women as heroines: accounts of women martyrs the virgin-martyr agnes, gold-glass from fourth-century...

Women as Heroines: Accounts of Women Martyrs

The Virgin-Martyr Agnes, Gold-Glass from fourth-century Rome


I. Persecution and Martyrdom: Historical Context



II. Conviction of (Women) Martyrs: Historical & Literary Precedents




A. Apocalyptic Literature & Themes





B. Late Jewish Legacy: Maccabean Martyrs






C. The Model of Jesus: Redemptive Suffering







III. Challenging Authority? The Meaning of Women’s Martyrdom








A. Women Martyrs as Subversives: Celsus on Women

It is “only foolish & low individuals, and persons devoid of perception, and slaves, and women, and children, of whom the teachers of the divine word wish to make converts.”

-Contra Celsum 3.49

Celsus described Christians as “persons of the most uninstructed and rustic character…”

Furthermore, “they get hold of the children privately, and certain stupid women with them, and they pour forth astounding statements, as for example, that they must not pay any attention to their father or school teacher, but must obey them.”

-Contra Celsum, 3.55









B. Martyrdom & Power

1. Leadership roles










1. Leadership roles

2. Heavenly power










1. Leadership roles

2. Heavenly power

3. Transcending Identity

women as heroines: accounts of women martyrs the virgin-martyr agnes, gold-glass from fourth-century...

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