The early church presbyter Hippolytus crafted the churchs oldest orthodox commentary on scripture with a motif of martyrdom to encourage church congregations during a time of severe Roman persecution. Hippolytus interprets the text through allegory, typology, theodicy, parenesis and reflection to create a motif of martyrdom. His purpose is clearly pastoral arising from his role as presbyter to exhort his congregations to prepare to be martyred for Christ amid the Severan persecution.