Topical Encyclopedia Martyrdom, the suffering of death due to one's faith in Jesus Christ, is a profound testament to the believer's steadfastness and devotion. Throughout Scripture, martyrdom is depicted as a noble and honorable sacrifice, often inflicted at the instigation of the devil, who seeks to thwart God's purposes and persecute His people.The devil, described as the "accuser of our brothers" (Revelation 12:10), has been a relentless adversary of the faithful since the beginning. His role in instigating persecution is evident in various biblical accounts, where he manipulates earthly powers to carry out his malevolent designs against God's chosen. In the Book of Job, we see an early example of the devil's instigation. Although Job is not martyred, his suffering is initiated by Satan's challenge to God, questioning Job's righteousness and loyalty (Job 1:9-11). This narrative illustrates the devil's desire to undermine the faith of the righteous through severe trials. The New Testament provides further insight into the devil's role in martyrdom. Jesus Himself warns His disciples of impending persecution, stating, "You will be hated by everyone on account of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:22). This hatred and persecution are often fueled by the devil's influence over those who oppose the Gospel. The martyrdom of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, is a poignant example. In Acts 7, Stephen is brought before the Sanhedrin, where he delivers a powerful testimony of faith. His words, filled with the Holy Spirit, incite the anger of his accusers, leading to his stoning. The narrative suggests that the devil's influence is at work, as Stephen's accusers are described as being "stiff-necked" and "resisting the Holy Spirit" (Acts 7:51). The Apostle Peter also acknowledges the devil's role in persecution, urging believers to remain vigilant: "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). This imagery underscores the devil's active pursuit of believers, aiming to destroy their faith through fear and suffering. In the Book of Revelation, the devil's instigation of martyrdom is vividly portrayed. The vision of the martyrs under the altar, crying out for justice, highlights the ongoing spiritual battle: "When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony they had upheld" (Revelation 6:9). This passage reveals the devil's persistent efforts to silence the testimony of the faithful through violence and death. Despite the devil's instigation, martyrdom is ultimately a testament to the triumph of faith over evil. The blood of the martyrs serves as a powerful witness to the truth of the Gospel and the hope of eternal life. As believers face persecution, they are encouraged by the promise that "they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony" (Revelation 12:11), affirming that even in death, the faithful conquer through Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 2:10,13Fear none of those things which you shall suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried; and you shall have tribulation ten days: be you faithful to death, and I will give you a crown of life. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ... The Roman Conflagration and the Neronian Persecution. Eutyches and Philip in Profundis Criticism of the Westminster System of Doctrine. Caesar Fell Down. Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of ... Resources What impact did Marcus Aurelius have on Christian history? | GotQuestions.orgWhy should I believe in Christ's resurrection? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian respond to persecution? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Martyrdom is Death Endured for the Word of God, and Testimony of Christ Martyrdom of Saints, Shall be Avenged Martyrdom: Ahimelech and his Fellow Priests Martyrdom: General Scriptures Concerning Martyrdom: Inflicted at the Instigation of the Devil Martyrdom: Prophets and Saints of Old Martyrdom: Prophets Killed by Jezebel Martyrdom: Saints: Forewarned of Martyrdom: Saints: should be Prepared For Martyrdom: Saints: should not Fear Martyrdom: Saints: should Resist Sin To Martyrdom: The Apostasy Guilty of Inflicting Related Terms |
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