Martyr [ebd]
one who bears witness of the truth, and suffers death in the cause of Christ (Acts 22:20; Rev. 2:13; 17:6). In this sense Stephen was the first martyr. The Greek word so rendered in all other cases is translated "witness." (1.) In a court of justice (Matt. 18:16; 26:65; Acts 6:13; 7:58; Heb. 10:28; 1 Tim. 5:19). (2.) As of one bearing testimony to the truth of what he has seen or known (Luke 24:48; Acts 1:8, 22; Rom. 1:9; 1 Thess. 2:5, 10; 1 John 1:2).
MARTYR [isbe]
MARTYR - mar'-ter (martus, Aeolic martur): One who gives heed, and so, a "witness," so translated in numerous passages, both as of one bearing testimony, and also as of one who is a spectator of anything (see WITNESS). In the King James Version rendered "martyr" in Acts 22:20, "thy martyr Stephen"; and Rev 2:13, "Antipas my faithful martyr"; also 17:6, "the blood of the martyrs of Jesus," where alone the American Standard Revised Version retains "martyrs." These 3 passages are the beginning of the use of the word "martyr" for such witnesses as were faithful even unto death, its uniform modern use.
MARTYR [bridgeway]
Martyrs are those who stand firm in the midst of persecution and willingly suffers death rather than deny their faith (Acts 7:54-60; 12:1-2; 22:20; Rev 2:13). The word ‘martyr’ comes from the Greek word that is used in the New Testament for ‘witness’ and ‘testimony’. People became known as martyrs when they died because of their witness, or testimony, to their Lord (Rev 6:9-11; 12:11; 17:6; 20:4).In the end the victors will be the martyrs, not their opponents. The basis of this assured victory is the death and resurrection of Christ, who is himself the faithful and true witness (2 Tim 4:6-8,18; Rev 12:10-11; 20:4; cf. 1:5, 3:14). (See also PERSECUTION; WITNESS.)
