Martyrdom—found three times in the Bible
Variations: martyr, martyrs
First usage: Acts 22:20 (martyr)
Last usage: Revelation 17:6 (martyrs)
Definition: the slaying of a man or woman based upon that individual’s faith or witness
Interesting fact: John the Baptist is not referred to as a martyr within the pages of scripture. Some have debated whether or not John’s death qualifies as a martyr’s death. John died, not because of His faith in Jesus Christ as the Messias, but because of His stand against sin (Mark 6:18). In fact, John had some concerns just before his death regarding whether or not the Saviour was indeed the Christ (Matthew 11:2-6). Whether or not one would formally consider John as a martyr, he certainly died because of what he believed concerning righteousness.
Bible study tip: The Bible frequently uses lists to emphasize the broad range of a particular truth. However, many of these lists were never intended to be exhaustive. For example, the list of the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21 is obviously not exhaustive because it ends with “and such like.” When studying biblical lists, consider whether or not the list was intended to be comprehensive or simply some of the principal examples.
Sunday, Day 155—Church Day (no devotional)
Monday, Day 156—Antipas, My Faithful Martyr
Tuesday, Day 157—A Martyr Without Charity
Wednesday, Day 158—Church Night (no devotional)
Thursday, Day 159—Glorifying God in Death
Friday, Day 160—I Am Ready to Die
Saturday, Day 161—Life Out of Death
Day 155: Church Day
Hebrews 11:36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.