For March 9, 2026
Scattered to Witness by Greg Holmes, D.MIN – Director of Missions serving 17 churches
THE FIRST MARTYR of Christianity is Christ himself, Jesus, who died on the cross at Calvary on a hill visible at the Holy City, and also metaphorically on a promontory high above all the geographical landscape of the earth overlooking the sea of mankind. The first martyr of the Christian church is Steven, the first-named of the seven deacons established by the Apostles (Acts 6:5) and affirmed by the nascent church. Deacons are not named in Paul’s description of Christ’s designation of the leadership roles in the church. “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service.” (Eph. 4:11-12) Instead, they are a revelation from the first Apostles. (cf. Acts 6:2-6)