Martyrs in the New Testament


Greek:    martus or martur defined as one who bears witness by his death               marturia defined as bearing witness of that which one has see,
              heard and knows

In order to understand martyrdom, one must bear in mind the differences between the natural and spiritual perceptions. In the natural, one would assume that a person who lives a long, faithful, useful and fruitful life is the greatest example of accomplishment in this life.

According to the Scripture, the length of life and service does not necessarily equate to God's special favor nor is it the primary indication of a man's success in this life. It is not just the quantity or length of life but rather the quality of life as well.

As we examine some examples in the New Testament of those who suffered martyrdom, we discover that they accomplished and fulfilled in their brief lives all that God had created and ordained for them. Even though in the natural it appears that their lives were cut short, in the spiritual realm, their lives were completed to the fullest in accomplishing the eternal purpose that God had ordained for them.


 

  1. John the Baptist

Matthew 3: 1-17; Mark 1:1-11:

v1 “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea.”

v2 “And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

v3 “For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”

v4 “And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.”

v5. “Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan,”

v6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.”

v7 “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducee's come to his baptist, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”

v9 “And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.”

v10 “And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”

v11 “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and with fire:”

v12 “Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

v13 “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.”

v14 “But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

v15 “And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him.”

v16 “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:”

v17 “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Mark 6:17-32:

v17 “For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias's sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.”

v18 “For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have they brother's wife.”

v19 “Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:”

v20 “For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.”
v21 “And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;”

v22 “And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.”

v23 “And he swear unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.”

v24 “And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist.”

v25 “And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.”

v26 “And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.”

v27 “And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison.”

v28 “And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.”

v29 “And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.”

Luke 1:5-25:

v5 “There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

v6 “And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.”

v7 “And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.”

v8 “And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,”

v9 “According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.”

v10 “And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.”

v11 “And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.”

v12 “And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.”

v13 “But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.”

v14 “And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

v15 “For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb.”

v16 “And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.”

v17 “And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

v18 “And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? For am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.”

v19 “And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.”

v20 “And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in in their season.”

v21 “And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he tarried so long in the temple.”

v22 “And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.”

v23 “And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.”

v24 “And after those days his wife, Elisabeth, conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,”

v25 “Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.”

Luke 1:39-45, 56:

v39 “And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, unto a city of Judea;”

v40 “And entered the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.”

v41 “And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit:”

v42 “And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.”

v43 “And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”

v44 “For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.”

v45 “And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

v56 “And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.”

Luke 1:57-66:

v57 “Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered: and she brought forth a son.”

v58 “And her neighbors and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.”

v59 “And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.”

v60 “And his mother answered and said, No so; but he shall be called John.”

v61 “And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.”

v62 “And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.”

v63 “And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marveled all.”

v64 “And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.”

v65 “And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judea.”

v66 “And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.”

Luke 1:76-80:

v76 “And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;”

v77 “To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins.”

v78 “Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us,”

v79 “To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

v80 “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the desert till the day of his shewing unto Israel.”

John 1:6-9:

v6 “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.”

v7 “The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.”

v8 “He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of the Light.”

v9 “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”

Luke 7:18-29:

v18 “And the disciples of John shewed him all these things.(that Jesus did)

v19 “And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? Or look we for another?”

v20 “When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? Or look we for another?”

v21 “And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.”

v22 “Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.”

v23 “And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.”

v24 “And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?”

v25 “But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously appareled, and live delicately, are in king's courts.”

v26 “But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.”

v27 “This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.”

v28 “For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he.”

v29 “And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.”

John 1:19-36:

v19 “And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levities from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?”

v20 “And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.”

v21 “And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.”

v22 “Then said they unto him, Who art thou? That we may give an answer to them that sent us, What sayest thou of thyself?”

v23 “He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.”

v24 “And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.”

v25 “And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?”

v26 “John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;”

v27 “He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worth to unloose.”

v28 “These thing s were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.”

v29 “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

v30 “This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.”

v31 “And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.”

v32 “And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.”

v33 “And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Spirit.”

v34 “And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.”

v35 “Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;”

v36 “And looking upon Jesus as he walked he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!”

John 3:23-30:

v23 “And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.”

v24 “For John was not yet cast into prison.”

v25 “Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.”

v26 “And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.”

v27 “John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.”

v28 “Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.”

v29 “He that hath the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.”

v30 “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

John 4:1-2:

v1 “When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples.) He left Judea, and departed again to Galilee.”

John 5:32-36

v32 “There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.”

v33 “Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.”

v34 “But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.”

v35 “He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.”

v36 “But a far greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.”

