Category: Martyrs

Gospel Mission, Martyrs, Testimony, Witnesses

Martyrs and Overcomers

David R Maas

Two repeated themes in Revelation are closely related – “Witness” and “Overcome.” Beginning with Jesus of Nazareth and his martyrdom on Calvary, his followers are summoned to persevere in his “Testimony.” In this way, they will “overcome” and emerge victorious in the city of “New Jerusalem.” They must “overcome, even as I overcame.” Moreover, Jesus is presented to the “Seven Assemblies of Asia” as the “FAITHFUL WITNESS, the Firstborn of the Dead, and the Ruler of the Kings of the Earth.”

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Martyrs, Seven Seals, Testimony

Martyrs under the Altar

David R Maas

The opening of the Fifth Seal revealed the souls of men kept “underneath” the Altar, saints who had been slain for their “Testimony.” They pleaded with God for their vindication and for judgment on the “Inhabitants of the Earth” who had persecuted them. They were told to wait for Him to answer their plea until the full “number” of their “fellow servants” who were going to be slain “just as they were” was added to their company.

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Babylon, Martyrs

GREAT HARLOT REVEALED

David R Maas

Babylon is revealed as a bejeweled harlot dripping with the shed blood of martyred saints – Revelation 17:1-6.

In chapter 17, Revelation presents the impressive figure of “Babylon.” She is labeled “harlot” and identified as the “great city,” and she is responsible for the deaths of the martyrs. “Babylon” is also closely associated with the deceptions and economic power of the “Beast.” In her, the book’s first audience would see the city of Rome.

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