“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” – Revelation 2:10

Have you ever heard of David Livingstone, Hudson Taylor, Amy Carmichael, or Jim Elliot? How about Ignatius, Polycarp, Justin Martyr, or Cyprian? Many people know the stories of famous missionaries from the past 250 years, but some have never even heard the names of these heroes of early Christianity.

Many of these early believers sat at the feet of the apostles, growing up in the churches of Acts. Others were raised into pagan families and turned to Christ as adults. Regardless of their upbringing, these early Christians were dedicated to living Jesus’ teachings in everyday life. They lived simple lives, often living in poverty as they gave away their wealth to help others. They dressed simply and avoided luxury and popularity. Instead of attending elaborate feasts, public games, and theaters, they helped the poor and needy, cared for orphans and widows, and showed Christian love and compassion to anyone they met.

Many of these people fought for doctrinal purity in the face of emerging heresies. They penned the first commentaries and apologetics of the Christian faith, and they wrote treatises on how to practically live out Jesus’ teachings. They led their churches through periods of intense persecution, and some – including Ignatius, Polycarp, Justin Martyr, and Cyprian – were among the first to be martyred for their love of Christ.

These stories were written in blood nearly 2,000 years ago. A lot has changed since then, but Jesus’ call to forsake everything and follow Him remains unrelenting. He expects no less of us now than He did then.

Ignatius

“Only request on my behalf that I may not merely be called a Christian, but may really be found to be one.”

Ignatius of Antioch (c. 35-108) was born during or possibly shortly after Jesus’ earthly ministry. It is said that he was one of the children whom Jesus took in His arms and blessed, earning him the name Theophorus, meaning “one who is carried by God.”

Ignatius, along with his friend Polycarp, was a disciple of the apostle John; and in his early 30s, he was appointed bishop of the church at Antioch. During his lifetime, Ignatius wrote epistles to several New Testament churches, outlining key points of theology, warning against false teachers, exhorting his readers in prayer and godliness, and giving instructions regarding church leadership.

Around AD 107, the Roman emperor Trajan ordered Christians to sacrifice to the pagan gods and threatened death to anyone who refused. Unwilling to deny his Lord and Savior, Ignatius refused and was arrested and led before Trajan, who was in Antioch at that time:

Ignatius: “There is but one God, who made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that are in them; and one Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, whose kingdom may I enjoy.”

Trajan: “Do you mean Him who was crucified under Pontius Pilate?”

Ignatius: “I mean Him who crucified my sin [along] with him who was the inventor of it, and who has condemned and cast down all the deceit and malice of the devil under the feet of those who carry Him in their heart.”

Trajan: “Do you then carry within you Him that was crucified?”

Ignatius: “Truly so; for it is written, ‘I will dwell in them, and walk in them’ [2 Cor. 6:16].”

Trajan: “We command that Ignatius, who affirms that he carries about within him Him that was crucified, be bound by soldiers, and carried to the great city Rome, there to be devoured by the beasts, for the gratification of the people.”

Ignatius: “I thank you, O Lord, that You have vouchsafed to honor me with a perfect love towards You, and have made me to be bound with iron chains, like Your Apostle Paul.”

The journey to Rome was long and arduous. Ignatius wrote, “From Syria even to Rome I fight with wild beasts, by land and sea, by night and by day, being bound amidst ten leopards, even a company of soldiers, who only grow worse when they are kindly treated.”

News of Ignatius’ fate spread to area churches, and many Christians, including his friend Polycarp, met him along the journey to encourage him and say goodbye. During the voyage, Ignatius wrote epistles to the churches at Ephesus, Magnesia, Tralles, Rome, Philadelphia, and Smyrna as well as to Polycarp. To the believers at Rome he wrote: “I shall willingly die for God. . . . I am the wheat of Christ, and am ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found the pure bread of God.”

