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

Acts 12:2

Peter

John 21:18-19

Antipas

Revelation 2:13

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

Daniel 3:16-18

Prayerfulness

Acts 7:59-60

Self-denial

Revelation 12:11 See also Matthew 16:24 pp Mark 8:34; Luke 9:24

Serenity

Acts 7:55-56

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

1 John 3:12

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

Hebrews 11:37

Stoning

Acts 7:58; Hebrews 11:37

The sword

Acts 12:2; Hebrews 11:37

Torture

Hebrews 11:35

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

5040  murder
5347  injustice
5498  reward
5560  suffering
5622  witnesses
5823  cruelty
7346  death penalty
8253  faithfulness, examples
8794  persecution
9020  death
9310  resurrection
9610  hope