One of the most amazing documents historians of early Christianity ... the martyr stories have an incredible effect on the imagination of Christians, because who's the first Christian martyr?

Detail of Willem Vrelant, “The Martyrdom of St. Thomas Becket,” early 1460s ... continuing to put loyalty to the king first. But grace has a way of changing men and Becket took seriously ...

Pope Benedict XVI on Monday recognized the Christians who are still persecuted for their faith as he celebrated the feast of St. Stephen – Christianity's first martyr ... professing Christian faith ...