The History of Christian Persecution & Martyrdom

The History of Christian Persecution & Martyrdom Commemorating the 490th anniversary of the 16th century Reformation movement.

The history of Christian martyrdom, according to the Bible, began in Acts with the stoning of the apostle Stephen. Later in the book of Acts, the apostle Paul calls Stephen, Jesus’ martyr. It says in Acts 22:20, “And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.”

However, the history of Christian martyrs does not end with Stephen’s death. During the first century after Jesus’ death nearly all of his disciples suffered martyrdom for His sake. James the son of Zebedee was beheaded in approximately 44 A.D. Philip was crucified in 54 A.D. Matthew was killed with a halberd, an axe-like weapon, in 60 A.D. James, who is thought to be the brother of Jesus, was beaten to death, Matthias was beheaded, Andrew was crucified, Mark was torn to pieces, and Peter was crucified upside down by Emperor Nero. Jude, Bartholomew, and Thomas were also martyred. Paul suffered martyrdom in Rome where he was beheaded. Others like Luke, Barnabas, Timothy, and Simon were also killed for the sake of Christ.

The history of Christian martyrdom does not end with the death of the early disciples. Thousands gave their lives under Roman persecution by the emperors Nero, Domitian, Trajan, Marcus Aurelius, Maximus, Decius, Valerian, Aurelian, and Diocletian. The Roman persecution lasted well into the fourth century A.D. and did not end until Emperor Constantine declared Christianity the official religion of his empire in AD 313. During the same time period, in Persia, where the Gospel had quickly spread, many others were also martyred for their faith.

Unfortunately, the history of Christian martyrs did not end with the first 4 centuries. There was the medieval persecution of Christians by the Roman church and the Spanish Inquisition from the 14th and 18th centuries. Many of the Pre-Reformers and Reformers were persecuted and some were even executed, like John Hus, Jerome of Prague, Savonarola, William Tyndale and the Waldenses. Throughout the following centuries and until present time, Christians have, and continue to, suffer martyrdom today in more than 30 countries for their profession and propagation of their faith in Christ. This persecution has come by means of other faiths, and political and religious powers. This martyrdom gives testimony to the verses in John 15:20-21, where Jesus tells His disciples, “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.”

Hebrews 11:32-38 speaks of the sufferings and testings of Christian martyrs in the 1st Century,
“And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 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; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.”

What incredible reminders to follow Christ they are to us.

Christians are to be faithful to the end of their lives to Christ. By their every action and word, they must purpose to always honour Christ and to always follow in His footsteps. They must give their utmost love, respect, and praise to Him alone at their own expense, even death. They must put all spiritual, physical, emotional and mental energies into seeking His holy will for their lives. Love, steadfastness and determination are qualities that must radiate from a Christian’s life.

On this the 490th anniversary of the Reformation, let us remember that lives were sacrificed and blood shed for the truth to be preserved for us. Let us praise God and cherish the exemplary examples of these great men of faith.

With permission, adapted from, Dr Jack Sin, Pastor, Maranatha BP Church