Topical Bible: Martyrdom: Reward of

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Topical Encyclopedia

Martyrdom, the act of suffering death as a penalty for adhering to the Christian faith, holds a significant place in Christian theology and history. The New Testament provides numerous references to the rewards awaiting those who endure persecution and martyrdom for the sake of Christ.

Biblical Promises and Rewards

The New Testament frequently emphasizes the eternal rewards for those who suffer for their faith. In the Beatitudes, Jesus proclaims, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). This promise underscores the assurance of heavenly reward for those who endure persecution.

In the Book of Revelation, the Apostle John records the words of Christ to the church in Smyrna: "Do not fear what you are about to suffer... Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10). The "crown of life" symbolizes eternal life and victory over death, a reward for steadfast faithfulness in the face of persecution.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the reward of martyrdom in his letters. In 2 Timothy 4:7-8, he writes, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing" . Here, Paul anticipates the reward of righteousness for those who remain faithful to the end.

Theological Significance

Martyrdom is seen as the ultimate testimony of faith and devotion to Christ. It is an act that mirrors the sacrifice of Jesus Himself, who laid down His life for the salvation of humanity. In Philippians 1:21, Paul declares, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" , reflecting the belief that death for the sake of Christ is not a loss but a gain, as it leads to eternal life with Him.

The early church viewed martyrdom as a profound witness to the truth of the Gospel. Tertullian, an early Christian author, famously stated, "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church," highlighting the belief that the sacrifice of martyrs serves to strengthen and expand the Christian faith.

Examples of Martyrdom in Scripture

The New Testament provides several examples of martyrdom, beginning with Stephen, the first Christian martyr. In Acts 7:59-60, as Stephen is being stoned, he prays, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit," and "Lord, do not hold this sin against them" . His martyrdom exemplifies forgiveness and faithfulness unto death.

The Apostle James, the brother of John, is another example. Acts 12:2 records that "Herod had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword" . His martyrdom is a testament to the cost of discipleship and the ultimate sacrifice for the faith.

Conclusion

The concept of martyrdom and its associated rewards is deeply embedded in Christian theology. The New Testament provides a framework for understanding the eternal significance of suffering and dying for one's faith, promising divine reward and eternal life for those who remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 2:10
Fear none of those things which you shall suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried; and you shall have tribulation ten days: be you faithful to death, and I will give you a crown of life.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 6:11
And white robes were given to every one of them; and it was said to them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brothers, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Martyrdom
... Take care! Exercise the least violence to me, and your reward shall be a gibbet ... a
Bishop of Comana who, in the third century, had suffered martyrdom with Lucian ...
/.../chapter lxviii the martyrdom.htm

That we Receive More as the Reward of Our Suffering than what we ...
... his call should come to him before, his faith shall not be without reward, seeing
it was prepared for martyrdom; without loss of time, the reward is rendered ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/13 that we receive more.htm

On the Glory of Martyrdom.
... For you can neither desire martyrdom till you have first hated the world,
nor attain to God's reward unless you have loved Christ. ...
/.../on the glory of martyrdom.htm

Epistle Lv. To the People of Thibaris, Exhorting to Martyrdom.
... is afforded to the endurance of martyrdom by the brave and ready enduring of the
contests of the stadium and the theatre. Finally, let the reward be considered ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lv to the people.htm

Whether one Person Has an Aureole More Excellently than Another ...
... Consequently it is possible for one who merits less in martyrdom as to his essential
reward, to receive a greater aureole for his martyrdom. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether one person has an.htm

Whether Martyrdom is an Act of virtue?
... On the contrary, The reward of beatitude is not due save to acts of virtue. Now
it is due to martyrdom, since it is written (Mat.5:10): "Blessed are they that ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether martyrdom is an act.htm

Whether an Aureole is Due to Martyrs?
... Reply to Objection 2: A reward is due to martyrdom, not in respect of the exterior
infliction, but because it is suffered voluntarily: since we merit only ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether an aureole is due 2.htm

Whether Death is Essential to Martyrdom?
... and consequently this is not martyrdom properly speaking. In the sight of God, however,
Who searcheth the heart, this may be deemed worthy of a reward, as Lucy ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether death is essential to.htm

No Less Evils have Arisen from the Same Source in the Most Recent ...
... labours and when he had at length suffered martyrdom, departed to the place of glory
due to him. Owing to envy, Paul also obtained the reward of patient ...
/.../chapter v no less evils have.htm

No Less Evils have Arisen from the Same Source in the Most Recent ...
... and when he had at length suffered martyrdom, departed to the place of glory due
to him. Owing to envy, Paul also obtained [4027] the reward of patient ...
/.../keith/the epistles of clement/chapter v no less evils have.htm