Speratus was the principal spokesman, and according to his account, the twelve individuals led a quiet life, paid their dues, and they tried to live at peace with all. When they were asked to swear and oath of allegiance to the emperor, he was the one who answered, "I recognize not the empire of this world; but rather do I serve that God whom no man hath seen, nor with these eyes can see." They were offered a 30-day reprieve where they could consider changing their minds, but none of them did. They were beheaded.
When I read things like this, I am always cut to the quick. God has never asked me to suffer like this. I realize that the time may come when He does, and I can only say that should I have to face this, I will respond like these men and women of faith.
For more information, please check out:
http://www.bartleby.com/210/7/172.html
http://www.antiochian.org/content/scillitan-martyrs-north-africa
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/timeline/North_Africa
http://www.dacb.org/stories/tunisia/speratus_.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scillitan_Martyrs
https://homepaddock.wordpress.com/2012/07/17/july-17-in-history-4/
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