Ruth Sutcliffe: Apology Excepted? The paradox of polemic against persecution

The extant apologetica of the second and third centuries present a paradox. Persecution, according to the New Testament, was God-ordained, and was to be countered with patent endurance and love for one’s enemies. Unjust persecution was a cause for rejoicing, and martyrdom brought glorious reward. Why, then, did apologists argue against persecution and its injustice? Third century writers, particularly Tertullian, whilst developing much the same arguments, displayed a more integrated apprehension of the providential origin, purpose, benefits and appropriate response to persecution than did their second century forbears.