Martyr

Easton, 1897

One who bears witness of the truth, and suffers death in the cause of Christ (Acts 22:20; Revelation 2:13; Revelation 17:6). In this sense Stephen was the first martyr. The Greek word so rendered in all other cases is translated "witness." (1.) In a court of justice (Matthew 18:16; Matthew 26:65; Acts 6:13; Acts 7:58; Hebrews 10:28; 1 Timothy 5:19). (2.) As of one bearing testimony to the truth of what he has seen or known (Luke 24:48; Acts 1:8, Acts 1:22; Romans 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 2:5, 1 Thessalonians 2:10; 1 John 1:2).