At Rome, Ignatius received the crown of life for which he had labored faithfully. Shortly after his martyrdom, the devastated Christians at Rome, “having been eyewitnesses of these things, spent the whole night in tears within the house. We entreated the Lord, with bended knees and much prayer, that He would give us weak men full assurance respecting the things that were done. It came to pass, as we fell into a brief slumber, that some of us saw the blessed Ignatius suddenly standing by us and embracing us, while others beheld him again praying for us, and others still saw him dripping with sweat, as if he had just come from his great labor, and standing by the Lord. When we had with great joy witnessed these things and had compared our visions with one another, we sang praise to God, the giver of all good things . . .” (from The Martyrdom of Ignatius).

Polycarp

“Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?”

Polycarp (69-155) was a disciple of the apostle John together with his friend Ignatius, and John later appointed Polycarp bishop of the church at Smyrna. His only surviving work is an epistle to the Philippian church, in which he exhorted his readers to righteous living, quoting frequently from the Gospels and the writings of the apostle Paul. Following is an excerpt from this epistle:

“To Him all things in heaven and on earth are subject. Him every spirit serves. He comes as the Judge of the living and the dead. His blood will God require of those who do not believe in Him. But He who raised Him up from the dead will raise up us also, if we do His will, and walk in His commandments, and love what He loved, keeping ourselves from all unrighteousness, covetousness, love of money, evil speaking, false witness; ‘not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing,’ or blow for blow, or cursing for cursing, but being mindful of what the Lord said in His teaching: ‘Judge not, that you be not judged; forgive, and it shall be forgiven unto you; be merciful, that you may obtain mercy; with what measure you use, it shall be measured to you again’; and once more, ‘Blessed are the poor, and those that are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of God.’”

Polycarp’s student Irenaeus wrote of his teacher, “Polycarp also was instructed by apostles, and he spoke with many who had seen Christ. Not only that, but by apostles in Asia he was appointed bishop of the church in Smyrna. I also saw him in my early youth, for he lived a very long time. When he was a very old man, he gloriously and most nobly suffered martyrdom and departed this life. He had always taught the things which he had learned from apostles, and which the church has handed down, and which alone are true. . . . It was he who, coming to Rome in the time of Anicetus, caused many people to turn away from the aforesaid heretics to the church of God.”

Irenaeus continued, “I can even describe the place where the blessed Polycarp used to sit and teach, . . . together with the discourses that he delivered to the people. I can remember also, how he would speak of his familiar relations with John, and with the rest of those who had seen the Lord. I remember how he would call their words to remembrance. Whatever things he had heard from them respecting the Lord, both with regard to His miracles and His teaching, Polycarp would recount them all in harmony with the Scriptures – having in that manner received it from the eye-witnesses of the Word of life.”

Around AD 150, persecution again swept through the Roman Empire. Although Polycarp wanted to stay in Smyrna, at the urging of his fellow believers he hid in a small country house outside the city. The Martyrdom of Polycarp, a letter sent by the church at Smyrna after his death, records: “There he stayed with a few friends, engaged in nothing else night and day than praying for all men, and for the churches throughout the world, according to his usual custom. And while he was praying, a vision presented itself to him three days before he was taken; and, behold, the pillow under his head seemed to him [to be] on fire. Turning to those who were with him, he said prophetically, ‘I must be burned alive.’”

Polycarp was betrayed by a household servant who was captured by the Romans and tortured until he finally revealed where Polycarp was staying. The authorities soon arrived at his house: “When he heard that they had come, he went down and spoke with them. Those who were present marveled at his age and constancy, and some of them said, ‘Was so much effort made to capture such a venerable man?’ Immediately then, in that very hour, he ordered that something to eat and drink should be set before them, as much indeed as they cared for, while he asked them to allow him an hour to pray without disturbance. When they gave him permission, he stood and prayed, being full of the grace of God, so that he could not cease for two full hours, to the astonishment of those who heard him; and many began to repent that they had come forth against such a godly and venerable old man.”

After Polycarp had prayed, he was led away by his captors to a crowded arena where thousands of spectators were awaiting his death. The Martyrdom continues: “As Polycarp was entering into the stadium, there came to him a voice from heaven, saying, ‘Be strong, and show yourself a man, O Polycarp!’ No one saw who it was that spoke to him; but those of our brethren who were present heard the voice.”

