49–51 AD

Claudius's order against the Christians and the expulsion of the Jews from Rome

Suetonius mentions Roman official actions against the Christians. One of them is dated to 49 AD, under the emperor Claudius. It is one of the earliest recorded acts of state action against Christians, though the source gives no details.

Around 51 AD Claudius expelled the Jews from Rome. Suetonius writes that they were "constantly disturbing themselves because of Chrestus" – probably meaning Christ. The event is also mentioned at Acts 18:2.

Most historians see here unrest among the Jews caused by Christian preaching. The Romans at that time still regarded the conflict between Christians and Jews as an internal Jewish matter. They intervened only when public order was disturbed. The distinction between Christians and Jews became clear to the authorities only later.