Antiochus (X)

X. ANTIOCHUS, a Jew of Antioch, Son to the chief Jew of this City, accused his Father and the rest of the Jews in a full Assembly of the people, with a design of setting fire to the City. The people of Antioch hearing this Accusation, fell upon the Jews, who were then present, and killed a great Number of them; but Antiochus, who endeavoured not so much to procure their Destruction, as to oblige them to forsake their Religion, told the inhabitants of Antioch, that the way to distinguish those who were entred into this Conspiracy, from others that were innocent, was, to compel them to sacrifice after the manner of the Gentiles; and that all they who should refuse to comply, were guilty of the Crime they were accused of. Many perished upon this occasion, choosing to die rather than to sacrifice to Idols. Others apostatized and saved their lives by Sacrilege¹. This happened about thirty five years after the Passion of Jesus Christ.

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