Book of Martyrs

I have many books in my collection pertaining to my Christian calling and profession. Many have been helpful in learning about the faith from past people who studied and taught the bible over the last several centuries. One book in particular I keep close and read from time to time is Foxe’s book of Martyrs. It was written first as a book called “Actes and Monuments” in the 1500s by John Foxe, a religious historian who documented several people who died in the faith.

Over the many years the book was reprinted and more names and situations were added. The edition I have was the most recent edition which includes Christians who were martyred in the 20th and 21st centuries. Those who are responsible for its compiling and updating still wish to continue to add to it as time and examples persist. It was even suggested that Charlie Kirk, who was killed for speaking about biblical truth be added to it. I feel that it would be very appropriate to do so knowing the man he was.

The book details though specifically who died in the faith and for the faith. Many well known names in Christianity as well as many unknowns who had been documented. Often times their torture and execution was recorded by only those who had performed them as a way to keep track of how they were dealt with by those who rejected them and their faith. Sometimes these people suffered in unimaginable ways, not giving into their captors.

One of the better known names in the book is William Tyndale who lived from 1494-1536. He was a very outspoken advocate of biblical truth even to the challenge of the King of England about his marriage annulment and pushed the idea that the Pope should be replaced with a Monarchy. Many things he wrote led to the later reformation movement that helped shape Christianity today. Among his biggest crimes was translating the bible from Latin to English which allowed common people to read and understand it. He was later arrested and tried for heresy. Upon a stake in a public square he was strangled and burned. Just before he died he prayed “Lord, open the King of England’s eyes.” It was forever recorded to his credit in the Book of Martyrs.

As history went on the very truth he died for would shape the world. The English bible is still among the top selling books in the entire world and has led to millions of converts to this day. A copy even found its way to the moon when the astronauts brought it with them on the Apollo missions. Despite the overwhelming resistance and persecution of Tyndale and others like him. What he did saved millions and will continue to save more until the return of Jesus Christ.

One of the biggest takeaways from the book is the fact that Christians have been persecuted and martyred throughout time. The more they try to expose people to the truth the more likely they paid for it in torture and death. Sill as many as there are who resist the spread of God’s word there will always be those who will live and preach by it. Even to the point of death. To the Christian the truth shows us that death is not something to be afraid of. It is the passing of one’s state of existence to another. It is in the presence of Jesus Christ.

The Bible also has a chapter that is written about martyrs. Hebrews 11, often referred to as the faith chapter shows us why people rise up in the name of God and risk all to do so:

Hebrews 11:32 32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground.

39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, 40 since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

No matter what they do to try to cover or change God’s truth for lies there will always be somebody God puts in place and empowers them to resist it.

Your Brother in Christ,

Steve Koenig

Lakeshore Fellowship