Martyrs are those who stand firm in the midst of persecution and willingly suffers death rather than deny their faith (Acts 7:54-60; Acts 12:1-2; Acts 22:20; Revelation 2:13). The word ‘martyr’ comes from the Greek word that is used in the New Testament for ‘witness’ and ‘testimony’. People became known as martyrs when they died because of their witness, or testimony, to their Lord (Revelation 6:9-11; Revelation 12:11; Revelation 17:6; Revelation 20:4).

In the end the victors will be the martyrs, not their opponents. The basis of this assured victory is the death and resurrection of Christ, who is himself the faithful and true witness (2 Timothy 4:6-8; 2 Timothy 4:18Revelation 12:10-11