The second mark of a martyr is one who will defend his faith to the death.
This is the most obvious meaning of the word “martyr.” It’s a picture that is set forth in the book of Acts. Stephen was not only willing to live for Christ, but when necessary – he was willing to die for Christ and the Gospel message. This Gospel states that “God demonstrates His love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) 
Do you believe that the eternal soul of another individual is worth your very life? Think about that. Do you truly believe that sharing the gospel with someone else, so that they may come to know Jesus Christ as their personal savior is worth the life of the one who is sharing it? That is a tough question, but men like Stephen believed his Lord was worth dying for. He also believed the message was worth dying for.
Jesus believed you and I were worth dying for. He lived among us for 33 years. He was the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the creator of heaven and earth, yet He came to earth and lived among us and then died for our sins, because He felt we were worth it. Those who are martyred for their faith believe like that.
