martyr

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 (Matthew 18:16; 26:65; Acts 6:13; 7:58; Hebrews 10:28; 1 Timothy 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; Romans 1:9; 1 Thess. 2:5, 10; 1 John 1:2).

More information

• persecution
• Persecuted church—Why and how should we pray for suffering Christians? Answer
• perseverance of the saints
• Christian
• witness
• witness of the Spirit
• testimony
• truth
• Antipas—early martyr
• James—a martyr
• Paul—a martyr
• Peter—a martyr
• Polycarp—early bishop and martyr—see: “Polycarp” movie review
• Stephen—first martyr