Pliny’s Letter (Epistle) to Trajan
Pliny: Roman Governor of Pontus and Bithynia
Written 112 CE, about 75 years after the crucifixion of Jesus
No law or precedent exists in Asia for the legal status of Christians:
- Some executed; others sent to Rome
Emperor Trajan’s reply or “rescript” makes new law: No official persecution or use of anonymous accusations