The Martyrs
People were drawn to Jesus Christ because it wasn't just empty teaching - His message had life, hope, love and salvation! He preached with authority and miracles followed! People heard His parables and recognized Him as the promised Messiah. Jesus said the Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed (Luke 4:18).
Jesus Christ paid the ultimate place of shedding His life to pay the price for our sin. He suffered, died and rose again! Because He lives we can face tomorrow! Many of Jesus' followers have become martyrs (even to this day) and willingly give up their lives to uphold their faith and fulfill their calling to share the good news of Jesus Christ; leaving a legacy that continues to inspire believers to this day.
The emergence of Christianity
The emergence of Christianity after the crucifixion of Jesus was a profound and rapid transformation that began in Jerusalem and eventually spread across the Roman Empire. The disciples of Jesus were overjoyed by the fact that everything Jesus had said was true and coming to pass! Not only had they seen Jesus alive again, but there were more than 500 eye witness accounts of this as well which made the faith of the early believers strong. This culminated in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, fifty days after the crucifixion (Acts 2). Empowered by the Holy Spirit that Jesus had promised, the apostles had purpose and began preaching openly to carry on the work of Jesus and share the good news - with Peter delivering the first major sermon that led to 3000 people turning to Jesus Christ in one morning.
Initially, Christianity was viewed as a sect within Judaism. Early followers, including Peter, John Stephen and others continued to worship at the Temple and adhered to Jewish laws while proclaiming Jesus as the promised Messiah. However, as the message of Jesus spread to Gentile (non-Jewish) communities - especially through the missionary work of Paul, Christianity began to take on a distinct identity. Paul's teaching that faith in Jesus, rather than adherence to the Mosaic Law, was the path to salvation, marked a major turning point - the Messiah was to be a "light for the Gentiles" (Isaiah 42:6) and "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Acts 2:21).
The emphasis of Christianity is salvation, hope and a personal relationship with God - which offered a real alternative in the ancient world - and in the present age!
Persecution by both Jewish authorities and Roman officials intensified as Christianity grew. Yet, instead of hindering the movement, this often galvanized believers and scattered them, spreading the faith. House churches began forming in major cities and Christian communities developed networks of leadership, worship and teaching. By the end of the 1st century, Christianity had moved beyond the borders of Judea and had taken root across the Roman Empire and even parts of North Africa and India.
Early records and history
The early records and history of the Church and Christianity are primarily rooted in the New Testament and supplemented by writings of early Church Fathers and Roman historians. After Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, His followers formed the first Christian church in Jerusalem under the leadership of the apostles, particularly Peter and James. The Acts of the Apostles provides a detailed narrative of the Church's formation, emphasizing the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit and the missionary work of figures like Peter, Stephen, Paul and others.
The early church distinguished itself as it welcomed Gentiles into the faith. The missionary journeys of Paul were instrumental in establishing Christian communities across Asia Minor, Greece and Rome. These communities were often small and met in private homes, united by shared beliefs, the teaching of the apostles, prayer, baptism and communion.
Outside biblical texts, early Christian writings such as the Didache, Letters of Clement and Ignatius of Antioch's epistles offer insight into the structure, beliefs and practices of the Church in the late 1st and early 2nd centuries. These writings reflect back to the basics orthodoxy, unity and leadership through bishops and deacons. Roman historians like Tacitus, Pliny the Younger and Suetonius make reference to Christians, acknowledging their presence and persecution under the Roman emperors like Nero, Domitian, Trajan and more.
By the early 3rd century, it had become a significant force of faith across the Roman Empire. The early records not only document the Church's survival but also the reason Christianity grew, the message and why it was accepted; but also why people gave up everything to follow Jesus Christ even in the face of severe persecution.
What happened to the Apostles
The initial twelve apostles gave everything up the moment Jesus invited them to "follow Me"! Ordinary men from various walks of life, walked with Him as His closest disciples. Witnessing His miracles, experienced His profound wisdom and came to believe in Him as the Messiah and the Son of God. Their unwavering faith and commitment to His mission led them to spread His message of love, forgiveness and redemption to the world. Despite facing intense persecution, opposition and hardship, their devotion to Jesus remained steadfast. In addition to the initial twelve there were a few others that spread the gospel to the Gentiles.
