In the Face of Death

The TRUE Story of Perpetua and Felicity

Perpetua had always been a woman of noble birth, raised in the comforts of wealth and high society in Carthage, a thriving Roman province in North Africa. Her family had all the trappings of privilege—fine clothing, servants, and a beautiful home in the heart of the bustling city. Carthage was a place of both luxury and danger, where Roman power and local traditions met in a tumultuous blend of religion and politics. Yet Perpetua, despite her noble standing, had always felt a pull toward something deeper. It wasn’t the offerings of wealth or social status that captured her heart, but rather a profound longing for a truth that transcended the fleeting comforts of this life.

Her journey to faith had not been an easy one. She had known the world’s pleasures—she was a wife, a mother, and the daughter of a respected Roman citizen. But it was Jesus Christ, known to her as Yeshua HaMeshiach, who captured her heart. It was in secret that she began to study the Scriptures, to meet with other Christians, and to learn of a love that was unlike anything she had known. The peace she felt in her heart was unlike the fleeting joy of her noble life. This was a peace that spoke to her deepest desires, the kind of peace that only Christ could give. Perpetua had become a Christian, despite knowing it would cost her much, including her family’s favor, and perhaps even her life.

Her heart swelled with love for Yeshua, but the cost of this love soon became apparent. In 203 AD, when Perpetua was in her early twenties, the Roman emperor Septimius Severus issued an edict that forbade conversions to Christianity. Christianity was rapidly growing, and the Roman authorities saw it as a threat to their power and the established worship of the emperor. Perpetua was arrested along with other believers in Carthage. Her father, desperate to save his daughter, begged her to recant, to give up her newfound faith, and return to her former life. He wept before her, pleading with her to consider the consequences of defying the emperor. He even offered her infant son as a reason for her to renounce Christianity, but Perpetua’s heart had already made its choice. She had been baptized, and in her heart, she knew that following Christ was the only way.

In the cold, dark confines of the prison where Perpetua was held, she found herself surrounded by others who shared the same unshakable faith. Among them was Felicity, a slave who had also embraced Christianity. Felicity’s journey had been one of quiet endurance. She had known hardship—years of servitude, the unrelenting weight of a life lived under the thumb of another’s will. Yet in the midst of her suffering, she had found Christ. Like Perpetua, Felicity was pregnant, and in the prison, she struggled with the uncertainty of whether she would live to see her child born. Despite the pain of her condition and the torment of the brutal conditions in which she was kept, Felicity remained resolute. Together, Perpetua and Felicity became friends and sisters in Christ, each finding strength in the other’s courage. They prayed together, shared their dreams of the glory that awaited them, and encouraged one another in their suffering.

Despite the physical suffering they endured, their hearts remained steadfast. The walls of the prison were damp, the air thick with the smell of sweat and filth. The days blurred into one another, each marked by the endless waiting and the iron chains that clinked as they moved. The guards would shout at them, mocking their faith, but the women’s spirits were unbroken. As the days passed, Perpetua began to experience vivid dreams and visions. One such vision was a glimpse of the heavens, in which she saw herself standing before the throne of God, pure and radiant, despite the hardships of her earthly existence. In the vision, she was told that she would be received into Christ’s eternal kingdom, and the assurance of this promise fortified her resolve.

As the trial approached, Felicity gave birth in prison. In the midst of all the pain and anguish, she delivered a healthy child, though she knew the child would not survive long in her care. Yet, in that moment, she experienced a rare joy—a moment of deep love and connection with her newborn, even knowing she would soon be separated from him. But Felicity was not afraid. She knew that the eternal reward awaiting her in heaven was far greater than anything this world could offer. It was this unwavering faith that gave both her and Perpetua the strength to face the terrifying trial before them.

The women were summoned before the Roman proconsul, who stood as an embodiment of the empire’s power. The courtroom was packed with curious onlookers, many eager to witness the spectacle of the Christians’ trial. Perpetua’s father was there, standing among the crowd, his face full of grief and disbelief. He begged her, once again, to deny her faith and offer sacrifice to the Roman gods. He even offered her son as a reason to recant. “Consider your son,” he said. “Do not destroy your own life and his!” But Perpetua’s response was firm. “I cannot,” she said. “I have made my choice.”

The proconsul was not moved by her courage. He sentenced them both to death by wild animals in the arena—a fate that was both terrifying and cruel. As Perpetua and Felicity were led away from the courtroom, they held onto one another, drawing strength from their bond. The days leading up to their execution were filled with a strange calm, a peace that only came from the knowledge that Christ was with them. They continued to pray, to encourage the others who would also face death, and to share their vision of the heavenly glory that awaited them.

