After the death of Septimius Severus—except during the short reign of Maximin—the church enjoyed a season of comparative peace till the reign of Decius, A.D. 249. But during the favorable reign of Alexander Severus, a considerable change took place in the relation of Christianity to society. He was through life under the influence of his mother, Mammaea, who is described by Eusebius as "a woman distinguished for her piety and religion." She sent for Origen, of whose fame she had heard much, and learned from him something of the doctrines of the gospel. She was afterward favorable to the Christians, but there is not much evidence that she was one herself.
Alexander was of a religious disposition. He had many Christians in his household; and bishops were admitted even at the court in a recognized official character. He frequently used the words of our Savior, "As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." (Luke 6:3131And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. (Luke 6:31).) He had them inscribed on the walls of his palace and on other public buildings. But all religions were nearly the same to him, and on this principle he gave Christianity a place in his eclectic system.