Chapter 26

1Behold, I tell you: magnify and exalt the martyrs with double honor, just as the blessed James and Stephen, the first martyr, are honored among us. Such people are blessed before God, elect and holy—a people pure from sin and without thoughts of revenge. Rather, they are peacemakers, unwearied in doing his will and keeping his commandment. Concerning them David says, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of the righteous.” Solomon also says, “The remembrance of the righteous is perfected with praise.” And again the prophet says, “His horn shall be exalted with honor.”

2We have said this concerning those who have truly become martyrs for the sake of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Behold, then, we understand and know that those who honor the martyrs, and the faithful who have fought a good fight, finished their course, and died for Christ’s sake in the right faith, will win a good reward and eternal life. And those who were true martyrs, were judged uprightly, and pleased God in their lives—these shall inherit the kingdom of heaven.