A lost story to time, amazing in its testimony, powerful in its outcome. In the time of the Old Testament, before Christ, we read of many astounding deliveries in battles as Israel calls on God. We don’t read of such in the New Testament – Christian soldiers that is, calling on Christ in the midst of a secular war.

Such a concept may seem at odds with the core of the gospel many may think. Though what did John the Baptist say to the soldier that asked him what he should do? “Do no violence, don’t accuse any falsely and be content with your wages” was the reply from John (Luke 3:14). No rebuke about his profession – just don’t be corrupt!

This story before us, that has been hidden in plain sight for nearly 2,000 years is a testimony from the Roman Emperor himself, Marcus Aurelius, during a Roman campaign in Germany against the barbarians – possibly around AD170.

Emperor Marcus Aurelius

The emperor writes to the Senate:

“…I myself being shut up in Carnuntum by seventy-four cohorts, nine miles off. And the enemy being at hand, the scouts pointed out to us, and our general Pompeianus showed us that there was close on us a mass of a mixed multitude of 977,000 men, which indeed we saw; and I was shut up by this vast host, having with me only a battalion composed of the first, tenth, double and marine legions. Having then examined my own position, and my host, with respect to the vast mass of barbarians and of the enemy,

“I quickly took myself to prayer to the gods of my country. But being disregarded by them, I summoned those who among us go by the name of Christians. And having made inquiry, I discovered a great number and a vast host of them, and raged against them, which was by no means right; for afterwards I learned their power. Wherefore they began the battle, not by preparing weapons, nor arms, nor bugles; for such preparation is hateful to them, on account of the God they bear about in their conscience. Therefore, it is probable that those whom we supposed to be atheists, have God as their ruling power entrenched in their conscience.

“For having cast themselves on the ground, they prayed not only for me, but also for the whole army as it stood, that they might be delivered from the present thirst and famine. For during five days, we had got no water, because there was none; for we were in the heart of Germany, and in the enemy’s territory. And simultaneously with their casting themselves on the ground and praying to God (a God of whom I am ignorant), water poured from heaven, upon us most refreshingly cool, but upon the enemies of Rome a withering hail. And immediately we recognised the presence of God following on the prayer—a God unconquerable and indestructible…”

Emperor Marcus Aurelius
Source: Ante-Nicene Fathers, 1^st Apology of Justin, Chapter LXVIII – Conclusion

The thought and imagery of a host of Christian Roman soldiers praying for their Emperor, their whole army and for themselves during a battle in Germany, is something far from my mind when I think back to this period in history.

Pondering on this recorded event – which I believe to be genuine – and how the emperor was initially very angry by how many of his soldiers were Christian, reveals the impact of the life of the Apostle Paul (who is believed to have been killed by a previous emperor, Nero, about 100 or so years before this time). Truly is the saying fulfilled: a grain of wheat must die to bring forth much fruit (John 12:24).

Despised Christian Roman Soldiers Praying