# Passion of the Scillitan Martyrs

- Author: Anonymous
- Latin title: *Passio Sanctorum Scilitanorum*
- Date: 180 (17 July) (probable)
- Source: Oscar von Gebhardt, ed., Ausgewählte Märtyrerakten (Berlin: Karl Curtius, 1902), item IV, pp. 22–27 (OCR made for this site)

- Translation: Claude, from the original text, unless a passage says otherwise; each passage below gives the translator
- Work page: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/acta-scilitanorum/
- Passages: 18

## Passion of the Scillitan Martyrs (title)

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/acta-scilitanorum/0/#p-0
- Source: Gebhardt, 22
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Title of the record.

### Latin text

Passio Sanctorum Scillitanorum.

### English translation (Claude)

The Passion of the Holy Scillitan Martyrs.

### Citation (SBL)

Act. pref. (Gebhardt, 22; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/acta-scilitanorum/0).

## 1

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/acta-scilitanorum/0/#p-1
- Source: Gebhardt, 22
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The Scillitan Christians are tried at Carthage on 17 July 180.

### Latin text

Praesente bis et Claudiano consulibus, XVI. kalendas Augustas Karthagine in secretario inpositis Sperato, Nartzalo et Cittino, Donata, Secunda, Vestia, Saturninus proconsul dixit: Potestis indulgentiam domini nostri imperatoris promereri si ad bonam mentem redeatis.

### English translation (Claude)

In the consulship of Praesens, for the second time, and Claudianus, on the sixteenth day before the Kalends of August, at Carthage, in the council chamber, Speratus, Nartzalus and Cittinus, Donata, Secunda, and Vestia were set before the court. Saturninus the proconsul said, “You can earn the indulgence of our lord the emperor, if you return to a sound mind.”

### Translation notes

- The date is 17 July 180.

### Citation (SBL)

Act. 1 (Gebhardt, 22; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/acta-scilitanorum/1).

## 2

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/acta-scilitanorum/0/#p-2
- Source: Gebhardt, 22
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Speratus says the Christians have done no wrong.

### Latin text

Speratus dixit: Numquam malefecimus, iniquitati nullam operam praebuimus; numquam malediximus, sed male accepti gratias egimus, propter quod imperatorem nostrum obseruamus.

### English translation (Claude)

Speratus said, “We have never done wrong; we have lent ourselves to no wickedness; we have never cursed anyone, but when ill-treated we have given thanks; for which reason we pay heed to our Emperor.”

### Translation notes

- “Our Emperor” may mean God; the Greek recension (2) reads “since we serve our God and King.”

### Citation (SBL)

Act. 2 (Gebhardt, 22; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/acta-scilitanorum/2).

## 3

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/acta-scilitanorum/0/#p-3
- Source: Gebhardt, 22
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The proconsul describes Roman religion and asks for the oath by the emperor's genius.

### Latin text

Saturninus proconsul dixit: Et nos religiosi sumus, et, simplex est religio nostra, et iuramus per genium domini nostri imperatoris et pro salute eius supplicamus; quod et uos quoque facere debetis.

### English translation (Claude)

Saturninus the proconsul said, “We too are religious, and our religion is simple: we swear by the genius of our lord the emperor and we pray for his welfare, as you too ought to do.”

### Citation (SBL)

Act. 3 (Gebhardt, 22; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/acta-scilitanorum/3).

## 4

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/acta-scilitanorum/0/#p-4
- Source: Gebhardt, 22
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Speratus offers to explain the Christian faith.

### Latin text

Speratus dixit: Si tranquillas praebueris aures tuas, dico mysterium simplicitatis.

### English translation (Claude)

Speratus said, “If you will give me a quiet hearing, I will tell you the mystery of simplicity.”

### Citation (SBL)

Act. 4 (Gebhardt, 22; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/acta-scilitanorum/4).

## 5

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/acta-scilitanorum/0/#p-5
- Source: Gebhardt, 22
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The proconsul refuses to hear and demands the oath.

### Latin text

Saturninus proconsul dixit: Initianti tibi mala de sacris nostris aures non praebebo; sed potius iurate per genium domini nostri imperatoris.

### English translation (Claude)

Saturninus the proconsul said, “Since you are beginning to speak evil of our sacred rites, I will not give you a hearing; rather, swear by the genius of our lord the emperor.”

