The first martyr to die for his Christian beliefs was Stephen…a very persuasive public speaker who gave a very masterful, clear and concise presentation of the Gospel Message. And it was for this that he was stoned to death by a furious mob who refused to listen. The Greek word for martyr means witness…a steadfast refusal to compromise in the face of suffering…with their witnessing of Jesus Christ becoming the actual cause of their death. Stephen was the first, but many followed in their unwavering faith to bring light and truth to a very dark world regardless of the persecution…the Apostle James, Apostle Simon Peter, and the Apostle Paul all were martyred for their faith. So I wonder if it was just a coincidence that Peter wrote in I Peter 4:12-19, exhorting fellow Christians that suffering and persecution was part of God’s Will, and that they needed to stand firm in their faith, refuse to back down, remain unafraid of what may happen, and entrust their souls to God.
Safetypinlove 