When he ascended to heaven He gave all believers a commission "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."(Mat 28:18-20)
Stephen
Stephen, known as the first Christian martyr, played a vital role in the early Church as one of the seven deacons appointed by the apostles to assist in distributing food and aid to widows and the needy (Acts 6:1–6). Described as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, Stephen also demonstrated remarkable wisdom and power in preaching, performing miracles and boldly defending the gospel of Jesus Christ.
His outspoken witness quickly drew opposition from members of a local synagogue. Unable to refute his inspired words, they falsely accused him of blasphemy against Moses and God, leading to his arrest. Before the Sanhedrin, Stephen delivered a powerful speech (Acts 7) recounting Israel's history and accusing the religious leaders of resisting the Holy Spirit and betraying the Messiah, which enraged the crowd. As they dragged him outside the city to be stoned, Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, had a vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God and prayed for his executioners' forgiveness, echoing Christ's own words on the cross. Among the witnesses was Saul of Tarsus, who later became the Apostle Paul. Stephen's unwavering faith and martyrdom marked the beginning of widespread persecution of Christians in Jerusalem.
Paul
Paul the Apostle, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was a devout Pharisee and fierce persecutor of early Christians. Born in Tarsus (modern-day Turkey), he was highly educated in Jewish law and initially saw the Jesus movement as a threat to Judaism. On his way to Damascus to arrest Christians, Paul saw the resurrected Jesus (1 Cor 15:8) in a vision, which blinded him. After three days, he was healed and baptized (Acts 9). This event transformed him into Christianity's most zealous missionary. Why? He met the resurrected Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus! Paul willingly gave up power, wealth and status as a Roman citizen to follow Jesus Christ!
Paul dedicated the rest of his life to spreading the Gospel, especially to the Gentiles. He embarked on at least three major missionary journeys across the Roman Empire, establishing churches in cities like Philippi, Corinth, Ephesus and Thessalonica. He wrote 13 epistles in the New Testament, addressing theology, church leadership and Christian living. These letters, have today become the foundational part of Christianity and form two thirds of the New Testament.
Despite repeated imprisonments, beatings and shipwrecks, Paul remained steadfast. He was eventually arrested in Jerusalem, appealed to Caesar and was sent to Rome. There, around 67 AD, he was beheaded by the Roman Emperor Nero. Paul's life is a testament to the power of grace, transformation and devotion to Christ.
Barnabas
Barnabas, whose name means son of encouragement, was an important leader in the early church. Born a Levite from Cyprus, his original name was Joseph, but he was given the name Barnabas by the apostles due to his generous and uplifting nature (Acts 4:36–37). He is first mentioned in the Book of Acts as a faithful believer who sold his land and gave the proceeds to the apostles for the support of the church.
Barnabas played a crucial role in the integration of Paul (formerly Saul) into the Christian community after Paul's dramatic conversion. When the other disciples were hesitant to accept Paul due to his past persecution of Christians, Barnabas vouched for him and introduced him to the apostles (Acts 9:26–27). Barnabas later joined Paul on his first missionary journey, traveling through Cyprus and parts of Asia Minor to spread the gospel. He was instrumental in preaching to both Jews and Gentiles, helping establish new churches. Although he and Paul later parted ways due to a disagreement over John Mark, Barnabas continued his missionary work.
Barnabas was martyred in Cyprus, where he was stoned and then burned for his faith.
Simon Peter
Simon Peter, originally from Bethsaida, was a fisherman with his brother Andrew (John 1:44; Mat 4:18). He was married and witnessed Jesus heal his mother-in-law (Mark 1:21-31). Jesus called him Cephas (Peter) and made him leader of the apostles (John 1:42). Peter famously walked on water toward Jesus but began to sink when he doubted (Mat 14:22-33). He was also divinely inspired of God and declared Jesus as the Messiah (Christ), the Son of God (Mat 16:16).
