What is a Martyr?

According to church tradition, June 29 marks the martyrdom of the Apostle Paul. As you honor the legacy of our Christian brothers and sisters who have sacrificed their lives for the advancement of the gospel, understanding martyrdom is important.

In the New Testament, the word martyr means witness in the original Greek. Martyrs throughout the history of the church testified to the truth and power of Jesus Christ and believed that they should take that witness to others, regardless of any price they would pay. 

Those who have given their lives to advance the Gospel, did so as the next step in their journey of discipleship. They did not simply wake up one day, living a marginal Christian experience, and decide, “Today, I’ll give my life for my faith.” No one is born as an exemplary biblical disciple. Each of us must intentionally learn, obey, and grow to become more Christlike throughout the entirety of our lifetimes.

These martyrs you will meet in the next three days all share a passion for God. This passion prevailed over their fears of the severe consequences of being caught sharing God’s love with others. Perhaps part of their passion came from knowing the high price Jesus paid for their own redemption, for when faith costs us something, it becomes infinitely more valuable. 

Each of us can be inspired to live faithfully for Christ by reading the examples of the transformative power of Christ in those who paid the ultimate price.  As we learn about their lives, we can learn from their example, taking our next step of obedience as we follow Jesus.

Prayer

Pause and ask the Lord to open your eyes more fully to the price He paid in offering Jesus as the sacrifice for our sins.