Domitian started the second persecution against Christians. During his reign a law was passed that said “no Christian, once brought before the tribunal, should be exempted from punishment without renouncing his religion.” It was during this time that false superstitious beliefs were made up in Roman Society, all for the purpose of persecuting Christians: people believed that famine, earthquakes, and pestilence were to be blamed on Christians!
It was during the Domitian Persecution that apostle John, writer of the book of Revelation was boiled in oil and then banished to the island of Patmos. Timothy, a disciple of Paul and bishop of Ephesus, was also killed in 97 AD. It so happened that one day Timothy met a procession of pagans who were celebrating the feast of Catagogion. During this feast people carried various images (idols) of gods they worshipped. Timothy got enraged and so severely rebuked the pagans of their stupid idolatry. The angry mob of pagans descended on Timothy, injuring him with clubs. Timothy was so badly injured and bruised that he died two days later.
Other notable Christians who died during the Domitian Persecution include Simeon the bishop of Jerusalem, and Protasius and Gervasius.
Happy are those who shall loose their life for christ’s sake for they shall find it