The dictionary defines a martyr as a person who is killed or suffers for their beliefs. In Greek, the word actually means ‘witness’, very suitable as they spoke the truth and gave testimony of what really went on. The history of Christianity is full of martyrs killed for their faith. Many of the saints have become what they are because of the manner of their death. Saul was a witness at the stoning of Stephen, and was later himself martyred through beheading.
Persecution is a word to describe how the Christians were being punished unfairly to the extreme and even killed.
Early Christians were persecuted in many painful ways that did not all include martyrdom. Many methods used consist of stoning, beheading,crucifixion and more. The first noted persecutor was Emperor Nero. Christiansstarted to become martyrs after the burning of Rome in 64, when Nero seemed to flip the picture and accuse the Christians as being behind the cause.
Early Christians were persecuted for many reasons. They were called atheists, ignorant, bad citizens and more. One huge reason was based on worship. The population was commanded to worship the emperor as god, something the Christians could not do. They proved loyal to Rome but refused to offer him their worship. This provoked a new wave of persecutions.
Persecution is a word to describe how the Christians were being punished unfairly to the extreme and even killed.
Early Christians were persecuted in many painful ways that did not all include martyrdom. Many methods used consist of stoning, beheading,crucifixion and more. The first noted persecutor was Emperor Nero. Christiansstarted to become martyrs after the burning of Rome in 64, when Nero seemed to flip the picture and accuse the Christians as being behind the cause.
Early Christians were persecuted for many reasons. They were called atheists, ignorant, bad citizens and more. One huge reason was based on worship. The population was commanded to worship the emperor as god, something the Christians could not do. They proved loyal to Rome but refused to offer him their worship. This provoked a new wave of persecutions.