After Jesus' ascension, Peter led the early church, delivering key sermons (Acts 2–3) and performing miracles (Acts 3, 5, 9, etc). He was repeatedly arrested and imprisoned by Herod for preaching the good news of Jesus Christ but was miraculously freed by angels (Acts 4, 5, 12). Peter preached in Jerusalem during Pentecost; and extensively in Antioch, Corinth (1 Cor 3:22) and then eventually in Rome; where he faced persecution under Nero. Around 64 AD, he was crucified upside down at his request seeing himself unworthy to die as Jesus did.
Andrew
Andrew was Peter's brother and a fisherman who worked with James and John (Mark 1:16; Luke 5:10) who also become apostles, when Jesus called them to become fishers of men (Mat 4:18-22). Originally a disciple of John the Baptist andrew followed Jesus after John called Him the Lamb of God and brought Simon Peter to meet Him (John 1:35-42).
After Jesus' resurrection Andrew preached north of the Black Sea, in Scythia and Thrace (modern day Ukraine and Russia). He was eventually crucified on an X-shaped cross in Patras, Greece and continued preaching to onlookers for two days until his death.
Oh cross, most welcome and longed for! With a willing mind, joyfully and desirously, I come to you, being the scholar of Him which did hang on you, because I have always been your lover and yearn to embrace you
James the son of Zebedee
James, the brother of John and son of Zebedee, was a fisherman. Jesus called the brothers the Sons of Thunder for their fiery temperament (Mark 3:17; Luke 9:51-56). James, along with Peter and John, witnessed Jesus' Transfiguration and the raising of Jairus' daughter (Mark 9; Luke 8:40-56).
He preached in Judea until he was arrested and beheaded by Herod Agrippa I in Jerusalem around 44 AD, becoming the first apostle to be martyred (Acts 12:2).
James and John were called Sons of Thunder for their fiery zeal, but after experiencing Jesus, they were willing to die for those they preached to - transforming into Sons of Love.
Only the love of God can cause this change!
John, Brother of James
John, the brother of James, was one of Jesus' closest disciples. Both James and John immediately left their father and livelihood behind to follow Jesus (Mat 4:18-22). He witnessed key events like the Transfiguration (Mat 17:1-12), and shared an intimate bond with Christ, as seen at the Last Supper where he leaned on Jesus' chest (John 13:23). Unlike the others, John remained at the cross during the crucifixion and was entrusted with the care of Mary, Jesus' mother (John 19:25-27). He was among the first to reach the empty tomb after the resurrection and became a pillar of the early church.
John authored the Gospel of John, three epistles and Revelation of Jesus Christ. Roman emperor Domitian commanded that John be boiled to death in oil, but John only continued to preach from within the pot. Domitian tried to kill John via other methods including forcing him to drink poison, but he miraculously survived (as promised in Mark 16:18). In order to stop him from preaching about Jesus, Domitian exiled him to the isle of Patmos where we wound up bringing all the prisoners to the knowledge of Jesus. He later returned to Ephesus (modern day Turkey) and died peacefully around age 100 - the only apostle not martyred.
Philip
Philip, a Hellenistic Jew from Bethsaida like Andrew and Peter (John 1:44; 12:21), is believed to be the disciple who wished to bury his father before following Jesus (Mat 8:21). Philip is accredited with spreading the gospel of Jesus to Africa - when he meets an Ethiopian reading the book of Isaiah and explains it to him (Acts 8:26-40). Philip, along with apostle Bartholomew, preached in Syria, Greece and Phrygia (modern day Turkey). Through their miraculous healing and preaching, Philip converted the wife of the Roman governor of Asia Minor; which angered the governor so much that he had him tortured and crucified.
Bartholomew (also called Nathanael)
Bartholomew, also known as Nathanael in the Gospel of John and is often remembered for his honest and sincere character. Upon first meeting Jesus, Bartholomew was amazed that Jesus knew him intimately, prompting his immediate belief (John 1:45–51). After the resurrection and ascension of Christ, Bartholomew traveled extensively to spread the Gospel in Mesopotamia, Persia, Arabia and then India, where he is credited with bringing Christianity and leaving behind a copy of the gospel of Matthew.
Bartholomew is especially venerated in Armenia, where he converted King Polymius. His missionary work, however, provoked hostility among pagan priests and he was ultimately martyred - he was flayed alive and then beheaded.