John 10:40-42:

v40 “And Jesus went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.”

v41 “And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.”

v42 “And many believed on him there.”

Acts 1:5:

v5 “For John truly baptized with water: but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence.”

Acts 13:24-25:

v24 “When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.”

v25 “And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.”


 

  1. James (The son of Zebedee and brother of John)

Matthew 4:21-22; Mark 1:19-20:

v21 “And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.”

v22 “And they immediately left the ship and thei father, and followed him”

Matthew 10:1-2:

v1 “And when he had called unto him this twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.”

v2 “Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother...”

Matthew 17:1-2;Mark 9:2f: Luke 28f:

v1 “And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an hight mountain apart,”

v2 “And he was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.”

Mark 10:35-41:

v35 “And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.”

v36 “And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?”

v37 “They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.”

v38 “But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? And be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”

v39 “And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of: and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:”

v40 “But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.”

v41 “And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.”

42-45 “But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them...

Mark 13:3-4:

v3 “And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,”

v4 “Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?”

Mark 14:32-33:

v32 “And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.”

v33 “And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;”

Luke 5:8-11:

v8 “When Simon Peter saw it,(great catch of fish)he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”

v9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:”

v10 “And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.”

Luke 9:51-56:

v51 “And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,”

v52 “And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.”

v53 “And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.”

v54 “And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?”

v55 “But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.”

v56 “For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.”

Acts 1:13:

v13 “And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrews, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James...”

Acts 12:1-2:

v1 “Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.”

v2 “And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.”

v3 “And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also.(Then were the days of unleavened bread.)”


 

  1. Stephen

Acts 6:1-7:

v1 “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.”

v2 “Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.”

v3 “Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Hoy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.”

v4 “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.”

v5 “And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:”

v6 “Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.”

v7 “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.”

Acts 6:8-15:

v8 “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.”

v9 “Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.”

v10 “And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.”

v11 “Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.”

v12 “And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,”

v13 “And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:”

v14 “For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.”

v15 “And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.”

Acts 7:1-60:

v1 “Then said the high priest, Are these things so?”

v2 “And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our Father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,”

v3 “And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.”

v4 “Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.”

v5 “And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.”

v6 “And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.”

v7 “And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.”

v8 “And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.”

v9 “And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,”

v10 “And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.”

v11 “Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Channan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.”

v12 “But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.”

v13 “And at the second time Joseph was made know to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.”

v14 “Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.”

v15 “So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers,”

v16 “And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.”

v17 “But when the time of the promise drew night, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt.”

v18 “Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph.”

v19 “The same dealt subtilly which our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.”

v20 “In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:

v21 “And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and was mighty in words and in deeds.”

v22 “And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.”

v23 “And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.”

v24 “And seeing on of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:”

v25 “For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God, by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.”

v26 “And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?”

v27 “But he that did his neighbor wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?”

v28 “Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?”

v29 “Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat tow sons.”

v30 “And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.”

v31 “When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: an as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him,”

v32 “Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.”

v33 “Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground.”

v34 “I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.”

v35 “This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee ruler and a judge? The same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.”

v36 “He brought them out, after that he shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.”

v37 “This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.”

v38 “This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:”

v39 “To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,”

v40 “Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.”

v41 “And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.”

v42 “Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?'

v43 “Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.”

v44 “Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.”

v45 “Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;”

v46 “Who found favor before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.”

v47 “But Solomon built him an house.”

v48 “Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,”

v49 “Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? Saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?”

v50 “Hath not my hand made all these things?”

v51 “Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Spirit: as your fathers did, so do ye.”

v52 “Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? And they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:”

v53 “Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.”

v54 “When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.”

  1. v55 “But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,”

v56 “And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.”

v57 “Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,”

v58 “And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young mans' feet, whose name was Saul.”

v59 “And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

v60 “And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had saith this, he fell asleep.”

Acts 8:1-3:

v1 “And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to burial, and made great lamentation over him.”

v2 “As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and halling men and women committed them to prison.”

v3 “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.”

Acts 22:20:

v20 “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.”


 

  1. Other Scriptures:

Revelation 2:13:

v13 “I know thy(Pergamos)works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.”

Revelation 6:9-11:

v9 “And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:”

v10 “And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?”

v11 “And white robes were given unto every one o f them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a tilled season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were , should be fulfilled.”

Revelation 17:6:

v6 “And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.”

Revelation 19:1-3:

v1 “And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God:”

v2 “For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.”

Revelation 20:4

v4 “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”

In the natural, the lives of these men were short lived, but in the supernatural they fulfilled that for which the Lord created them to accomplish for His glory!


 

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