What does the Bible say about martyrdom?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that martyrdom is a costly but faithful witness to Christ, in which believers may suffer or die rather than deny their Lord, trusting that God will vindicate them and grant eternal life. Jesus warned that even families and nations would oppose His disciples, yet commanded them not to fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul (Matthew 10:21, 10:28; Matthew 24:9). He calls His people to take up the cross and lose their lives for His sake, knowing that true life is found in Him (Matthew 16:24-25). Revelation portrays slain believers as precious to God and promises the crown of life to those faithful unto death (Revelation 6:9; Revelation 2:10; Revelation 20:4).
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- General scriptures concerning Psalms 44:22; Matthew 10:21; Matthew 10:22; Matthew 10:39; Matthew 16:25; Matthew 23:34; Matthew 23:35; Matthew 24:9; Mark 13:12; Luke 9:24; Luke 11:50; Luke 21:16
- See PERSECUTION
- INSTANCES OF
- Abel Genesis 4:3-8
- Prophets killed by Jezebel 1 Kings 18:4; 1 Kings 18:13
- Zechariah 2 Chronicles 24:21; 2 Chronicles 24:22
- John the Baptist Mark 6:18-28
- Jesus
- See JESUS
- Stephen Acts 7:58-60
- James the apostle Acts 12:2
- The prophets Matthew 22:6; Matthew 23:35; Romans 11:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:15; Hebrews 11:32-37
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- Is death endured for the word of God, and testimony of Christ Revelation 6:9; Revelation 20:4
- Saints
- Forewarned of Matthew 10:21; Matthew 24:9; John 16:2
- Should not fear Matthew 10:28; Revelation 2:10
- Should be prepared for Matthew 16:24; Matthew 16:25; Acts 21:13
- Should resist sin to Hebrews 12:4
- Reward of Revelation 2:10; Revelation 6:11
- Inflicted at the instigation of the devil Revelation 2:10; Revelation 2:13
- The Apostasy guilty of inflicting Revelation 17:6; Revelation 18:24
- Of saints, shall be avenged Luke 11:50; Luke 11:51; Revelation 18:20-24
- Exemplified
- Abel Genesis 4:8; 1 John 3:12
- Ahimelech and his fellow priests 1 Samuel 22:18; 1 Samuel 22:19
- Prophets and Saints of old 1 Kings 18:4; 1 Kings 19:10; Luke 11:50; Luke 11:51; Hebrews 11:37
- Urijah Jeremiah 26:23
- John the Baptist Mark 6:27
- Peter John 21:18; John 21:19
- Stephen Acts 7:58
- Christians Acts 9:1; Acts 22:4; Acts 26:10
- James Acts 12:2
- Antipas Revelation 2:13
See also
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