Dictionary of Bible Themes 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. Mark 8:31Jesus Christ as martyr Jesus Christ had to suffer and die See also Isaiah 53:10In 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. Matthew 20:28Jesus Christ's life is given as a ransom for believers See also Luke 9:22pp Mk 10:45 John 10:11Acts 2:23 Genesis 4:8 Other examples of martyrdom Matthew 23:35Abel Hebrews 11:4; 12:241 John 3:12 pp Lk 11:51 2 Chronicles 24:20-21Luke 11:51 Zechariah Matthew 14:10-12John the Baptist Acts 7:58; 22:20pp Mk 6:27-29 Stephen Acts 12:2Stephen is the first martyr of the Christian church. James John 21:18-19Peter Revelation 2:13Antipas 1 Kings 19:10Romans 11:3 Unnamed martyrs Nehemiah 9:26Matthew 23:30-34 Luke 11:47-49 Acts 7:52 Romans 8:35-36 Hebrews 11:35,37 James 5:6 Revelation 11:7; 13:15; 16:6; 17:6 Daniel 3:16-18 Noble qualities of martyrs Courage Acts 7:59-60Prayerfulness Revelation 12:11See also Self-denial Matthew 16:24Luke 9:24 pp Mk 8:34 Acts 7:55-56Serenity Revelation 2:10See also Steadfastness Hebrews 11:35Acts 21:13 See also Daniel 3:16-18Luke 21:16 Martyrdom must be recognised as a possibility for all believers See also Matthew 10:21Matthew 24:9 John 16:2; 21:18-19 pp Mk 13:12 Daniel 3:6Reasons for martyrdom See also Refusal to engage in false worship Daniel 3:16-18; 6:7; 11:30-33Revelation 13:15 Nehemiah 9:26 See also Courageous confrontation Matthew 14:2-12Acts 7:51-58 Revelation 11:7-10 pp Mk 6:17-29 Matthew 24:9See also Public confession of Jesus Christ Mark 13:12-13Luke 21:16-17 1 John 3:12 A holy life See also Methods of martyrdom Matthew 14:10Beheading Mark 6:16Luke 9:9 Revelation 20:4 Daniel 3:11 1 Corinthians 13:3 Burning Hebrews 11:37Mutilation Acts 7:58Hebrews 11:37 Stoning Acts 12:2Hebrews 11:37 The sword Hebrews 11:35Torture Revelation 6:9-10Retribution for instigators of martyrdom See also Matthew 23:35Acts 12:1-2,23 Revelation 2:10 Rewards of martyrdom See also Matthew 10:39Revelation 20:4 See also 5041 name5347 injustice 5498 reward 5560 suffering 5623 witnesses, legal 5827 curse 7348 defilement 8255 fruit, spiritual 8794 persecution 9020 death 9310 resurrection 9610 hope |
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