A deacon in Persia, he was imprisoned in persecution and released on condition that he stop preaching. Unable to keep silent about the Gospel, he went on proclaiming it, was arrested again and died after cruel torture.
Life
Benjamin was a deacon in Persia in the early fifth century, a time of severe persecution of Christians there. He was arrested for his faith and held in prison for a long time.
According to the account that has come down to us, he was released on condition that he stop preaching, but he said he could not keep silent about God's word and continued to proclaim it. He was arrested again and died a martyr after cruel torture. His story is preserved in the martyr records of the Persian Church.
Spirituality
Deacon Benjamin's spirituality is faithfulness to the Word. He could not give up the Gospel as the price of his freedom. God's word was more precious to him than his own life, and he stayed faithful to his mission of proclaiming it.
Reflection
Deacon Benjamin refused the comfort that silence would have bought him. Have I ever kept quiet about my faith simply to avoid discomfort?