Photo: Adobe Stock
Christians have long been martyrs, killed for their faith.
The origin of the word martyr is Greek (μάρτυς), meaning witness.
In Christianity, the first martyr for the faith (as followers of Christ) was Stephen, stoned to death. His final remarks resonate today:
“And falling to his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:60
Jesus Christ promised persecution and ensured His followers knew they would face many trials:
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” John 15:18
“Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Matthew 10:21-22
Of the surviving 12 disciples, history teaches that only one died of natural causes (John). The rest died as martyrs for the faith. Notably, Peter, who once denied Christ, became steadfast in his faith, enduring crucifixion upside down, saying he was not worthy to die in the same manner as Christ.
The Apostle Paul died by execution, beheaded for his faith.
The earliest Church Fathers, too, faced martyrdom: the deaths of Ignatius, Polycarp, and Justin Martyr show how persecution and death have always shadowed Christianity.
Martyrdom does not just impact individuals, but sometimes entire communities and nations. The Roman Emperor Nero persecuted Christians, falsely accusing them and having them murdered.
The persecution of Christianity has long existed, resulting in the deaths of millions of souls, as evident in the communist scheme to rid Christians from the Soviet Union, or in China, amidst their civil war.
And today, martyrdom continues. Across the globe, Christians die for their faith, their allegiance to Christ, and their firm adherence to His gospel and complete devotion to Him.
While the Western world is blessed to have democracy and freedom of religion, martyrdom is still a harsh reality even in the freest nations of the earth.
Martyrdom historically meant being a witness for Christ. Over time, it came to mean not only being a witness but also a victim of persecution and death because of a commitment to follow Christ.
From the courage of the young Perpetua to the modern martyrs of today, enemies of Christianity may take the life of believers, but they do not realize that the souls they kill end up in glory, and their legacy is built upon the love and light of Christ.
Christians do not intentionally seek martyrdom, but it comes, fulfilling the promise of Jesus Christ, that the world hates Him and those who stand with Him.
The promise for Christians is profound: they will receive the treasures of heaven, not the riches of this world, nor the enjoyment of its darkness, but rather the blessing from Christ, saying:
“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your master.” Matthew 25:23