The Apostles versus Rival Christs

The martyrdom accounts of Peter and Paul display variety on many details, but all include descriptions of their primary antagonists. This chapter explores the two primary characters described in this way in various texts: the Emperor Nero and Simon the sorcerer (Simon Magus). Both are presented as hostile not just toward the apostles but toward their master, Jesus Christ, for in nearly every martyrdom account one or the other is presented as an antichrist figure. The analysis shows that both Nero and Simon are presented as making divine claims that are ontological and functional, and both suffer their ultimate fates as acts of divine judgment. Thus, the earthly conflicts with Peter and Paul are mere reflections of the true battle between Christ and antichrists.