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After the conversion of Saul, who became the Apostle Paul, he realized the things that he had
done, he had no problems in confessing his wrong doings to the Lord as with our text. It does
however highlight the words ‘Thy Martyr’. This word, martyr is used so often today out of its true
meaning, and there are even those who make a stand on an issue hoping something will be done to
them so they can appear to have to give up something and thus become as a martyr, so that others
will support and follow them. Like all bible predictions, these things come to pass. False prophets,
false teachers, false apostles, and yes, even false martyrs. To help us be sure we are not led astray
by this falsehood, we should examine what is a true martyr in God’s eye, and what falsehoods are
used to deceive us.
In our period, the meaning given in the dictionary is important and is “one who has proved the
strength and genuineness of his faith in Christ by undergoing a violent death”. As Christ is the
word of God, we see those that suffered death by standing up for God’s word in the pre-Christ
period also fall in the same category. Now a false martyr also suffers loss but usually for standing
up against something that he believes in. Very seldom is it something that Christ believes in or
taught, and in fact it is often in direct contradiction to Christ’s teaching. Our text declares that
Stephen was a true martyr, so as we read the recording of his violent death, we see also other
attributes necessary in determining a true martyr and this is found in Acts 7:59-60. “And they
stoned Stephen, calling upon God and saying Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down
and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.” We see God fearing and mercy
shown by Stephen. With false martyrs the reverse is present as they use the situation to try and
turn their followers against others. We must always be careful that out of sympathy, or enthusiasm,
or misunderstanding, or obsession, that we try all the facts before we are misled into believing one
has become a martyr. Look to see if the stand is for Christ, or His word, look to see if what is
being given up is being taken by force or only made to look that way. Look for God fearing and
above all look for love and mercy being shown. If we do these things with an open heart, we will
not be deceived. We should not feel sorry for a genuine Martyr, but take comfort in Christ’s
teaching in Matt. 5:10-12. “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for
theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and
shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for
great is your reward in heaven.”
The Apostle John saw in The Revelation, a special place under God’s Altar, for the Martyrs and
saw that white robes were given them to guarantee that they would partake of the first resurrection
when Christ returns so as to fulfil His word.