The Proconsul (the governor of the province) ordered Polycarp to refer to Caesar as Lord. But like his friend Ignatius nearly 50 years before, Polycarp would not deny his Master:

Polycarp: “Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?”

The Proconsul: “Swear by the fortune of Caesar.”

Polycarp: “Since you are vainly urgent that, as you say, I should swear by the fortune of Caesar, and [you] pretend not to know who and what I am, hear me declare with boldness: I am a Christian. And if you wish to learn what the doctrines of Christianity are, appoint me a day, and you shall hear them.”

The Proconsul: “Persuade the people.”

Polycarp: “To you I have thought it right to offer an account [of my faith]; for we are taught to give all due honor . . . to the powers and authorities which are ordained of God. But as for these, I do not deem them worthy of receiving any account from me.”

The Proconsul: “I have wild beasts at hand; to these will I cast you, unless you repent.”

Polycarp: “Call them then, for we are not accustomed to repent of what is good in order to adopt that which is evil. And it is well for me to be changed from what is evil to what is righteous.”

The Proconsul: “I will cause you to be consumed by fire, seeing you despise the wild beasts, if you will not repent.”

Polycarp: “You threaten me with fire which burns for an hour, and after a little while is extinguished. But you are ignorant of the fire of the coming judgment and of eternal punishment, reserved for the ungodly. But why do you tarry? Bring forth what you will.”

The Martyrdom continues: “While he spoke these and many other similar things, he was filled with confidence and joy, and his countenance was full of grace . . . . The proconsul was astonished, and sent his herald to proclaim in the midst of the stadium three times, ‘Polycarp has confessed that he is a Christian.’”

Spectators quickly prepared the funeral pile. “But when they were about also to fix him with nails, he said, ‘Leave me as I am; for He who gives me strength to endure the fire will also enable me, without your securing me by nails, to remain without moving in the pile.’ They did not nail him then, but simply bound him.”

Polycarp placed his hands behind him, looked to heaven, and prayed, “O Lord God Almighty, the Father of your beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ, by whom we have received the knowledge of You, the God of angels and powers, and of every creature, and of the whole race of the righteous who live before you – I give You thanks that You have counted me worthy of this day and this hour, that I should have a part in the number of Your martyrs, in the cup of your Christ, to the resurrection of eternal life, both of soul and body, through the incorruption [imparted] by the Holy Spirit. Among whom may I be accepted this day before You as a fat and acceptable sacrifice, according as You, the ever-truthful God, have foreordained, have revealed beforehand to me, and now have fulfilled. Wherefore also I praise You for all things, I bless You, I glorify You, along with the everlasting and heavenly Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son, with whom to You and the Holy Ghost be glory both now and to all coming ages. Amen.”

The believers of Smyrna continue their account: “When he had pronounced this amen, and so finished his prayer, those who were appointed for the purpose kindled the fire. And as the flame blazed forth in great fury, we, to whom it was given to witness it, beheld a great miracle, and have been preserved that we might report to others what then took place. For the fire, shaping itself into the form of an arch, like the sail of a ship when filled with the wind, encompassed as by a circle the body of the martyr. And he appeared within not like flesh which is burned, but as bread that is baked, or as gold and silver glowing in a furnace. Moreover, we perceived such a sweet fragrance, as if frankincense or some such precious spices had been smoking there.”

“At length, when those wicked men perceived that his body could not be consumed by the fire, they commanded an executioner to go near and pierce him through with a dagger. And on his doing this, there came forth a dove, and a great quantity of blood, so that the fire was extinguished. And all the people wondered that there should be such a difference between the unbelievers and the elect, of whom this most admirable Polycarp was one.”

Truly Polycarp lived an exemplary life and remained faithful to his Savior in death. The church at Smyrna concludes: “This, then, is the account of the blessed Polycarp, who, being the twelfth that was martyred in Smyrna, . . . yet occupies a place of his own in the memory of all men, insomuch that he is everywhere spoken of by the heathen themselves. He was not merely an illustrious teacher, but also a preeminent martyr, whose martyrdom all desire to imitate, as having been altogether consistent with the Gospel of Christ.”

