[Greek] μαρτυρία (martyria), [Latin] memoria: witness, one who remembers, one who can tell about it, the bearing of witness, testimony, evidence, reputation; Mk.14:55-56,59, Lk.22:71, Jn.1:7,19, Jn.3:11,32-32, Jn.5:31-32,34,36, Jn.8:13-14,17, Jn.19:35, Jn.21:24, Acts 22:18, 1Tim.3:7, Tit.1:13, 1Jn.5:9-11, 3Jn.1:12, Rev. 1:2,9
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term essentially means testimony, witness, and evidence. The gods quite often were called upon to be witnesses to oaths, solemn agreements, and declarations. It was believed that the gods could confirm the truth (fact) of one’s statement. If one would lie, one who be subject to the god’s wrath. Testimony was often needed in a legal sense. Sometimes one’s convictions and conduct became a greater witness than one’s words. Philosophy was often thought to be a witness to the truth. Stoicism held that one must accept and embrace the experiences which one cannot control. Such impersonal witnesses include circumstances or poverty.
Homer’s Iliad 22.254 states “But come hither, let us call the gods to witness, for they shall be the best witnesses and guardians of our covenant.” Plato’s Apology 31c states “For I think I have a sufficient witness that I speak the truth, namely, my poverty.” Plato’s Symposium 179b states “And without any doubt what Homer call a fury inspired by a god in certain heroes is the effect produced on lovers by Love’s peculiar power. Only such as are in love will consent to die for others. Not merely men will do it, but women too. Sufficient witness is borne to the statement that Alcestis was willing to die for her husband.” Aeschines’ Against Timarchus 1.45 states “For I do not set down the actual name of the thing that Misgolas used to do to him, nor have I written anything else that would legally incriminate a man who has testified to the truth.”
Old Testament: This term, used in a legal and religious sense, refers to witness, testimony, and evidence of things (or people). In the legal sphere, a sufficient number of witnesses was needed to bring judgment against a person. A witness is often called upon to investigate the integrity (character) of a person. God is often called upon as a witness in a contract (agreement). In the religious sphere, God provides witness and judgment. Israel, nations, and man are often called to provide witness for and against themselves. In Later Judaism, martyrdom and sufferings of the righteous (in the Maccabean age) comes from piety (par excellence) for the Law. Therefore, although somewhat similar, this notion of martyrdom cannot be directly related to the Christian notion of martyrdom.
New Testament: Aside from few references from Mark, Acts, 1Tim, and Titus, this term is found primarily in John’s gospel, Revelations, and John’s letters. Essentially, John give witness to God’s word and testimony of Jesus Christ by reporting what he saw. John provides evangelical witness and testimony to Christ’s nature and significance. Other testimony comes from Jesus, Paul, other eyewitnesses, and adversaries. Agreement of 2 or 3 witnesses was needed to bring formal charges against the accused. John’ testimony to the truth of Jesus provides the basis for the Christian martyrs’ faithful witness to Christ.
Scripture:
“Many gave false witness against Him, but their testimony did not agree.” Mk.14:56
The chief priests and the Sanhedrin wanted to obtain testimony in order to put Jesus to death. Ultimately, they only found false or conflicting testimony.
“Even in your law it is written that that the testimony of two men can be verified.” Jn.8:17
Two or three witnesses’ testimony was required to bring formal charges against the accused.
“It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. “ Jn.21:24
We refers to the Christian community. John’s witnesses provides the basis for others’ witness to Jesus even to the point of martyrdom.
Conclusion:
Martyr, martyrdom, memory, memorable
It was interesting to discover how the gods were called upon in agreements and oaths. Oftentimes, objects (representing gods) or raising one hand (in the direction of the gods) were used in oaths. Stoics introduced the notion that living one’s life becomes a form of witness. Plato makes reference to another form of witness, unconditional love in a secular sense. Witnesses were important in the legal sphere. In our current culture, when we take an oath, we raise our hand upwards (toward God) or on the bible (representing the Word of God).
In the Old Testament, God was often invoked in contracts and agreements. God also shows His faithfulness in covenants throughout history. It was important to have an agreement of consistent testimony. Two or three witnesses’ testimony was required to bring charges to the accused. Jesus also will later make reference in the gathering of believers. Although it is true that there is some commonality between Maccabeean martyrs and Christian martyrs, the difference lies in their motivations. The Maccabeean martyrs were pious to the Law while the Christian martyrs were pious to Christ. Duet. 17:6 provides the basis for where when two or three are gathered in Jesus’ name, He is in the midst of them.
In the New Testament, John provides a witness and testimony for Jesus. Jesus’ enemies sought to find testimony (evidence) in order to put Him to death. An eyewitness had seen that a soldier had thrust his lance into Jesus’s side. Immediately after, blood and water flowed out. This eyewitness testified that this was true. This foreshadows baptism and the Eucharist. Christian martyrs provide a wonderful example to others in being faithful to Christ. Not surprisingly, Christianity had rapidly flourished during the Roman Empire’s persecution of Christians. Christianity also increased and flourished after the Christian persecution in Africa.
In current times there still exists Christian persecution in the world. Many Christians often face persecution, discrimination, or restriction of expressions for their views in the secular world and social media. In light of this pandemic, we are also witnessing the challenges that Christians face in their ability to assemble together. Some of these challenges are reasonable social distancing concerns. Other challenges will be settled in the courts.
Update: Christians are also witnessing questionable and disappointing legal rulings about abortion. The Supreme Court ruled that these cases infringed on the woman’s “right” to abortion. Some say the Chief Justice Roberts ruled to halt (or placate) the unrest over the issue of abortion. The Supreme Court based their decision on stare decisis, the doctrine of legal precedent. Yet, it is interesting to note that the Supreme Court Dred Scott case (1857) also ruled 6-3 in favor declaring blacks inferior to whites. Some say that this decision was motivated in part to halt the unrest over slavery. Slavery was the settled law. It was later that the 13th Amendment (January 1865) banned slavery in the U.S. Up until 1920, women did not have the right to vote. Restricting women from voting was the settled law. The 19th Amendment (August 1920) gave women the right to vote. Just because it was settled law (like slavery or restricting women), it does not always mean that it is a good or moral one. (Having settled questionable (or immoral) laws from the past is really not that unprecedented!)
Here are some witnesses from the past:
“Every aborted baby is like a slave in the womb of his (her) mother.” Martin Luther King
“When we consider that women are treated as property, it is degrading to women that we should treat our children as property to be disposed as we see fit.” Elizabeth Cady Stanton, leader in the anti-slavery and women’s suffrage movements.
“Abortion is the ultimate exploitation of women.” Alice Paul, author of the ERA Amendment (1923) who opposed the later trend of linking the ERA with abortion rights.
“We’re living in an age of genocide…They claim the poor are bringing forth tremendous numbers of children and so the solution is to kill them off.” Dorothy Day, founder of the Catholic Worker Movement (1933).
This can be your time to make your testimony and witness! Make it memorable! Don’t settle!