THEY CHOSE DEATH OVER DENIAL: What the First Christian Martyrs Reveal About Real Faith

An Introduction That Demands Your Attention

Before you read another word, ask yourself this question: What would you die for?

Not “What do you believe?” Not “What church do you attend?” But what conviction runs so deep in your soul that you would choose torture and death over abandoning it?

Most of us have never seriously considered this question. We live in comfortable Christianity—climate-controlled sanctuaries, coffee bars in the lobby, sermons that make us feel good. We’ve never had to choose between Jesus and our lives.

But they did.

The men and women you’re about to read about weren’t Sunday-morning Christians. They weren’t cultural believers who inherited their religion from their parents. They were people who had encountered the risen Christ so powerfully that when faced with the ultimatum “Deny Jesus or die,” they chose death.

Every. Single. Time.

This isn’t ancient history—it’s a mirror. It’s asking you: Is your faith real enough to die for? Or are you just playing church?

Let’s find out.

THE PATTERN BEGINS: When Preaching Truth Gets You Killed

The history of the church may almost be said to be a history of the trials and sufferings of its members, as experienced at the hands of wicked men. At one time, persecution, as waged against the friends of Christ, was confined to those without; at another, schisms and divisions have arrayed brethren of the same name against each other, and scenes of cruelty and woe have been exhibited within the sanctuary, rivalling in horror the direst cruelties ever inflicted by pagan or barbarian fanaticism.

Stop right there. Let that sink in. Christians killing Christians. Believers torturing believers. This isn’t just pagans attacking the church—it’s the church attacking itself. If you think persecution only comes from outside, history proves you wrong. Sometimes the deadliest enemy of true faith is religious people who don’t actually know God.

This, however, instead of implying any defect in the gospel system, which breathes peace and love; only pourtrays in darker colours the deep and universal depravity of the human heart. Pure and unsophisticated morality, especially when attempted to be inculcated on mankind, as essential to their preserving an interest with their Creator, have constantly met with opposition.

It was this which produced the premature death of John the Baptist. It was the cutting charge of adultery and incest, which excited the resentment of Herodias, who never ceased to persecute him, until she had accomplished his destruction. The same observation is equally applicable to the Jewish doctors, in their treatment of our blessed Lord and Saviour JESUS CHRIST.

ANALYSIS: Why Truth-Telling Gets You Killed

John the Baptist didn’t die for preaching abstract theology. He died because he called out sexual sin in powerful people. He told King Herod, “Your marriage is adultery,” and it cost him his head.

Here’s the uncomfortable question: When was the last time you spoke truth that actually cost you something?

We love to claim we’re bold for Jesus. We share Bible verses on social media. We wear cross necklaces. We put Christian bumper stickers on our cars. But would you confront your boss about unethical practices? Would you tell your friend their lifestyle is sinful? Would you refuse to participate in cultural lies, even if it meant losing your job, your reputation, or your relationships?

John the Baptist shows us what real prophetic boldness looks like. It’s not safe. It’s not popular. It’s not comfortable. It gets you killed.

I. STEPHEN: The First One Who Could Have Saved Himself

ST. STEPHEN suffered the next in order. His death was occasioned by the faithful manner in which he preached the gospel to the betrayers and murderers of Christ. To such a degree of madness were they excited, that they cast him out of the city and stoned him to death. The time when he suffered is generally supposed to have been at the passover which succeeded to that of our Lord’s crucifixion, and to the aera of his ascension, in the following spring.

Upon this a great persecution was raised against all who professed their belief in Christ as the Messiah, or as a prophet. We are immediately told by St. Luke, that “there was a great persecution against the church, which was at Jerusalem;” and that “they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.”

About two thousand christians, with Nicanor, one of the seven deacons, suffered martyrdom during the “persecution which arose about Stephen.”

ANALYSIS: The Man Who Chose Words Over Life

Read Acts 7 and you’ll see something shocking: Stephen had an opportunity to back down. He could have softened his message. He could have been “wise” and “diplomatic.” Instead, he looked at the religious leaders—the men holding stones in their hands—and called them “stiff-necked people” who “always resist the Holy Spirit” and murdered God’s prophets.

He chose brutal honesty over survival.

Here’s what haunts me: Stephen could see their faces twisting with rage. He knew what was coming. He had time to recant, to apologize, to say, “Wait, I didn’t mean it that way.” But he didn’t. He doubled down. He preached harder.

Why? Because he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. His eyes were fixed on eternity, not on the stones.

PAUSE AND CONSIDER:

Question 1: When you face opposition for your faith, do you double down like Stephen, or do you immediately start backpedaling and softening your stance?

Question 2: Stephen saw Jesus standing (not sitting) at God’s right hand—as if Jesus was standing to welcome His faithful martyr home. Do you live with that kind of eternal perspective, or are your eyes fixed on earthly comfort?

