Foxe's Book of Martyrs

In 1563, John Foxe published an account of the life of Christian martyrs, beginning with Stephen, the first to die for the cause of Christ, and ending with the most recent martyrs of his day-Protestants killed during Bloody Mary's reign. He knew that dangers lay in forgetting the martyrs-in being insensitive to their struggles.

They were men who triumphantly donned the armor of God--the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith, and the sword of God's Word. They faced torture and death in their fight of faith, willing to stand for their beliefs and the Word of God regardless of the price.

The faithfulness of such historical figures as John Huss, Martin Luther, William Tyndale, and so many others has given us our rich Christian heritage. And the courage and dedication of these men inspire us to live for Christ today.

In 1563, John Foxe began a memorial of martyrs starting with Stephen, the first to die for the cause of Christ, and ending with the most recent martyrs of his day; those killed during Bloody Mary's reign. He knew that dangers lay in forgetting the martyrs--in being insensitive to their struggles. Martyrdom is not a thing of the past; every day the Christian church is persecuted in countries all over the world. More Christians were afflicted in the twentieth century then all the past centuries combined. If the Church is not reminded of the cost to follow Christ, she will die. Be vulnerable to the cries of the martyrs. Let their courage, their faith, their love--touch your life. This updated version includes reports on modern martyrs of the 20th and 21st century, a full color timeline of selected events and people for historical reference, and has been carefully edited into Modern American English for today's reader.

"From the Publisher:" A great Christian classic, describing the heroism and martyrdom of countless believers. An unparalleled volume since its 16th century origin. Paperback, 370 pages.

Foxe's Book of Martyrs has been an invaluable addition to the libraries of faithful Christians for almost five centuries. Chronicling the suffering and brutal deaths of those who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, John Foxe captured the God-given, Spirit-inspired courage of these noble souls. Though sometimes difficult to read because of the inhumane cruelty depicted in its pages, the images which truly endure are those of the victorious faithfulness, by the grace of God, of these heroes of the faith. Why read this book? The stories within these pages are not only supremely inspiring but also educational as to the identity, character, and modus operandi of an apostate, false church. We have benefited immeasurably from the wonderful witness of these martyred saints, which not only helped many of our predecessors accept Christ, but also helped the true church to be stronger and purer.

Published early in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and only five years after the death of the Roman Catholic Queen Mary I of England, Foxe's Book of Martyrs was an affirmation of the Protestant Reformation in England during a period of religious conflict between Catholics and Protestants. Because the English monarch was the temporal head of the Church of England, a change in ruler could change the legal status of religious practice. Adherents of the rejected faith risked persecution by the State, and during the reign of Mary I, non-Catholics were publicly burned at the stake. Foxe's account of these martyrdoms contributed significantly to a nationalistic repudiation of the Roman Catholic Church and asserted a historical justification intended to establish the Church of England as a continuation of the true Christian church rather than a modern innovation. The First Part covered early Christian martyrs, a brief history of the medieval church, including the Inquisitions, and a history of the Wycliffite or Lollard movement. The Second Part of the work dealt with the reigns of Henry VIII and Edward VI, during which the dispute with Rome led to separation of the English Church from papal authority, a new foundation for the Church of England, and the issuance of the Book of Common Prayer. The Third Part treated the reign of Queen Mary and the Marian Persecutions, in part instigated by Edmund Bonner, Bishop of London.

A Christian classic that's inspired and challenged believers for more than four centuries! From the stoning of Stephen to his own perilous time---Reformation-era England---Foxe chronicles the lives, suffering, and triumphant deaths of Christian martyrs and traces the roots of religious persecution. Includes a preface that places Foxe's masterpiece in spiritual and historical context. 377 pages, hardcover from Hendrickson.

• An updated edition of a Christian classic! One of the most influential books of the 16th century, Foxe's Book of Martyrs was chained beside the Bible in English churches. Featuring every saint covered in the original ---along with Maier's enlightening commentary---this abridged version remains relevant as contemporary believers continue to make the ultimate sacrifice for Christ. 432 pages, hardcover from Kregel.

With stirring stories of the apprehension, interrogation, imprisonment, and execution of alleged heretics, this is a powerful book. Based on a new transcription of the last edition overseen by Foxe, King has added 21 original woodcuts, a comprehensive introduction to the man and his times, glossaries, a general index, and notes. 336 pages, softcover. Oxford University.