### Citation (SBL)

Act. 5 (Gebhardt, 22; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/acta-scilitanorum/5).

## 6

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/acta-scilitanorum/0/#p-6
- Source: Gebhardt, 22
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Speratus serves the invisible God, though he pays his taxes.

### Latin text

Speratus dixit: Ego imperium huius saeculi non cognosco, sed magis illi deo seruio quem nemo hominum uidit nec uidere his oculis potest. furtum non feci; sed si quid emero theloneum reddo, quia cognosco dominum meum et imperatorem regum omnium gentium.

### English translation (Claude)

Speratus said, “I do not recognize the empire of this world; rather I serve that God whom no one among men has seen or can see with these eyes. I have committed no theft; and if I buy anything I pay the tax, because I acknowledge my Lord, the Emperor of kings and of all nations.”

### Scripture references

- 1 Tim 6:16: allusion, high confidence
- Rev 19:16: echo, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- Cf. 1 Tim 6:16 (God whom no one has seen or can see); Rev 17:14; 19:16 (King of kings). Some witnesses read “my Lord, King of kings and Lord of all nations.”

### Citation (SBL)

Act. 6 (Gebhardt, 22; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/acta-scilitanorum/6).

## 7

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/acta-scilitanorum/0/#p-7
- Source: Gebhardt, 22
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The proconsul urges the others to give up their persuasion.

### Latin text

Saturninus proconsul dixit ceteris: Desinite huius esse persuasionis. Speratus dixit: Mala est persuasio homicidium facere, falsum testimonium dicere.

### English translation (Claude)

Saturninus the proconsul said to the rest, “Cease to be of this persuasion.” Speratus said, “It is an evil persuasion to commit murder or to bear false witness.”

### Citation (SBL)

Act. 7 (Gebhardt, 22; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/acta-scilitanorum/7).

## 8

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/acta-scilitanorum/0/#p-8
- Source: Gebhardt, 22
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Cittinus fears only God.

### Latin text

Saturninus proconsul dixit: Nolite huius dementiae esse participes. Cittinus dixit: Nos non habemus alium quem timeamus, nisi dominum deum nostrum qui est in caelis.

### English translation (Claude)

Saturninus the proconsul said, “Have no part in this madness.” Cittinus said, “We have no one else to fear except the Lord our God, who is in heaven.”

### Citation (SBL)

Act. 8 (Gebhardt, 22; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/acta-scilitanorum/8).

## 9

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/acta-scilitanorum/0/#p-9
- Source: Gebhardt, 22
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Donata, Vestia, and Secunda confess.

### Latin text

Donata dixit: Honorem Caesari quasi Caesari, timorem autem deo. Vestia dixit: Christiana sum. Secunda dixit: Quod sum, ipsud uolo esse.

### English translation (Claude)

Donata said, “Honor to Caesar as Caesar, but fear to God.” Vestia said, “I am a Christian.” Secunda said, “What I am, that I wish to be.”

### Scripture references

- Matt 22:21: allusion, medium confidence
- Rom 13:7: allusion, medium confidence

### Translation notes

- Cf. Matt 22:21; Rom 13:7 (Gebhardt's margin).

### Citation (SBL)

Act. 9 (Gebhardt, 22; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/acta-scilitanorum/9).

## 10

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/acta-scilitanorum/0/#p-10
- Source: Gebhardt, 22
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Speratus and the others persist in their confession.

### Latin text

Saturninus proconsul Sperato dixit: Perseueras Christianus? ^ Speratus dixit: Christianus sum. et cum eo omnes consenserunt.

### English translation (Claude)

Saturninus the proconsul said to Speratus, “Do you persist in being a Christian?” Speratus said, “I am a Christian.” And all agreed with him.

### Citation (SBL)

Act. 10 (Gebhardt, 22; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/acta-scilitanorum/10).

## 11

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/acta-scilitanorum/0/#p-11
- Source: Gebhardt, 22
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: Speratus refuses time to deliberate.

### Latin text

Saturninus proconsul dixit: Numquid ad deliberandum spatium uultis? Speratus dixit: In re tam iusta nulla est deliberatio.