Question 3: Two thousand Christians died in this persecution. TWO THOUSAND. When one believer stood firm, it cost many lives. Are you willing to be the Stephen who triggers persecution, or would you rather compromise to keep everyone safe?

Question 4: The apostles STAYED in Jerusalem during the persecution while everyone else fled. What does this tell you about true leadership? Are you the type who runs at the first sign of trouble, or do you stand your ground?

 

II. JAMES THE GREAT: When Following Jesus Costs You Everything

The next martyr we meet with, according to St. Luke, in the History of the Apostles’ Acts, was James the son of Zebedee, the elder brother of John, and a relative of our Lord; for his mother Salome was cousin-german to the Virgin Mary. It was not until ten years after the death of Stephen, that the second martyrdom took place; for no sooner had Herod Agrippa been appointed governor of Judea, than, with a view to ingratiate himself with them, he raised a sharp persecution against the christians, and determined to make an effectual blow, by striking at their leaders.

The account given us by an eminent primitive writer, Clemens Alexandrinus, ought not to be overlooked; that, as James was led to the place of martyrdom, his accuser was brought to repent of his conduct by the apostle’s extraordinary courage and undauntedness, and fell down at his feet to request his pardon, professing himself a christian, and resolving that James should not receive the crown of martyrdom alone. Hence they were both beheaded at the same time.

Thus did the first apostolic martyr cheerfully and resolutely receive that cup, which he had told our Saviour he was ready to drink. Timon and Parmenas suffered martyrdom about the same time; the one at Phillippi, and the other in Macedonia. These events took place A. D. 44.

ANALYSIS: The Power of Dying Well

Stop and marvel at this: James’s courage was so undeniable, so unshakeable, that his accuser—the man who had him arrested—converted to Christianity on the spot. He watched James face death with such peace, such confidence, such joy, that he thought, “Whatever this man has, I need it. Even if it costs me my life too.”

That man went from prosecutor to martyr in a matter of minutes. He saw something in James’s eyes that was more real than anything he’d ever encountered. He saw someone who wasn’t afraid of death because death had already lost its power.

Do you have that kind of faith? The kind that makes people want what you have, even when it leads to a sword?

Remember: James was one of Jesus’s inner circle. He was there at the Transfiguration. He saw Jesus’s glory. He heard the Father’s voice. He witnessed the resurrection. He knew what was waiting on the other side.

When Jesus asked James and John, “Can you drink the cup I’m going to drink?” (Matthew 20:22), James said yes. He had no idea what he was agreeing to. But when the time came to actually drink that cup of suffering, he didn’t flinch.

PAUSE AND CONSIDER:

Question 5: James’s faith was so authentic that it converted his executioner. Does your faith convert anyone, or does it just make religious people comfortable?

Question 6: James said “yes” to Jesus years before he understood the cost. What has God asked you to say “yes” to that you’re still negotiating?

Question 7: Political leaders killed James to score points with religious people. When have you seen “Christianity” used as a weapon by people who don’t actually follow Christ? How did you respond?

Question 8: James cheerfully received the cup he told Jesus he was ready to drink. Do you keep your promises to God, even when fulfilling them is painful?

THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP: A Roll Call of Blood

III. PHILIP: Whipped, Imprisoned, Crucified

Was born at Bethsaida, in Galilee, and was the first called by the name of “Disciple.” He laboured diligently in Upper Asia, and suffered martyrdom at Heliopolis, in Phrygia. He was scourged, thrown into prison, and afterwards crucified, A. D. 54.

IV. MATTHEW: From Tax Collector to Gospel Writer to Murder Victim

Whose occupation was that of a toll-gatherer, was born at Nazareth. He wrote his gospel in Hebrew, which was afterwards translated into Greek by James the Less. The scene of his labors was Parthia, and Ethiopia, in which latter country he suffered martyrdom, being slain with a halberd in the city of Nadabah, A. D. 60.

V. JAMES THE LESS: Ninety-Four Years Old, Still Preaching, Still Dangerous

Is supposed by some to have been the brother of our Lord, by a former wife of Joseph. This is very doubtful, and accords too much with the catholic superstition, that Mary never had any other children except our Saviour. He was elected to the oversight of the churches of Jerusalem; and was the author of the epistle ascribed to James in the sacred canon. At the age of ninety-four, he was beat and stoned by the Jews; and finally had his brains dashed out with a fuller’s club.

ANALYSIS: Your Past Doesn’t Disqualify You—It Equips You

Look at Matthew. He was a tax collector—one of the most hated professions in Israel. Tax collectors were traitors who collaborated with Rome to extort their own people. Matthew was wealthy from other people’s suffering. He was despised. He was a sellout.

Then Jesus said two words: “Follow me.”

And Matthew left everything. His lucrative career. His financial security. His old life. He followed Jesus, wrote one of the four Gospels, traveled to Ethiopia to preach the Good News, and died with a halberd through his body.

