The Power and Authority of Perpetua the Proto-Martyr

Abstract

As demonstrated in The Martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicitas, confessor-martyrs were granted the opportunity to achieve a position of influence within their Christian community. The “power of martyrdom” that was granted to proto-martyrs granted the prisoners the capability of interceding on behalf of Christians who had denied their faith or failed to confess. Essentially, imprisoned confessors were given the privilege of the authority to forgive deniers. This paper will examine how Perpetua’s privileges extend from the divine realm into the earthly realm. Specifically, I will examine how Perpetua’s impending martyrdom provides her with the “power of the keys” where she is granted the status of a minister