Think back to the time shortly after Jesus was crucified. Living in first century Rome was dangerous and many of Jesus' followers suffered terrible persecution for their religious beliefs.

Imagine a family of four, Avircuis the father, Mary the mother and their two young daughters Esther and Elizabeth. The family flees from Jerusalem after Jesus death, because the Romans know them as avid followers of Christ. In terror they flee to the hills outside Jerusalem joining other followers. The mood of everyone is sombre, nobody knows what the future holds, the present situation means nobody can meet and practise what Jesus taught. Avircuis has seen terrible things happen to his people. Many have been brutally beaten and arrested by Roman soldiers. If the authorities suspect a follower they are given unfair trials, after being kept in cold dark smelly cells. Their fate is inevitable - crucifixion or being fed to live animals in front of huge crowds.

Avircuis, hearing rumours of safe houses in the Jerusalem hills takes his family there. For weeks they are happy and content meeting other families of similar ilk in secret catacombs or caves. The symbol of the fish is used to trace safe places to meet. For weeks the family live happily. They talk of a time of hope in the future when their people could declare witness to their faith and spread the word of Jesus Christ.

An air of excitement fills the families cave on the day of Esther and Elizabeth's baptism. Followers of Christ practise this rite to show faith and commitment to their beliefs. Everything has been planned and prepared in secret. Avircuis' daughters together with four other families are meeting that evening to baptise their children.

At dusk the family set out to the catacomb where the meeting is planned to take place. As they sneak into the dark tunnel all four are feeling a mixture of excitement and terror. These meetings are always dangerous and everyone knows this. On arrival in the mysterious passage, the families lovingly greet one another, it is so rare for Jesus followers to be together and talk freely. Time is precious so the families proceed with the ceremony with joy.

Unbeknown to the families inside, a group of Roman soldiers proceed to search the area after hearing rumours that Christians are living and meeting in the area. At the moment of completion of the baptism, when the water has been used to wash away sin and symbolise new life with Christ, the soldiers burst in.

1. Complete the last paragraph of the story.

What happened to the family? Use the videos you watched to help you do this.

2. This kind of event would have actually happened. Was it just?
3. Early Christians knew of the risks of meeting in secret and being baptised. What are your views on the people who chose to take these risks?
4. What do you think gave early Christians the strength to carry on risking their lives in such ways?
5. Do you think you would have the strength to stand up for something you believed in, like the early Christians did? Give reasons for your answer.