I have always been captivated by this.
Tradition tells us that Matthew suffered martyrdom by being slain with a sword
at Ethiopia. Mark died at Alexandria,
after being cruelly dragged through the streets. Luke was hanged on an olive tree in
Greece. John was put in a caldron of
boiling oil, but escaped death miraculously and was banished to Patmos. Peter was crucified upside down in Rome. James, the Greater, was beheaded at
Jerusalem. James, the Less, was thrown
from the pinnacle of the temple and then beaten to death with a fuller's club. Bartholomew was flayed alive. Andrew was bound to a cross, from which he
preached to his persecutors until he died.
Thomas was run through the body with a lance in the East Indies. Jude was shot to death with arrows. Matthias was first stoned and then
beheaded. Barnabas of the Gentiles was
stoned to death at Salonica. Paul, after
various tortures and persecutions, was beheaded at Rome by the Emperor Nero.
What sacrifice are we willing to make for
Jesus? We may not be asked to die for
our faith, but how are we living our faith?
Pray that God might bless your journey with him this week.
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