The day of their execution arrived, and the arena in Carthage was filled with an eager crowd, hungry for bloodshed. The sun beat down mercilessly on the dust-covered ground, and the scent of sweat and anticipation filled the air. Perpetua, dressed in the simple garments of the condemned, stood tall with courage in her eyes. Felicity, despite the strain of childbirth and the pain that lingered in her body, stood beside her, unwavering in her faith.

The gates of the arena opened, and wild animals were released into the space. A wild cow was unleashed first, its massive horns tearing through the air. The beast charged at the two women, throwing them to the ground. The crowd watched in stunned silence as Perpetua and Felicity rose again, their courage undiminished, their faith stronger than ever. In this moment, the women seemed to embody the very essence of Christ’s victory over death. But the wild animals did not finish the job. The soldiers, following orders, approached them with swords, and in one swift stroke, they ended the lives of Perpetua and Felicity. Perpetua’s death was said to be peaceful; she died without a struggle, her eyes focused on the heavens. Felicity, too, died in faith, despite the pain she had endured. Their bodies were removed from the arena, but their spirits had already ascended to the eternal embrace of Christ.

Their story did not end in death. The blood of Perpetua and Felicity became a seed that spread across the empire, inspiring countless others to stand firm in their faith. The testimony of two women—one of noble birth, one of humble origins—standing together in the face of certain death ignited a fire of faith in the hearts of those who heard their story. Their courage was not born of their own strength, but from the deep, abiding love they had for Yeshua HaMeshiach.

The martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicity was not in vain. Their story reminds us that even in the darkest of times, Christ’s love is stronger than death. The courage they displayed in the arena became an enduring symbol of faith that does not falter, even in the face of unimaginable suffering.

As we reflect on the stories of Perpetua and Felicity, we are reminded that their courage and faith were not born of their own strength, but from the profound love they had for Jesus Christ. Their willingness to face such unimaginable suffering and death for the sake of their faith was a testimony to the reality that, for those who truly follow Him, Christ’s love is worth everything. In their final moments, they knew the eternal joy and peace that awaited them in the presence of God. And that same love, that same assurance, is available to us today.

In our own lives, we are often faced with trials, though none may compare to the fierce persecution that Perpetua and Felicity endured. Yet, like them, we are called to stand firm in our faith, regardless of the difficulties that may come our way. It might not always be easy. We may face ridicule, rejection, or even personal loss for the sake of following Christ. But, just as these two women remained resolute in their love for Jesus, we too are called to love Him with all our hearts, no matter the cost.

Their example teaches us that faith is not simply an intellectual agreement with the truth of the Gospel. It is an all-encompassing trust in Christ, a trust that extends even to the deepest places of our lives. When we face suffering, it is an opportunity to cling to the truth that Jesus is always with us. Just as He was with Perpetua and Felicity in their darkest hours, He is with us in ours. Jesus is with us in every trial, every heartache, every moment of doubt, and He promises that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

In fact, Jesus' love for us is the very foundation of our faith. It is His sacrifice on the cross—His willingness to lay down His life for us—that makes our salvation possible. He, too, faced unimaginable suffering, but He did it for the joy of bringing us into right relationship with the Father. Just as Perpetua and Felicity were willing to give their lives for Him, Jesus gave His life for us, even though we were still sinners, undeserving of such grace.

Their story is a living reminder that following Jesus means embracing His love with all our hearts and trusting that even in the face of difficulty, He will be our strength. Jesus loves us deeply—a love that is not based on our worthiness or what we can offer, but on His infinite grace and mercy. No matter what we face, nothing can separate us from this love.

In the everyday struggles of our lives, we are called to look to Jesus, remembering that He knows our pain and that His love is greater than any hardship we may encounter. When we face challenges, when we feel like we cannot go on, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus understands, and that His love is the source of the strength we need to endure. Perpetua and Felicity were able to stand firm in their faith because they knew, in the depths of their hearts, that Jesus’ love for them was more powerful than any fear, any persecution, or even death itself.

We are called to live by that same conviction today. Like Perpetua and Felicity, we are called to live in faith, knowing that our lives are in His hands. Even when the world seems dark, we can shine brightly as witnesses of Christ’s love. We are His hands and feet in this world, showing others the love, grace, and truth we have received from Him. And when the time comes, whether through trials, loss, or the inevitable reality of death, we can face the future with the same courage and hope that Perpetua and Felicity had, because we know Christ is with us, and He has already overcome the world.

We are not alone. We are loved by the Creator of the universe, the One who endured suffering on our behalf and promises us eternal life with Him. May their example be an encouragement to us, as we walk out our faith in this world, trusting that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. His love will carry us, no matter what comes, and we too, like Perpetua and Felicity, can face all things with the unshakable hope that His love is greater than anything this world has to offer.

In and for Yeshua HaMessiach.

If you were blessed by this message, please leave a comment! I would love to hear from you.

Anna M. Cauzillo-Hazen 2025