After the death of the apostles, early Christians faced increasing persecution under Roman emperors. This period was marked by steadfast devotion to Scripture, purity of doctrine, and refusal to compromise with paganism. Faithful elders defended the apostolic teachings against heresies such as Gnosticism and early modalism. No centralized hierarchy had yet corrupted the local autonomy of congregations. Believers met in homes, and their loyalty to Christ cost many their lives.