Day 206: Extreme Answer

Summary

Podcast Summary: Extreme Devotion
Episode: Day 206: Extreme Answer
Host/Author: The Voice of The Martyrs
Release Date: July 25, 2025

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Introduction

In the Voice of the Martyrs episode titled Extreme Devotion, the host delves into the unwavering faith of early Christians under Roman persecution. This episode, released on July 25, 2025, narrates the harrowing yet inspiring story of three steadfast believers who faced martyrdom in Ptolemais during Day 206 of their suffering.

The Question of Faith

At the heart of the episode is the recurring question posed by the Roman ruler Urbicus: "Are you a Christian?" This inquiry becomes the pivot around which the narrative of unwavering faith revolves.

• Timestamp [00:06]: Speaker B emphasizes the significance of this question:
  "Are you a Christian? Three times the question was asked. Three times the answer was yes. Three Christians were martyred."

The Martyrs' Stand

The three individuals, including Ptolemaeus, exemplify extreme devotion by refusing to renounce their faith despite severe repercussions.

• First Confrontation:
  Urbicus accuses the Christians of heresy, claiming they teach that salvation comes solely through faith in Jesus Christ. In response to lying or deceit being unacceptable, each martyr must answer truthfully, resulting in their imprisonment and physical abuse.
  • Timestamp [00:25]:
    "Ptolemaeus answered again. This time he was sentenced to death."

The Elderly Defender

Upon hearing of the arrest, an elderly man steps forward to defend Ptolemais, challenging Urbicus on the morality and purpose of executing a peaceful teacher.

• Timestamp [01:10]:
  The elderly man questions the rationale behind the execution:
  "Why would you execute such a fine teacher? What benefit does it serve you or the Emperor? He has broken no laws. He has only confessed to being a Christian."

Urbicus, intrigued by this bold defense, poses the same question to the elderly man: "Are you also a Christian?" True to his convictions, the elderly man answers affirmatively, choosing to join the teacher in his fate rather than renounce his faith.

The Repeating Bond of Faith

A subsequent challenger follows the same path, culminating in the execution of all three believers for their unwavering declarations of faith.

• Timestamp [02:40]:
  The narrative crescendos with all three martyrs meeting their end:
  "The three children of God were executed for answering yes."

Reflections on Devotion and Witness

The episode transitions from historical recounting to introspective commentary on modern Christian witness.

• Timestamp [03:00]:
  Speaker B poses a critical reflection:
  "The question is simple. Are you a Christian? It's direct, it's personal. It's a yes or no point of truth. Then what is difficult about the answer?"

The host contends that the challenge lies not in the believers' ability to answer but in the scarcity of opportunities where others inquire about their faith genuinely. The call to action is clear: live distinctive lives that naturally invite such pivotal questions.

• Timestamp [03:00]:
  "You know the answer now live, so that others will ask the question."

Conclusion

Extreme Answer serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by early Christians and challenges contemporary believers to reflect on their own expression of faith. By embodying a lifestyle that sparks curiosity and questions, Christians today can continue the legacy of those who chose unwavering devotion over conformity.

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This episode not only recounts a historical account of martyrdom but also bridges the past with present-day application, urging listeners to consider the depth and visibility of their own faith in a world where such questions may not be as frequently posed.

Transcript

[A]

From the voice of the martyrs. Extreme devotion.

[B]

Extreme answer. Rome, Ptolemais Day 206. You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? Matthew, chapter 5, verse 13. Are you a Christian? Three times the question was asked. Three times the answer was yes. Three Christians were martyred. The Roman ruler Urbicus had no tolerance for Christians. In AD150, Ptolemais had been accused of teaching that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. He hated the deceit and ungodliness of the day. Therefore, when Urbicus asked if he was a Christian, he could not lie. He had to stand for righteousness and boldly answer yes. For this he was put in chains and beaten many times. Again he was brought before Urbicus. Again he was only asked one question. Are you a Christian? Pain and suffering could not change reality. Yes. Ptolemaeus answered again. This time he was sentenced to death. Hearing of Ptolemais arrest, an elderly man approached Urbicus and pleaded for his life. Why would you execute such a fine teacher? What benefit does it serve you or the Emperor? He has broken no laws. He has only confessed to being a Christian. Intrigued by the man's defense, he asked a single question. Are you also a Christian? The elderly man courageously stood his ground. Yes, I am. Then you may join the teacher. If this was not enough, another man came forward with the same protest. Again the question was asked, are you a Christian? The three children of God were executed for answering yes. The question is simple. Are you a Christian? It's direct, it's personal. It's a yes or no point of truth. Then what is difficult about the answer? The problem is not that Christians don't know how to answer. The real problem is that others aren't asking us the question often enough. We don't live in such a distinct way that anyone thinks to ask what is different about our lives. We must admit far too few people are asking us the question asked of Ptolemais. That is the real problem. When is the last time your lifestyle piqued the interest of your co worker, friend or neighbor enough for them to inquire about your faith? You know the answer now live, so that others will ask the question.

[C]

The first request to persecuted Christians is that we pray for them. For a new specific prayer request each day, as well as ebooks, audiobooks, videos and even feature films. Download the VOM app for your tablet or smartphone. Today, search for the voice of the martyrs or VOM app in your favorite app store.