Matthew
Matthew (Levi), the former tax collector, authored the gospel bearing his name. After Pentecost, he preached in Judea and later traveled to Ethiopia and Persia. He is credited with converting a Ethiopian king, Egippus and his daughter. When the king died and the new ruler came to power, Matthew criticized the king's immoral behavior, for which he was martyred by the sword.
Thomas
Thomas (Didymus), was known for doubting Jesus' resurrection until he saw Him; but later showed great faith and courage. He started the Church of the East in the region of Edessa and Hakkari of Upper Mesopotamia (modern day southeast Turkey) and then traveled through Persia and eventually reached India, where he founded seven churches the most famous being the Mar Thoma Church and preached to locals and the Brahmins in Kerala and Tamil Nadu - and his tomb remains in Mylapore (modern day Chennai). Thomas was martyred by being speared to death after offending local priests through his preaching of Jesus Christ and baptizing several families.
James, son of Alphaeus
James, son of Alphaeus, is sometimes called James the Just and was a leader of the Jerusalem Church. As bishop of Jerusalem, he played a crucial role in maintaining unity between Jewish and Gentile Christians. James was thrown over a hundred feet down from the southeast pinnacle of the Temple when he refused to deny his faith in Christ. of the Temple and when he survived the fall, was beaten to death (around 62 AD). Oddly enough this was the same pinnacle where Satan had taken Jesus during the Temptation.
Thaddaeus
Thaddeus (Jude), preached the good news of Jesus Christ to Judea, Samaria, Iduemaea and to the regions of Mesopotamia, Persian, Syria and Armenia. According to the Doctrine of Addai, he healed King Abgar of Edessa (modern day southeast Turkey) and introduced Christianity to the region. He was eventually martyred in Armenia under King Sanatruk when he refused to deny his faith in Christ and for his persistent preaching and baptisms of people turning to Jesus.
Simon the Zealot
Simon, distinguished from Peter by his epithet 'the Zealot', likely belonged to a Jewish revolutionary movement. After Pentecost though, he traveled to Egypt and then partnered with Thaddeus in Persia and then went as far as Britain to carry the good news of Jesus Christ. It is believed he was martyred in Persia when he was sawn in half, for his faith.
Matthias
Matthias was chosen by lot to replace Judas Iscariot (Acts 1). Matthias was a disciple from the beginning of Jesus' ministry and ministered in Judea, Cappadocia, and the region around the Caspian Sea. He was martyred in Jerusalem, by stoning and then beheaded.
What about since then?
After the deaths of the original apostles, the age of martyrdom continued, reflecting the persistent tension between the Christian message and political or religious powers. Christian martyrdom has persisted from the 1st century through to the present day, marking a continuous thread of people who would not give up Jesus Christ and faith in Him.
The Early Church (circa 2nd to 4th century)
After the apostolic age, persecution became more systematic under Roman rule, particularly during the reigns of emperors such as Trajan, Decius and Diocletian. Christians were accused of atheism for refusing to worship Roman gods and were often executed in brutal ways - burned alive, thrown to wild beasts, or crucified.
When Roman authorities demanded he renounce Christ and worship Caesar, Polycarp famously replied, "Eighty and six years have I served Him and He never did me any injury; how then can I blaspheme my King and Savior?" Refusing to recant, he was burned at the stake - when flames did not harm him, he was ultimately killed by a sword.
Ignatius of Antioch (107 AD) was a bishop who was taken to Rome and fed to wild beasts and he wrote many influential letters to early churches, encouraging faithfulness to Christ even in the face of persecution.
In circa 203 AD, Perpetua, a Roman noblewoman and Felicity, were martyred in Carthage. Their recorded visions and courage became foundational texts of early Christian spirituality.
With the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity, leading to relative peace in the Roman Empire. However, persecution re-emerged in various forms elsewhere.
The Dark Ages (circa 5th to 10th century)
Often conflated with the early Middle Ages, the Dark Ages refer to the time of instability after the fall of Rome. While the institutional Church gained influence, Christian life often coexisted with chaos, tribal conflict and pagan resurgence.
