Martyrdom for Christ’s Sake

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

2 Timothy 3:12 NKJV

What does martyrdom mean? In Greek, it refers to a witness who suffers and dies for his religious beliefs. When a person dies as a Christian martyr, he not only dies for his faith but also as a witness to the truth of the gospel.

Several martyrs appear in the Bible. Here are a few:

• Abel (Genesis 4)
• Zechariah (Matthew 23:35 / Luke 11:51)
• John the Baptist (Matthew 14:1-12)
• Stephen (Acts 7:54-60)
• James, brother of John (Acts 12:1-2)
• Antipas (Revelation 2:12-13)
• Two Witnesses (Revelation 11:7-8)

Stephen, an early-church martyr

During the days of the early church, the apostles and disciples faced persecution and opposition as the number of those converted grew exponentially. One disciple appointed to serve in the Temple was a man named Stephen, who was the first martyr after Jesus’ resurrection.

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people (Acts 6:8 NKJV).

One particular sect in the Synagogue took issue with the gospel Stephen was preaching, but they couldn’t argue against his Spirit-filled wisdom. So, they secretly accused Stephen of blasphemy against God and Moses by producing false witnesses. These Jews spread upset among the people, which led to Stephen’s testimony before the council and the high priest.

Beginning with Abraham and continuing with Moses, Stephen preached to the council about how Jesus fulfilled the Law. He concluded with a harsh reprimand of their refusal to believe in Jesus as Messiah and their guilt in His crucifixion.

“You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it” (Acts 7:51-53 NKJV).

Those words of truth cut them to the quick, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. As Stephen gazed into heaven and called out that he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God, they stopped their ears, cast him outside the city, and stoned him.

And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not charge them with this sin.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep (Acts 7:59-60 NKJV).

A Miraculous Conversion

And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul (Acts 7:58 NKJV).

And Saul was in hearty agreement with Stephen’s death.

Picture a brilliant Pharisee, a lawyer, with an extensive education in Judaism. Like the high priest and Council, young Saul also believed that these Christians were destroying the Jewish faith. He led raids on the homes of innocent Christians and locked them in prison. Believers trembled in fear whenever they heard that Saul was in their city.

One day, Saul had been on another raid to find Christians in Damascus to send back to Roman prisons. During his journey, a great light from heaven blinded him.

Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?‘

And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?‘

Then the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

So he, trembling and astonished, said, ‘Lord, what do You want me to do?‘

Then the Lord said to him, ‘Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’

And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank (Acts 9:4-9 NKJV).

Saul was taken to Ananias, a disciple who was initially fearful of him, but God called Ananias to pray for Saul to receive back his sight. God changed Saul’s name to Paul, and Paul began preaching Jesus in the synagogues. After the Jews refused to listen, he went to the Gentiles to proclaim the good news of the gospel. He became one of the greatest apostles who wrote the majority of the New Testament.

God can change a hater and murderer of Christians into a witness of Christ Jesus, as He did for the Apostle Paul.

A Present-Day Martyr

Like Stephen, Charlie Kirk suffered death by assassination on September 10, 2025. Charlie didn’t mince words or retreat from his faith in Christ. Instead, he boldly proclaimed it everywhere he went. His mission was to persuade college students and young Americans through open debate to sensible political beliefs and introduce them to Jesus Christ. To have permanent access to his words through the internet will continue to bless and enlighten millions around the world. His voice and message will be eternal.

Our Response to Martyrdom

Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, stood in front of a worldwide audience at Charlie’s memorial service. Shaking with sobs and with tears streaming down her cheeks, she forgave the killer who robbed her of her husband. Although impossibly hard, forgiveness is always the right choice. She didn’t free Charlie’s killer—she freed herself. May we take her example of true Christian love and emulate that to our enemies.

The Apostle Peter’s Encouragement

And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.’ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil (1 Peter 3:13-18 NKJV).

In these last days before the Tribulation, our mission is to be fearless and ready to meet Jesus at any time, whether by death or the Rapture. We need to be prepared to witness about our faith in Christ and our hope of salvation through His death and resurrection. May God say to Charlie and each of us when we enter His kingdom, “‘Well done, good and faithful servant'” (Matthew 25:21 NKJV).

Dear Father God, thank you for receiving into Your kingdom every martyr who dies for Your Name’s sake. Please comfort those left behind as they mourn, and may they exhibit forgiveness like Jesus on the cross and Stephen when he was stoned. We pray for a miraculous conversion for those guilty of murder— to repent of their sins and be saved. Thank you for Your peace that passes understanding as we grieve the painful loss of Charlie Kirk. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Martyrdom for Christ’s Sake by Karen Jurgens, copyright ©2025. All rights reserved.