Twenty-first-century Christians in the West crave comfort, affluence, freedom from pain, and even power. However, the story of global Christianity–from Christ, the early church, right up to the present day–has been shaped by suffering and even martyrdom. In this short book Edward Smither explores martyrdom both biblically and historically. He defends three claims: in martyrdom we verbally bear witness to Christ, we raise a prophetic voice, and we worship. Christians today, argues Smither, especially those in the West, should welcome suffering and martyrdom as a normal part of the Christian life.