriani Opera omnia, Pars I (Corpus Scriptorum Ecclesiasticorum Latinorum, Volume 3.1). Hartel, Wilhelm von, editor. Vienna: Gerold, 1868.
Source data
Open Greek and Latin · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work is a compilation of biblical exhortations prepared for Fortunatus to strengthen and arm Christians facing imminent persecution and potential martyrdom. The author deliberately avoids human rhetoric, presenting solely the divine word through scriptural citations to form a solid foundation for preaching. The text begins by asserting the worship of the one true God, condemning idolatry, and urging believers to prioritize Christ above all while embracing martyrdom as a second baptism of blood. It then frames persecution not as a defeat, but as a divine test of faith, drawing heroic examples from biblical history, such as Daniel and the seven Maccabean brothers and their mother. Finally, the work promises glorious heavenly rewards that far surpass earthly sufferings, encouraging believers to meditate day and night on the eternal honor that awaits those who remain steadfast in faith.