was the constant persecution suffered by them at the hands of the Jews since the death of Stephen, frequently taking the form of banishment and confiscation of their goods (Acts 8:1, and Heb. 10:34). From that time forward the Jews were sworn foes to Christ, and bitterly persecuted the Christians; and since the Church of Jerusalem was the mother of all others, the custom prevailed amongst Christians in all parts of the world of sending help to the poor of that Church. When Vigilantius found fault