Martyrdom concepts and historical significance

Martyrdom in the Bible

The Bible has much to say on the subject of martyrdom. The words martyr and witness are stated to have been derived from the Greek word martyrs so it is likely that the earliest meaning for the word was 'witness'. (American Bible Society - Bible Resource Center, 2008) This work will review the various references the Bible makes to martyrdom. Traditionally, martyrdom speaks of individuals who are killed because of their testimony and stance for God, his son Christ, and God's kingdom.

THE FIRST MARTYR of the BIBLE: ABEL

While little known about Abel, the second son born to Adam and Even, it is known that Abel was the Bible's first martyr. Abel had found favor with God by offering him a pleasing sacrifice, and perhaps it was that Abel's heart and love for God was that which made his sacrifice so pleasing. However, it is known that his brother Cain became very jealous of Abel since his own sacrifice had not been found to pleasing by God and that Cain murdered Abel. This story is recorded in the first book of the Bible, which is the Book of Genesis.

II. MATTHEW 10:21 and 24:9

The book of Matthew in Chapter 10, Verse 21 states:

And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and children shall rise up against their parents and cause them to be put to death." (the Bible, 1990)

In Matthew 24: 9 the Bible states:

Then they shall deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's same." (the Bible, 1990)

These two verses speak of the martyring of the saints and are forewarning given to the disciples of what the saints face in the future because they stand firm on God's words and the principles of the Kingdom of God. Other warnings are also given in the Bible, and for example in Matthew 10:28, which states:

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (the Bible, 1990)

The book of Acts records the martyrdom of the Apostles James and of Stephen who was killed while evangelizing. James as the son of a man named Zebedee, was one of the 12 original apostles of Christ, and was the brother of John the Apostle. John and James were referred to by Jesus as the "Sons of Thunder." King Herod Agrippa killed James and this is recorded in the Book of Acts 12: 1-2, which states:

How about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword." (the Bible, 1990)

It is related in Acts 12: 3 that since James death had "pleased the Jews" that King Herod proceeded further to take Peter also. And when had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quarternions of soldiers to keep him; intended after Easter to bring him forth to the people." (the Bible, 1990)

Peter however, was not killed at this time because of the unceasing prayers from God's people was instead released from his prison cell by angels.

III. REVELATIONS 6:9 and 20:4

In the book of Revelations Chapter 6, Verse 9, it is stated:

And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held." (the Bible, 1990) This reference is speaking of the individuals who were put to death for their faithfulness during the time of the period known as the 'Great Tribulation'. Reading on verse eleven states that each of these martyrs are given a white robe and are then told that they should "rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren that should be killed as they were should be fulfilled." (the Bible, 1990)

The martyrs therefore, hold a special place in the Kingdom of God. Revelations 20:4 states:

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given to them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads or in their hands, and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." (the Bible, 1990)

This verse relates that place of high ranking in God's Kingdom that those who are martyred for Christ and for those who refuse to take the 'mark' of the beast.

IV. GOD'S PROMISE of REWARD to the MARTYRS

The book of Revelations Chapter 2, Verse 10 states that one should not fear:

those things which thou shalt suffer: behold the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."(the Bible, 1990)

Revelations, Chapter 2, Verse 11 states:

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." (the Bible, 1990)