A Persian he was among those beaten, and incarcerated during the persecution of Christians in the early 5^th century that followed the indiscretion of one Bishop Abbas (who burned down a Fire Temple and refused to replace it) nearly 40 years before. Benjamin was offered his freedom from prison on condition that he never spoke about the Christian faith in public again. Benjamin however, was known to be a very good preacher, and could not restrain his talent. The King learned that the Deacon was preaching, and had Benjamin brought before him. Benjamin posed a simple question to the King: what would he think of those of his subjects who broke their allegiance to him, and began to make war against him? The King was enraged, had Deacon Benjamin tortured, and beheaded.