Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8400 The tasks of the believer » 8450 martyrdom The term “martyr” comes from the Greek word for “witness”, reminding believers that the supreme act of witness for the gospel is to give up one's life for its sake. Jesus Christ as martyr Jesus Christ had to suffer and die Mark 8:31 In that Jesus Christ gives up his life, he may be thought of as a martyr. But the NT stresses that he is far more than this. Through his death alone come all the benefits of salvation, in which all believers can share. See also Isaiah 53:10 Jesus Christ's life is given as a ransom for believers Matthew 20:28 pp Mark 10:45 See also Luke 9:22; John 10:11; Acts 2:23 Other examples of martyrdom Abel Genesis 4:8; Matthew 23:35 pp Luke 11:51; Hebrews 11:4; Hebrews 12:24; 1 John 3:12 Zechariah 2 Chronicles 24:20-21; Luke 11:51 John the Baptist Matthew 14:10-12 pp Mark 6:27-29 Stephen Acts 7:58; Acts 22:20 Stephen is the first martyr of the Christian church. James Peter Antipas Unnamed martyrs 1 Kings 19:10; Romans 11:3; Nehemiah 9:26; Matthew 23:30-34; Luke 11:47-49; Acts 7:52; Romans 8:35-36; Hebrews 11:35,37; James 5:6; Revelation 11:7; Revelation 13:15; Revelation 16:6; Revelation 17:6 Noble qualities of martyrs Courage Prayerfulness Self-denial Revelation 12:11 See also Matthew 16:24 pp Mark 8:34; Luke 9:24 Serenity Steadfastness Revelation 2:10 See also Hebrews 11:35 Acts 21:13 See also Daniel 3:16-18 Martyrdom must be recognised as a possibility for all believers Luke 21:16 See also Matthew 10:21 pp Mark 13:12; Matthew 24:9; John 16:2; John 21:18-19 Reasons for martyrdom Refusal to engage in false worship Daniel 3:6 See also Daniel 3:16-18; Daniel 6:7; Daniel 11:30-33; Revelation 13:15 Courageous confrontation Nehemiah 9:26 See also Matthew 14:2-12 pp Mark 6:17-29; Acts 7:51-58; Revelation 11:7-10 Public confession of Jesus Christ Matthew 24:9 See also Mark 13:12-13; Luke 21:16-17 A holy life Methods of martyrdom Beheading See also Matthew 14:10; Mark 6:16; Luke 9:9; Revelation 20:4 Burning Daniel 3:11; 1 Corinthians 13:3 Mutilation Stoning The sword Torture Retribution for instigators of martyrdom Revelation 6:9-10 See also Matthew 23:35; Acts 12:1-2,23 Rewards of martyrdom Revelation 2:10 See also Matthew 10:39; Revelation 20:4 See also
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