Justin Martyr

“Though threatened with death, we do not deny His name.”

Justin Martyr (100-165) was born into a pagan family in Samaria, and his intellect quickly led him to pursue philosophy. He studied a variety of secular philosophies but found all of them lacking intellectually and theologically. As was his custom when he wished to be alone, one day he went to the seashore to relax and think. An old man found him there and engaged him in a lengthy conversation about Christianity, philosophy, and the God of the Scriptures.

By the end of this conversation, Justin was a new man: “When he had spoken these and many other things, which there is no time for mentioning at present, he went away, bidding me attend to them; and I have not seen him since. But straightway a flame was kindled in my soul; and a love of the prophets, and of those men who are friends of Christ, possessed me. While meditating on his words in my mind, I found this philosophy alone to be safe and profitable. Thus, and for this reason, I am a philosopher. Moreover, I would wish that all, making a resolution similar to my own, do not keep themselves away from the words of the Savior.”

With the intellect and fervency that Justin had once devoted to philosophy, he now pursued Christianity. A dedicated evangelist, he traveled the known world sharing what he had learned, and he later started a school in Rome.

Justin was also the foremost apologist, or defender of the Christian faith, of the second century. His most important works are his First Apology, written to the Roman Emperor, and his Second Apology, to the Senate. In these works, he outlined the beliefs of the church and the godly lifestyle of believers in an attempt to persuade Roman authorities that they were persecuting Christians for no legitimate reason. The first apology is unique in that Justin framed it as a legal document, petitioning the authorities to charge Christians based on any wrongdoing they could find rather than simply because they were Christians, while strongly and clearly presenting the message of salvation.

Risking his life to petition the Roman government was not unusual for Justin; everything he wrote, said, and did was with courage and confidence. He once wrote, “It is evident that no one can terrify or subdue us who have believed in Jesus all over the world. For it is plain that, though beheaded and crucified and thrown to wild beasts and chains and fire and all other kinds of torture, we do not give up our confession. But the more such things happen, the more do other persons and in larger numbers become faithful believers and worshippers of God through the name of Jesus.”

Following a debate with a prominent secular philosopher, Justin was apprehended by the authorities, tried, and sentenced to death along with several of his students. The Roman court preserves the record of his trial:

Prefect Rusticus: “Approach and sacrifice, all of you, to the gods.”

Justin: “No one in his right mind gives up piety for impiety.”

Prefect Rusticus: “If you do not obey, you will be tortured without mercy.”

Justin: “That is our desire, to be tortured for our Lord Jesus Christ and so to be saved, for that will give us salvation and firm confidence at the . . . universal tribunal of our Lord and Savior.”

All the martyrs: “Do as you wish; for we are Christians, and we do not sacrifice to idols.”

Prefect Rusticus: “Those who do not wish to sacrifice to the gods and to obey the emperor will be scourged and beheaded according to the laws.”

The account concludes, “The holy martyrs glorifying God went to the customary place, where they were beheaded and consummated their martyrdom, confessing their Savior.”

Cyprian

“We are philosophers – not in words – but in deeds. We do not speak great things; we live them.”

Cyprian (c. 200-258), whose full name was Thascius Cyprianus, was raised in a rich, pagan family in North Africa at the dawn of the third century. He received a classical education, from which he developed his exceptional communication skills. By his twenties, Cyprian had established a thriving career as a lawyer and teacher of rhetoric.

Cyprian seemed to have everything the world could offer – wealth, luxury, fame, success, and power. Sometime in his early thirties, he was presented with the call to leave everything and follow Christ. A struggle ensued, as described in Cyprian’s own words (edited for clarity):

“While I was still lying in darkness and gloomy night, I used to regard it difficult, especially because of my character, to be born again – to put off what I had previously been, and to be changed in heart and soul. I wondered how such a conversion could be possible, that the things most deeply ingrained in us could be suddenly put off. How does one who is used to delightful banquets and sumptuous feasts learn thrift? How does a person who enjoys the glitter of gold and purple clothing – and the praise of men for his costly attire – humble himself to wear ordinary and simple clothing? One who has tasted the power of government and civic honors shrinks from becoming a mere private citizen. One who has been surrounded by crowds regards it as punishment when he is alone. Surely it is inevitable that the love of wine should entice, pride inflate, anger inflame, covetousness disquiet, cruelty stimulate, ambition delight, and lust hasten to ruin with allurements that will not let go of their hold.”

