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

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.

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.