Topical Encyclopedia
A martyr, in the Christian context, is an individual who bears witness to their faith in Jesus Christ through suffering or death. The term originates from the Greek word "μάρτυς" (martys), meaning "witness." In the New Testament, the concept of martyrdom is closely associated with the ultimate testimony of faith, often resulting in persecution or death.
Biblical FoundationThe New Testament provides several examples of martyrdom, beginning with Stephen, who is recognized as the first Christian martyr. In
Acts 7:59-60 , Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, is stoned to death while praying for his persecutors: "While they were stoning him, Stephen appealed, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' Falling on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them.' And when he had said this, he fell asleep."
Jesus Himself speaks of the persecution His followers will face, indicating that martyrdom is a part of the Christian experience. In
Matthew 5:10-12 , He states, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you."
Historical ContextThroughout history, Christians have faced persecution for their faith, often leading to martyrdom. The early church, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles and other historical documents, experienced significant persecution under Roman rule. Many early Christians, such as Polycarp and Ignatius of Antioch, were martyred for refusing to renounce their faith in Christ.
The Book of Revelation also addresses the theme of martyrdom, portraying those who have been slain for their testimony as victorious.
Revelation 6:9-11 describes the souls of martyrs under the altar, crying out for justice: "When the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony they had upheld. And they cried out in a loud voice, 'How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You avenge our blood and judge those who dwell upon the earth?'"
Theological SignificanceMartyrdom holds a significant place in Christian theology as the ultimate act of witness to the truth of the Gospel. It is seen as a profound expression of faith and love for Christ, echoing His own sacrificial death. The willingness to suffer or die rather than deny Christ is viewed as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel.
The Apostle Paul, who himself faced persecution, speaks to the honor and reward associated with suffering for Christ. In
Philippians 1:29 , he writes, "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him."
Legacy and InfluenceThe legacy of martyrs has had a profound impact on the Christian faith, inspiring countless believers throughout the centuries. Their accounts are often recounted in hagiographies and serve as a source of encouragement and strength for those facing persecution. The blood of the martyrs is frequently referred to as the "seed of the Church," emphasizing the growth and resilience of the Christian faith in the face of adversity.
In summary, the concept of martyrdom is deeply embedded in the Christian tradition, representing the ultimate witness to the faith and the enduring power of the Gospel message.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
One who bears witness of the truth, and suffers death in the cause of Christ (
Acts 22:20;
Revelation 2:13;
17:6). In this sense Stephen was the first martyr. The Greek word so rendered in all other cases is translated "witness."
(1.) In a court of justice (Matthew 18:16;26:65;Acts 6:13;7:58;Hebrews 10:28;1 Timothy 5:19).
(2.) As of one bearing testimony to the truth of what he has seen or known (Luke 24:48;Acts 1:8, 22;Romans 1:9;1 Thessalonians 2:5, 10; 1John 1:2).
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) One who, by his death, bears witness to the truth of the gospel; one who is put to death for his religion; as, Stephen was the first Christian martyr.
2. (n.) Hence, one who sacrifices his life, his station, or what is of great value to him, for the sake of principle, or to sustain a cause.
3. (v. t.) To put to death for adhering to some belief, esp. Christianity; to sacrifice on account of faith or profession.
4. (v. t.) To persecute; to torment; to torture.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
MARTYRmar'-ter (martus, Aeolic martur): One who gives heed, and so, a "witness," so translated in numerous passages, both as of one bearing testimony, and also as of one who is a spectator of anything (see WITNESS). In the King James Version rendered "martyr" inActs 22:20, "thy martyr Stephen"; andRevelation 2:13, "Antipas my faithful martyr"; also 17:6, "the blood of the martyrs of Jesus," where alone the American Standard Revised Version retains "martyrs." These 3 passages are the beginning of the use of the word "martyr" for such witnesses as were faithful even unto death, its uniform modern use.
Greek
4736. Stephanos -- "crown," Stephen, the first Christianmartyr... 4735, 4736. Stephanos. 4737 . "crown," Stephen, the first Christian
martyr.
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Stephanos Phonetic Spelling: (
...3144. martus -- a witness
...martyr, witness. Of uncertain affinity; a witness (literally (judicially) or
figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr" --martyr, record, witness....
