They died for the truth. The greatest news the world will ever hear.

Jesus was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Stephen was stoned to death about AD 34.

James, the brother of John, was beheaded about AD 44.

Philip was scourged, thrown into prison, and afterwards crucified about AD 54.

Matthew suffered martyrdom by the sword about AD 60.

James, the brother of Jesus, was beaten, stoned, and had his brains bashed out with a club.

Matthias was stoned at Jerusalem and then beheaded.

Andrew was arrested and crucified on a cross, two ends of which were fixed transversely in the ground (thus the term, St. Andrew’s cross).

Mark was dragged to pieces by the people of Alexandria in front of Serapis, their pagan idol.

Peter was crucified upside down, at his own request, because he said he was unworthy to be crucified in the same manner as his Lord.

Paul gave his neck to the sword.

Bartholomew was beaten and crucified in India.

Thomas was thrust through with a spear by pagan priests.

Luke was hanged on an olive tree in Greece.

Jude, the half brother of Jesus, was crucified at Edessa in about AD 72.