Chapter 69
1 But perhaps someone will say: Why then did God deliver the martyrs of old, but those of the present time not so?
2 For we find that the blessed Daniel was twice cast into the lions’ den and was not destroyed by the beasts, and the three young men in the furnace, who were not harmed by the fire.
3 Take note, O man, that even then God delivered those whom he willed should still live, so that the great work of God might be displayed and proclaimed in all the world until now.
4 But those whom he willed to bear testimony as martyrs he took to himself, crowning them.
5 For he delivered the three young men so that the boasting of Nebuchadnezzar might be shown to be nothing, wishing to demonstrate this: that the things impossible with men are possible with God. For since Nebuchadnezzar said in his arrogance, “And who is the God who will be able to deliver you out of the furnace of fire?”, God showed him that he is able to deliver his own servants whenever he wills.
6 For the same thing happened likewise in the case of Daniel. For when Darius said, “Your God, whom you serve continually, was he able to deliver you from the mouth of the lions?”, Daniel answered and said: “God sent his angel and stopped the mouths of the lions, and they did me no harm.”
7 For the officers and all the satraps contrived an occasion to kill Daniel by handing him over to the beasts; but God, knowing their evil device and the innocence of the blessed Daniel, delivered him from the mouth of the lions—so that whom he wills he delivers, and whom he wills he takes to himself.
8 For we find also the seven martyrs under Antiochus, who endured terrible torments and were taken from the world. What then? Was God not able to strike down King Antiochus and deliver the seven brothers? He was able; but he did not will it, so that this might become a pattern for us.
9 For if he had delivered everyone, who would have borne testimony as a martyr? And if all bore testimony by dying, it would be said by some unbelievers that this happens because God is powerless.