### English translation (Claude)

Saturninus the proconsul said, “Do you want some time to think it over?” Speratus said, “In so just a matter there is no thinking it over.”

### Citation (SBL)

Act. 11 (Gebhardt, 22; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/acta-scilitanorum/11).

## 12

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/acta-scilitanorum/0/#p-12
- Source: Gebhardt, 22
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The Christians carry books and Paul's letters.

### Latin text

Saturninus proconsul dixit: Quae sunt res in capsa uestra? Speratus dixit: Libri et epistulae Pauli uiri iusti.

### English translation (Claude)

Saturninus the proconsul said, “What are the things in your case?” Speratus said, “Books, and letters of Paul, a just man.”

### Translation notes

- “Books” probably means books of Scripture (perhaps the Gospels), distinguished from Paul's letters.

### Citation (SBL)

Act. 12 (Gebhardt, 22; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/acta-scilitanorum/12).

## 13

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/acta-scilitanorum/0/#p-13
- Source: Gebhardt, 22
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: A thirty-day delay is offered and refused.

### Latin text

Saturninus proconsul dixit: Moram XXX dierum habete et recordemini. Speratus iterum dixit: Christianus sum. et cum eo omnes consenserunt.

### English translation (Claude)

Saturninus the proconsul said, “Have a delay of thirty days and reflect.” Speratus said again, “I am a Christian.” And all agreed with him.

### Citation (SBL)

Act. 13 (Gebhardt, 22; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/acta-scilitanorum/13).

## 14

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/acta-scilitanorum/0/#p-14
- Source: Gebhardt, 22
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The proconsul sentences them to death by the sword.

### Latin text

Saturninus proconsul decretum ex tabella recitauit: Speratum, Nartzalum, Cittinum, Donatam, Vestiam, Secundam et ceteros ritu Christiano se uiuere confessos, quoniam oblata sibi facultate ad Romanorum morem redeundi obstinanter perseuerauerunt, gladio animaduerti placet.

### English translation (Claude)

Saturninus the proconsul read out the decree from a tablet: “Speratus, Nartzalus, Cittinus, Donata, Vestia, Secunda, and the others, who have confessed that they live according to the Christian rite, since, though offered the opportunity of returning to the custom of the Romans, they have obstinately persisted, it is decided that they be put to death by the sword.”

### Citation (SBL)

Act. 14 (Gebhardt, 22; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/acta-scilitanorum/14).

## 15

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/acta-scilitanorum/0/#p-15
- Source: Gebhardt, 22
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The condemned give thanks.

### Latin text

Speratus dixit: Deo gratias agimus. Nartzalus dixit: Hodie martyres in caelis sumus. deo gratias.

### English translation (Claude)

Speratus said, “We give thanks to God.” Nartzalus said, “Today we are martyrs in heaven. Thanks be to God.”

### Citation (SBL)

Act. 15 (Gebhardt, 22; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/acta-scilitanorum/15).

## 16

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/acta-scilitanorum/0/#p-16
- Source: Gebhardt, 22
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The herald proclaims the names of the twelve condemned.

### Latin text

Saturninus proconsul per praeconem dici iussit: Speratum, Nartzalum, Cittinum, Veturium, Felicem, Aquilinum, Laetantium, Ianuariam, Generosam, Vestiam, Donatam, Secundam duci iussi.

### English translation (Claude)

Saturninus the proconsul ordered it proclaimed by the herald: “I have ordered Speratus, Nartzalus, Cittinus, Veturius, Felix, Aquilinus, Laetantius, Ianuaria, Generosa, Vestia, Donata, and Secunda to be led out.”

### Citation (SBL)

Act. 16 (Gebhardt, 22; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/acta-scilitanorum/16).

## 17

- URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/acta-scilitanorum/0/#p-17
- Source: Gebhardt, 22
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-27

Summary: The martyrs are beheaded.

### Latin text

Vniuersi dixerunt: Deo gratias. et statim decollati sunt pro nomine Christi.

### English translation (Claude)

All said, “Thanks be to God.” And at once they were beheaded for the name of Christ.

### Translation notes

- Gebhardt reports that other witnesses add: “And so all were crowned with martyrdom together, and they reign with the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.”

### Citation (SBL)

Act. 17 (Gebhardt, 22; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/acta-scilitanorum/17).