Missionaries to Scandinavia and the British Isles were often killed by pagan tribes. One example is Edmund, king of East Anglia, who was executed by invading Danes in 869 AD for refusing to renounce his faith. Other examples are Boniface, the 'Apostle to the Germans', was martyred in Frisia (754 AD); Adalbert of Prague, missionary to pagan Prussians and was beheaded by pagan tribes (997 AD). Olaf, king of Norway, tried to Christianize his people and was killed in the Battle of Stiklestad (1030 AD) against pagan opposition.
Christians in North Africa, the Iberian Peninsula such as Martyrs of Córdoba (850s AD) and parts of the Byzantine Empire such as Peter of Capitolias (715 AD) often faced martyrdom under new Islamic regimes, particularly when refusing conversion or speaking against Islam. Martyrdom in this era was a quieter, localized phenomenon but deeply rooted in the ethos of Christian witness amid societal upheaval.
The Middle Ages Era (circa 13th to 18th century)
In medieval Europe, Christians like Jan Hus, a Czech priest were burned at the stake in 1415. He was the forerunner of the Protestant Reformation. William Sawtrey, an English priest was also burned at the stake for showing discontent with Church corruption and pointing people back to Christ.
Martin Luther Luther was a priest and professor of theology who became convinced that the Roman Catholic Church had become deeply corrupt, especially in it's sale of indulgences (pardons for sins). His theological studies led him to believe that salvation came by grace through faith, not by works or Church sacraments. When he nailed his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, he called out the misuse of power and challenged the Catholic church's theological authority - this made him an enemy of the state and against the papacy. At the Edict of Worms when he refused to recant, he was made a target for arrest or execution. Fortunately, Frederick, Elector of Saxony, arranged for Luther to be secretly taken to Wartburg Castle where Luther then translated the New Testament into German, making the Scriptures accessible to the common people.
The Reformation period saw significant bloodshed. Figures such as William Tyndale were executed in 1536 AD for his unwavering commitment to translating the Bible into English and making it accessible to the common people. He believed that everyone (especially the common man) should have access to the Word of God and have a personal relationship with Him; not just the Catholic priests.
Lord! Open the King of England's eyes!
Just a few years later, his prayer was answered. King Henry VIII authorized an English Bible - largely based on Tyndale's work - to be read in churches all across England.
Many Christians, Protestants and Catholics alike were burned, drowned, or beheaded during the turbulent upheavals of the 16th and 17th centuries.
The Modern Era (20th Century to Present)
From the Reformation onward, martyrdom reemerged in the context of religious conflict, colonization and later, ideological persecution. The 20th century has been labeled by some scholars as the century of martyrs, with more Christians reportedly dying for their faith than in all previous centuries combined.
Under totalitarian regimes like the Soviet Union, Nazi Germany and Communist China, countless Christians were imprisoned, tortured, or killed for practicing or spreading their faith. For example, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor, was executed for opposing Hitler and participating in a plot to overthrow him. Countless clergy under the Communist rule have suffered imprisonment, torture and death.
Despite persecution and death, many Christians remain firm in their faith, drawing strength from the legacy of those who suffered before them. Christian martyrdom today is not only a testament to religious conviction, but also a sobering reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom in many parts of the world.
Even today, martyrdom persists in regions like North Korea, Nigeria, India, Pakistan and parts of the Middle East, where extremist ideologies and authoritarian regimes often regard Christianity as a threat. One of the most harrowing modern examples is the 2015 execution of 21 Coptic Christians by ISIS on a Libyan beach - a chilling symbol of contemporary persecution. Across these areas, thousands of Christians have lost their lives in terrorist attacks carried out by groups such as Boko Haram, ISIS and others. Churches have been bombed, clergy targeted and executed and entire Christian communities driven from their homes due to violence and oppression.
Martyrdom has been a constant thread in Christian history. Though the nature and context of persecution have changed, the willingness of Christians to suffer and die for their faith remain an enduring testimony. Martyrs are not just historical figures; they are witnesses, reminding us that the Christian call to take up the cross.
True Christianity lives only because Jesus Christ lives!