(Drawn from the children’s book written by The Voice of the Martyrs with Cheryl Odden)
“Buried beneath the cards and candied hearts lies a man named Valentine, who dared to tell the emperor of Rome about Jesus.”
Birth/Death
- circa 3rd century A.D. in the Roman Empire
- martyred: circa February 14th, 269A.D (“Valentine’s Day”)
Historical Background
- “Claudius the Cruel”, Emperor of Rome, outlawed weddings in the Empire in an attempt to gain new recruits for the army.
- Valentinus was a faithful leader in the church.
Courage
- Valentinus defied the Emperor’s decree by secretly marrying couples deep in the woods at night.
- Valentinus refused to worship the pagan idols of Rome and worshipped the one true God of the Bible alone.
- Valentinus dared to tell the Roman Emperor about God’s grace and His free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Persecution
- “Claudius the Cruel” imprisoned Valentinus for his rebellion.
- February 14th is the day he was killed for His faith in Christ.
Legends
- While in prison, the Lord supposedly healed the jailer’s daughter in response to Valentinus’ prayers.
- Another says that he wrote a note to the jailer’s daughter on the eve of his death and signed it, “From your Valentine.”
Valentine’s Day
- In 496 A.D., February 14th was marked by a church leader as a day to honor the courageous life of Valentinus in order to replace a pagan Roman holiday.
- Buried under the cards and candy is the life testimony of Valentinus, a man who dared to…
- Love God alone.
- Marry couples in secret.
- Tell the Roman Emperor about Jesus Christ.
May you be encouraged to do the same this Valentine’s and always!
“Yes, and all who desire to live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12 NKJV
