The Meaning of Martyr in Christianity

The Christian martyrs are people who die for their faith in Jesus Christ.

The Greek origin of the word martyr (martus) means "witness."

Jesus Christ compelled his disciples to be witnesses before ascending to heaven:

"You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Acts 1:8

That is indeed what the Apostles did. They went out all over the earth and, except for the Apostle John, were killed as martrys.

Martyrdom can expedite the process towards canonization as a saint in the Catholic Church. Through careful study of the life and death of a person, the Church might make a Decree of Martyrdom clearing the way for beatification and a step towards canonization.

While we may not be faced with the difficult choice of faith or death, we can be Christ's witnesses. We can stay strong in our faith even when others stand in opposition to us.


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