493. Antipas -- Antipas, a Christian of Pergamum
... Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Antipas Phonetic Spelling: (an-tee'-pas)
Short Definition: Antipas Definition: Antipas, a Christianmartyr of Pergamum...
Library
Dialogue of Justin, Philosopher andMartyr, with Trypho
Dialogue of Justin, Philosopher andMartyr, with Trypho. <. Dialogue
of Justin, Philosopher andMartyr, with Trypho JustinMartyr....
The YoungMartyr
... THE YOUNGMARTYR. On the afternoon of August 9, 1853, a little Norwegian
boy, named Kund Iverson, who lived in the city of Chicago...
PeterMartyr.
... BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF THE FATHERS OF THE REFORMATION, FOUNDERS OF SECTS, AND
OF OTHER DISTINGUISHED INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN THIS VOLUME. PeterMartyr....
TheMartyr Adalbert in Prussia.
... THE LIFE AND LABOURS OF INDIVIDUAL MISSIONARIES. THEMARTYR ADALBERT IN PRUSSIA.
Adalbert was born of a noble family in Prague, in the year 956....
On the HolyMartyr, S. Babylas.
... on the holymartyr, s. babylas. 1. I was anxious to-day to pay the debt which
I promised you when I was lately here. But what am I to do?...
AMartyr-Convert
... The Treasury of Sacred Song. Book First CCCLXXVI AMARTYR-CONVERT. The number of
Thine own complete,... No preacher's vocal zeal,. Moved Thy dearMartyr to defy....
The First Apology of Justin, theMartyr
... The First Apology of Justin, theMartyr The First Apology of Justin, the
Martyr. THE TEXT Plea for a Fair Hearing. 1. To the Emperor...
The Blessedness of theMartyr.
... Book IV. Chapter VII."The Blessedness of theMartyr.... And should you wish to be
amartyr for the recompense of advantages, you shall hear again....
The Life of St. GeorgeMartyr
... ST. GEORGEMARTYR. St.... again. This blessed and holymartyr St. George is
patron of the realm of England and the cry of men of war....
The Story of Stephen, the FirstMartyr
... THE STORY OF STEPHEN, THE FIRSTMARTYR. In the New Testament, in the book
of Acts, you will learn how the members of the church in...
Thesaurus
Martyr (2 Occurrences)... One who bears witness of the truth, and suffers death in the cause of Christ (Acts
22:20; Revelation 2:13; 17:6). In this sense Stephen was the first
martyr.
...Triune
... HISTORICAL PRACTICE 1. The Jews 2. John the Baptist 3. The Didache 4. JustinMartyr
5. Tertullian 6. Eunomius 7. Greek Church LITERATURE I. Linguistic Basis....
Trine
... HISTORICAL PRACTICE 1. The Jews 2. John the Baptist 3. The Didache 4. JustinMartyr
5. Tertullian 6. Eunomius 7. Greek Church LITERATURE I. Linguistic Basis....
Immersion
... HISTORICAL PRACTICE 1. The Jews 2. John the Baptist 3. The Didache 4. JustinMartyr
5. Tertullian 6. Eunomius 7. Greek Church LITERATURE I. Linguistic Basis....
Abel (22 Occurrences)
... Cain's offering had no such reference, and therefore was rejected. Abel was
the firstmartyr, as he was the first of our race to die....
Antipas (1 Occurrence)
... 3). (2.) A "faithfulmartyr" (Revelation 2:13), of whom nothing more is
certainly known. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ANTIPAS....
Deutero-canonical
... He was freely attested by Clement of Rome and JustinMartyr; James by Hermas and
probably by Clement of Rome; 2 John, 3 John and Jude by the Muratorian Fragment...
Deuterocanonical
... He was freely attested by Clement of Rome and JustinMartyr; James by Hermas and
probably by Clement of Rome; 2 John, 3 John and Jude by the Muratorian Fragment...
Witness (295 Occurrences)
... In Acts 22:20 Revelation 2:13; Revelation 17:6 the word martus, "witness", seems
to be beginning to acquire the meaning of "martyr," as in the King James...
Stephen (13 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary One of the seven deacons, who became a preacher
of the gospel. He was the first Christianmartyr. His...
Resources
Who was Justin Martyr? | GotQuestions.orgChristian martyrdom - what does the Bible say? Should Christians desire to become martyrs? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should we learn from Christian martyrs? | GotQuestions.orgMartyr: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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