The early martyr literature can be read in different ways; as discourse, as history and as theology. Consequently, the current scholarship is extensive and diverse. Martyr literature covers a range of genres, from martyr acts and passions, to exhortations, letters and theological treatises. Although martyr literature had a social role in shaping early Christian identity, the central concept of martyrdom was theological. “Martyr” means witness and when early Christians died for their witness to Christ the term took on a rich meaning shaped by this literature. Martyrdom resulted from confession of Christ to a hostile world, and the confession, “I am a Christian” became the climax of the martyr acts. There was a consistent perception that persecution was instigated by the devil, albeit in some sense under God’s providence. The demon-inspired world was at war with Christ and Christians saw themselves inevitably drawn into that conflict. By imitating Christ in their confession unto death they joined in Christ’s cosmic battle and eschatological victory over the devil and his minions. Martyrdom, a second baptism, thus brought assurance of salvation and vindication by God. In time, the martyrs were honoured as holy intercessors and a cult grew up around their memorials. When persecution ceased, ascetics and saints became the new martyrs, with hagiographies adopting many of the original martyrological tropes. The martyr literature thus provides a fascinating window into the thought world of the early church, whose hope lay beyond their present suffering.