Confrontation With the King
“You are unsettling the worship of our gods. And not only that, you have perverted my own brother!” the king of Armenia shouted at Bartholomew.
But Bartholomew did not back down.
One of the original twelve disciples, he had boldly preached Jesus Christ for 37 years. Starting in the heathen cities throughout what is now Turkey, he then traveled to India. Here, after he learned the language, he translated the gospel of Matthew and taught the Indians in their native tongue. Later he preached in twelve different cities in the country of Armenia (located between the present-day countries of Turkey and Iran). Many people turned from idolatry to worship Jesus, including the king of Armenia’s brother and his family.
Bartholomew boldly answered the king, saying, “I have preached the true worship of God throughout your country. I have not perverted your brother and his family, but rather have converted them to the truth.”
Refusal to Compromise
King Astyages threatened Bartholomew,
“Unless you stop preaching Christ and make sacrifices to the god Ashtaroth, you will be put to death.”
“You can be sure of this, King Astyages, I will never sacrifice to your idol. I would rather seal my testimony with my blood than do the smallest act against my faith or conscience.”
Faith Unto Death
Upon hearing this, the king ordered, “I want this man to suffer severe torture. First, beat him with rods. After that, suspend him upside down on a cross and skin him alive!”
Following the king’s command, Bartholomew was beaten, crucified, and flayed. Despite all this, he was still conscious and continued to exhort the people to believe in Jesus and worship the true God.
Finally, to prevent him from saying anything else, the king’s men took an ax and cut off his head.
Bartholomew was united with Jesus, his Lord.
We work hard and suffer much in order that people will believe the truth, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people. 1 Timothy 4:10
Date: 8th April 2023
Martyr: Bartholomew
Location: Armenia 70 AD
Source: Jesus Freaks
Author: DC Talks and The Voice of Martyrs
Suffering Saturday 035
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