Sometime later, Cyprian surrendered to the call of Christ. At age 35, he renounced his former life and was baptized. His story continues (edited):

“These were my frequent thoughts. For I myself was held in bonds by the innumerable errors of my previous life, from which I did not believe that I could possibly be delivered. I indulged my sins as if they were actually part of me. But after that, by the help of the water of a new birth, the stain of my former years was washed away, and a light from above – serene and pure – was infused into my reconciled heart. By the agency of the Spirit breathed from heaven, a second birth restored me to a new man. Then, in a wonderful way, doubts began to fade, hidden things were revealed, the dark places were enlightened, and what had seemed impossible was now possible. Previously, being born of the flesh, I had been living in the practice of sin; but now, being born of God, I was empowered by the Spirit of holiness.”

After his conversion, Cyprian gave away his wealth to the poor and devoted himself to simple living and the study of the Scriptures – a remarkable contrast from his earlier days. Several years later, he was ordained bishop of the church at Carthage, North Africa, where he wrote numerous instructional epistles to believers and several full-length theological works.

During the next 10-15 years, he led the church through multiple waves of persecution, exhorting believers to remain steadfast in trials: “The Lord desired that we should rejoice and leap for joy in persecutions. For when persecutions occur, then are given the crowns of faith. Then the soldiers of God are proved. Then the heavens are opened to martyrs. . . . We should not fear to be slain, for we are sure to be crowned when we are slain.”

Around AD 255, Cyprian penned the Exhortation to Martyrdom in response to increased persecution: “Let those of us who . . . have given the first baptism to believers also prepare everyone for the second baptism. We should urge and teach that this is a baptism greater in grace, more lofty in power, and more precious in honor. . . . This is a baptism after which no one sins any more. . . . This is a baptism that immediately associates us with God when we withdraw from the world. In the baptism of water, there is received the remission of sins. In the baptism of blood, there is received the crown of life.”

Shortly after writing these words, Cyprian was brought before the Romans, where he refused to sacrifice to the pagan gods. He was exiled to the small desert town of Curubis for a year until he was again tried and sentenced to death. The proceedings were recorded by the Roman court:

Galerius Maximus: “Are you Thascius Cyprianus?”

Cyprian: “I am.”

Galerius: “The most sacred Emperors have commanded you to conform to the Roman rites.”

Cyprian: “I cannot.”

Galerius: “Consider your own safety.”

Cyprian: “Obey your orders. In so clear a case there is no need for me to take consideration.”

Galerius: (After briefly conferring with his judicial council, Galerius with much reluctance pronounced the following sentence.) “You have long lived an irreligious life, and have drawn together a number of men bound by an unlawful association, and professed yourself an open enemy to the gods and the religion of Rome. The pious, most sacred and august Emperors . . . have endeavored in vain to bring you back to conformity with their religious observances. Whereas, therefore, you have been apprehended as principal and ringleader in these infamous crimes, you shall be made an example to those whom you have wickedly associated with you. The authority of law shall be ratified in your blood.” (He then read the sentence of the court from a written tablet.) “It is the sentence of this court that Thascius Cyprianus be executed with the sword.”

Cyprian: “Thanks be to God.”

Cyprian, like the faithful martyrs before him, received that day the reward of which he had written only a short time before: “In the baptism of water, there is received the remission of sins. In the baptism of blood, there is received the crown of life.”

Of whom the world was not worthy

“What more shall I say?” writes the author of Hebrews. “For time would fail me to tell of [those who] were tortured, refusing to accept release so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking, and flogging, and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated – of whom the world was not worthy . . .” (Hebrews 11:32-38).

Truly these early Christian martyrs were heroes of the faith. It is a small thing to write a testimony in words on paper; it is a much greater thing to write it in your own blood. These Christians were undaunted by death because they knew the One who had overcome it: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).