At the feet of a Roman governor fell the body of a man who had been asked to answer the most important question of his life. Attempting to root out the plague of Christianity from the empire, Sanctus was asked about his residence and his profession of faith. Speaking in Latin, he said, 'I am a Christian.' "For this he confessed instead of his name, his city, his race, and instead of every thing." Those standing next to the consul "fastened red hot plates of brass to the most tender parts of his body" and over the next few hours, his mangled flesh had "lost the form of man to the external eye." Yet, in the final hours of the day when his tormentors supposed that he would be subdued, Sanctus raised himself up and stood tall "through the grace of Christ." ²

Deep within his pain, Sanctus knew the following words of Paul were the inspired words of God to his spirit:

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18

Few men in history have been willing to let their lives be taken unless the cause was of a greater purpose than themselves. Those who went on to be executed for their Christian faith in the first few centuries after the life of Christ were known as martyrs.

"But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee." Acts 26:16

The Apostle Paul was made a "witness" of things that he had seen and would see. That word "witness" was the Greek word martys, from which it quickly evolved. As the emperors and governors of Rome became more and more concerned about the rise of Christianity, these witnesses of the truth would face a multitude of torturous offenses. Some were fed to the lions in the amphitheater as an audience cheered. One such believer by the name of Pothinus had passed his 90th year and was already on the verge of death when he was "unmercifully dragged" before a crowd of people who "abused him with their hands and feet in every possible way, not even regarding his age." ³ The word of martyr (or martyrdom) was soon applied as a title of honor for those who bravely accepted death instead of renouncing their faith. ⁴ However, there were many whose witness could not be relied.

"At my first answer no man stood with me, but all [men] forsook me: [I pray God] that it may not be laid to their charge." II Timothy 4:16

At the end of his life, Paul stood nearly alone in the faith and very few were willing to stand beside him. Among those who remained were Luke and Mark, writers of two gospel stories (II Timothy 4:11). For those of us who so often depend on others to keep us from feeling as though our efforts have failed, a most important question rises to the surface. If man cannot be depended on as a faithful witness, then who can be trusted to stand in our defense?

"For God is my witness (martys), whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;" Romans 1:9

"Moreover I call God for a record (martys) upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth." II Corinthians 1:23

"For God is my record (martys), how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:8

"For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness (martys):" I Thessalonians 2:5

"Ye are witnesses (martys), and God [also], how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:" I Thessalonians 2:10

All human witness is temporary and somewhat unsure. As so many of us may recall, it was Peter who declared firmly that he would never deny Christ even to the point of a threatening death.

"Peter said unto Him (Jesus), Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples." Matthew 26:35

Peter's own confession of faith was easy when he stood before Jesus. It was not, however, as easy when faced with the threat of death.

"Then began he to curse and to swear, [saying], I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew." Matthew 26:74

Here we return to the ultimate lesson in our own mortality. Not everyone is willing to give up his life for Christ. As some might say, we can talk a good talk, but can't walk a good walk. Even the most faithful man is vulnerable to his own fear of experiencing death. It is therefore of utmost importance that we recognize this shortcoming and acknowledge a faithfulness that is beyond the scope of our full understanding.

"God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord." I Corinthians 1:9

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]." I Corinthians 10:13

"Faithful [is] he that calleth you, who also will do [it]." I Thessalonians 5:24

"But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep [you] from evil." II Thessalonians 3:3

These Scriptures should, I would hope, bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart. By now we know that our God is eternal, immortal, invisible, incorruptible, right, and true. Whatever He says is true and it is not within His being to fail or give up on us. He is worthy of our trust. Others may turn away from us in our weakest moments, but when God says that He is faithful, we can rest in His Word.