May 30, 2025
Since the early days of Christianity, tyrants have sought to silence the gospel, fearing its power to transform hearts and undermine oppressive rule. Despite relentless attempts by governments throughout history to stamp out the faith, the church has endured. One of the lesser-known but profoundly inspiring figures in this ongoing story is Blandina, a young slave girl from Lyons, France. Although she was of low social status and likely only a teenager, Blandina became a beacon of unwavering faith during a brutal wave of persecution under Roman rule. Christians in her region were accused of impiety and thrown into prison, suffering gruesome torture simply for refusing to worship the Roman gods.
Blandina, along with fellow believers Sanctus, Maturus, and Attalus, was subjected to unspeakable cruelty. Yet, her tormentors were astonished when, after hours of torture, she remained unbroken—so much so that even her captors admitted defeat. Her only defense was a powerful confession: “I am a Christian woman and nothing wicked happens among us.” Though sentenced to death by wild beasts, the animals miraculously refused to harm her. Eventually, she was martyred by being thrown to a bull, yet her hope in Christ never wavered. Blandina’s faith emboldened others, including a young believer named Ponticus, whom she encouraged like a spiritual mother. Her story, like many in Scripture, reminds us that God often uses the least likely to accomplish His greatest work—those whose strength comes not from status, but from a deep communion with Christ.
Stay Awake. Keep Watch.
SOURCE: International Christian Concern