October 28 in Christian history.

In its first few centuries, Christianity exploded across the Roman empire. This counter-cultural movement crossed all socio-economic boundaries, providing meaning for the rich and hope for the poor.

In the first three centuries, roughly two million Christians were martyred, including most of the church’s leaders. Ironically, this persecution only added to the church. By 300 AD, nearly seven million believers would gather in homes, abandoned buildings, and catacombs in thousands of secret churches across the empire. However, all that was about to change.

When Diocletian, tetrarch of Rome, stepped down in the year 305, a seven-year power struggle ensued. The leading candidate for the throne was Maxentius, the young son of the previous emperor. However, his reign carried little clout throughout Italy, let alone the empire. Several rivals emerged, foremost among which was Constantine I.

After years of fighting, Constantine gathered enough strength to march on Rome itself. According to numerous ancient authors, and most notably Eusebius who heard the story from Constantine himself, this event marked the turning point for the fortunes Constantine and for those of Christendom.

As his armies neared the city on October 27, Constantine saw a cross of light above the sun with a Greek inscription. The words read “Εν Τούτῳ Νίκα”, or “In this sign, conquer.” That night, Christ was said to have appeared to Constantine in person, giving him detailed instructions for the battle that was to come.

The following morning, on October 28, 312, Constantine had the Chi-Rho sign (the first two letters of Christ’s name in Greek and the symbol of Christianity at the time) painted onto the shields of his warriors. As Constantine faced Maxentius on the Milvian bridge beneath the standard of Christ, the war reached a decisive finale. Maxentius’ forces were routed, and he was drowned in the river. Constantine entered Rome the following day as the new emperor.

The following year, Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, which declared Christianity to be a recognized and legal religion. It paved the way for Christianity to become the dominant belief system of the Roman Empire and eventually all of Europe.

The arch of Constantine, which, to this day, stands proudly next to the Colosseum, commemorates Constantine and depicts the battle of the Milvian Bridge. It, along with all other ancient sources, describes the victory as a supernatural event wrought by the hand of God.

Perhaps God was at work in a miraculous way for the defense of his people, or perhaps Constantine’s conversion was simply a clever political move and the victory was merely an act of human cunning. While some view the conversion of Rome to be the greatest event for Christianity since the day of Pentecost, others regard it as a turning point that would mark the gradual decline of the Roman church.

Whatever the case, the massive impact of this event cannot be overstated. This was a moment that would change the church forever and usher in the age of Christendom. October 28 will forever be remembered as one of the greatest turning points in Christian history.

Verse of the day: Romans 8:28
We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.