Around 1,700 years ago, a group of youths staggered off a transport ship at the port in Thebes. This was their first landfall after many days in the stifling bowels of their vessel. Taking what our ancient source refers to as ‘great pity on their miserable plight’, some local Thebans approached them, offering food and drink. Totally stunned, one of the youths asked them who they were, and why they would perform ‘such humble works of mercy’ to complete strangers. Whereupon:
He was told they were Christians, who were in the habit of doing acts of kindness to everyone, but especially towards travellers. He learned also what it meant to be called a Christian. For he was told that they were godly people, followers of a genuine religion, who believed in the name of Jesus Christ the only begotten son of God, who were well disposed to all people, and hoped that God would reward them for all their good works in the life to come.
