Summary3 min read

Extreme Devotion: Day 247 – Extreme Testimony

Podcast: Extreme Devotion
Host: The Voice of The Martyrs
Episode Date: September 4, 2025

Overview

This episode centers on the story of Bartholomew, an apostle who carried the Christian Gospel throughout Asia and into Armenia. Featured is his unwavering faith in the face of violent persecution, culminating in his martyrdom at the hands of King Astyages. The episode challenges the listener to reconsider the concept of victory and defeat as depicted in the lives and deaths of the Christian martyrs.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Confrontation with King Astyages

Bartholomew faces King Astyages, who is enraged by the apostle's influence:
- The king accuses Bartholomew: “You have perverted my own brother, my wife and some of my children. You have disturbed the worship of our gods… If you do not stop preaching this Jesus and sacrifice to our gods, you shall die a most painful death.” (00:20)
Bartholomew’s steadfast response:
- “I have not perverted them, but converted them to the truth. I shall not sacrifice to your false gods. I have only preached the worship of the one true God. And I would rather seal this testimony with my own blood than suffer the least shipwreck of my faith or conscience.” (01:05)
- Notable for his courage—even faced with the threat of a painful death, Bartholomew refuses to renounce his beliefs.

The Suffering and Martyrdom of Bartholomew

After his refusal, the king orders Bartholomew to be tortured:
- Beaten with rods, hung upside down on a cross, and flayed alive with knives.
- Despite agony, Bartholomew calls out: “Still he called all to come to the one true God and his son, Jesus Christ.” (02:03)
Ultimately, the king “ordered Bartholomew's head cut off with an axe, silencing his cry, but preserving his witness and sealing his fate in Jesus Christ.” (02:20)

Reflection: Victory in Martyrdom

Host reflects on the significance of martyrdom and death in the Christian tradition:
- Raises the question: “Is death really a sign of Satan's victory? Not in Jesus’ case.” (02:39)
- Emphasizes that Jesus’ own death and resurrection serve as “God's ultimate victory over sin.” (02:55)
The testimony of martyrs, including Bartholomew, is described as bringing “many more to faith than their lives ever could.” (03:11)
- The episode concludes with the assertion: “It is possible to honor God with your death as well as your life.” (03:18)

Memorable Quotes & Notable Moments

Bartholomew’s Bold Stand:
“I would rather seal this testimony with my own blood than suffer the least shipwreck of my faith or conscience.”
— Bartholomew (01:17)
Defiant Witness Under Torture:
“Still he called all to come to the one true God and his son, Jesus Christ.”
— Narration (02:09)
Challenging Assumptions of Defeat:
“Perhaps some people who listen to the stories of the martyrs hear about their lives with a sense of defeat… Is death really a sign of Satan's victory? Not in Jesus’ case.”
— Host (02:39)

Important Segment Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction; scripture reading: Revelation 12:11
00:20 – King Astyages confronts Bartholomew
01:05 – Bartholomew’s courageous answer
02:03 – Bartholomew’s torture and steadfast witness
02:20 – Execution and legacy
02:39 – Reflection on martyrdom and the concept of victory
03:11 – Impact of martyrdom on faith
03:18 – Final reflection: Honoring God in life and death

Tone and Style

The episode maintains a reverent, solemn tone, employing both narrative and direct quotations from historical tradition to dramatize Bartholomew’s faith. The language is direct, earnest, and meant to inspire listeners to reflect on the cost—and power—of unwavering commitment to faith.

This synopsis captures the essence of Bartholomew’s extreme testimony, highlighting the episode’s exploration of sacrifice, the power of conviction, and the enduring influence of Christian martyrdom.

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From the voice of the martyrs. Extreme devotion, extreme testimony. Armenia Bartholomew Day 247 they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. Revelation, chapter 12, verse 11. King Astyages raged at him. You have perverted my own brother, my wife and some of my children. You have disturbed the worship of our gods. The priests of Ashtaroth cry for your blood. If you do not stop preaching this Jesus and sacrifice to our gods, you shall die a most painful death. After the apostles separated, Bartholomew traveled with the Gospel from through Lycaonia, Syria, upper Asia and into India. He then went to the Armenian capital, where many placed their faith in Christ. Here, Bartholomew was brought before the king for judgment. I have not perverted them, Bartholomew replied, but converted them to the truth. I shall not sacrifice to your false gods. I have only preached the worship of the one true God. And I would rather seal this testimony with my own blood than suffer the least shipwreck of my faith or conscience. The king was incensed. In order to silence Bartholomew, he ordered him beaten with rods and tortured. Still, Bartholomew urged others to hold to the truth. Then he was hung upside down on a cross and flayed alive with knives. Still he called all to come to the one true God and his son, Jesus Christ. Finally, the king ordered Bartholomew's head cut off with an axe, silencing his cry, but preserving his witness and sealing his fate in Jesus Christ. Perhaps some people who listen to the stories of the martyrs hear about their lives with a sense of defeat. After all, like Bartholomew, they died in the end at the hand of their enemies. Jesus was not spared a similar conclusion. Those who refute his resurrection think of him as a wonderful teacher whose ministry was tragically cut short by his premature death. Is death really a sign of Satan's victory? Not in Jesus case. In fact, Jesus, death and resurrection were God's ultimate victory over sin. In the case of Christian martyrs, the testimony and witness provided through their courageous deaths brought many more to faith than their lives ever could. It is possible to honor God with your death as well as your life.