Abstract:
The purpose of this article is to offer a perspective on persecutions and martyrdom in the
context of today’s world, when so many Christians are under threat and even die for their
faith. In the Introduction section, some short exegetical comments on 1 Timothy 3:12 and some
impressive references to the religious persecutions in a Communist regime are made. The first
part contains some terminological aspects and biblical references concerning the term ‘witness’
(martys, testis), from Genesis to Revelation where Jesus Christ is called ‘the faithful Witness
(Martys)’ (1:5). Then special emphasis is put on the martyrdom of St Stephen, St Polycarp and
St Ignatius of Antioch. In the second part, the author tries to offer a theological perspective on
persecution and martyrdom. Although persecution is a deeply spiritual struggle and a result
of satanic attack, it is also an opportunity for witness (martyria), while martyrdom is the fruit
of sacrificial love. Acts 9:4 clearly reveals who is the main target and who is finally persecuted;
hence, the conclusion is that persecutions and martyrdom represent a permanent condition of
the Church, the Body of Christ. During persecutions, Christians are advised to keep their faith,
but not to force martyrdom, not to self-inflict it on themselves.
Description:
This research is part of the
research project, ‘Biblical
Theology and Hermeneutics’,
directed by Prof. Dr Andries
van Aarde, Post Retirement
Professor and Senior
Research Fellow in the
Dean’s Office, Faculty of
Theology and Religion,
University of Pretoria.