From traitor to martyr. From extortionist to evangelist. From hated to honored.

And James the Less? He lived to be 94 years old. Most people at 94 are worried about their health, their comfort, their peaceful final years. James was still preaching so boldly that religious leaders felt threatened enough to murder him. They beat him. Stoned him. And when he still wouldn’t shut up, they bashed his head in with a club.

He was too old to be dangerous. Except he wasn’t. He was still proclaiming Jesus at an age when most people are silent.

PAUSE AND CONSIDER:

Question 9: Matthew’s past didn’t stop Jesus from using him powerfully. What sin in your past are you using as an excuse not to serve God fully?

Question 10: Philip, Matthew, and James all traveled to foreign countries to preach the Gospel, knowing it would likely get them killed. When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone for Jesus? Or are you playing it safe?

Question 11: James the Less was still preaching at 94. Are you planning to retire from faith? When do you think you get to stop telling people about Jesus—when it gets uncomfortable? When you’re older? Never?

Question 12: These men were killed for their words, not their actions. They died because they wouldn’t stop talking about Jesus. If speaking about Jesus was a crime, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

VI-XII. THE BROTHERS, THE WRITERS, THE BRAVE

VI. MATTHIAS: The Replacement Who Didn’t Replace Anything

Of whom less is known than of most of the other disciples, was elected to fill the vacant place of Judas. He was stoned at Jerusalem and then beheaded.

VII. ANDREW: The X-Shaped Cross That Bears His Name

Was the brother of Peter. He preached the gospel to many Asiatic nations; but on his arrival at Edessa, he was taken and crucified on a cross, the two ends of which were fixed transversely in the ground. Hence the derivation of the term, St. Andrew’s Cross.

VIII. MARK: Dragged to Death for Writing Truth

Was born of Jewish parents of the tribe of Levi. He is supposed to have been converted to christianity by Peter, whom he served as an amanuensis, and under whose inspection he wrote his gospel in the Greek language. Mark was dragged to pieces by the people of Alexandria, at the great solemnity of Serapis their idol, ending his life under their merciless hands.

IX. PETER: Crucified Upside Down

Was born at Bethsaida, in Galilee. He was by occupation a fisherman. Christ gave him a name which in Syriac implies a rock. Peter is supposed to have suffered martyrdom at Rome, during the reign of the emperor Nero, being crucified with his head downward, at his own request.

[It is, however, very uncertain, whether Peter ever visited Rome at all. The evidence rather favouring the supposition that he ended his days in some other country.–Ed.]

ANALYSIS: From Denial to Death—Peter’s Redemption

Let’s talk about Peter for a moment, because his story should give every backslider hope and every “strong” Christian humility.

Peter was the one who swore he’d never deny Jesus. “Even if everyone else abandons you, I never will!” (Matthew 26:33). Big talk. Bold claims. Total confidence.

Then a servant girl asked if he knew Jesus, and Peter folded like a cheap card table. Not once. Three times. With curses and oaths. He denied Jesus so thoroughly that when the rooster crowed, Jesus turned and looked at him, and Peter went out and wept bitterly.

That should have been the end of Peter’s story. “Failed apostle. Couldn’t handle pressure. Denied Jesus when it counted.”

But it wasn’t.

Jesus restored him. Recommissioned him. Used him to preach at Pentecost where 3,000 people got saved. Made him a pillar of the early church. And when Peter faced crucifixion decades later, he didn’t deny Jesus. He didn’t run. He didn’t negotiate.

Tradition says he asked to be crucified upside down because he didn’t feel worthy to die the same way Jesus did.

The man who denied Jesus three times before a servant girl chose crucifixion rather than deny Him before Rome.

That’s called redemption. That’s called transformation. That’s what the Gospel does.

PAUSE AND CONSIDER:

Question 13: Matthias replaced Judas, the ultimate failure. God uses even our worst betrayals to bring about His purposes. What “Judas moment” in your church or life has God redeemed?

Question 14: Andrew brought Peter to Jesus, then spent his life in Peter’s shadow. Are you willing to play a supporting role in God’s kingdom, or do you need to be the star?

Question 15: Mark was Peter’s assistant and wrote Peter’s memories into a Gospel. Who are you mentoring? Who’s writing down YOUR testimony?

Question 16: Peter went from denier to martyr. If you’ve failed God spectacularly, are you letting that failure define you, or are you letting God redeem it?

Question 17: Peter asked to be crucified upside down out of humility. The man who was once so prideful learned profound humility. What pride is God trying to kill in you?

X. PAUL: The Terrorist Who Became a Target

The great apostle of the Gentiles, was a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, a native of Tarsus in Cilicia, and before his conversion was called Saul. After suffering various persecutions at Jerusalem, Iconium, Lystra, Phillippi and Thessalonica, he was carried prisoner to Rome, where he continued for two years, and was then released. He afterwards visited the churches of Greece and Rome, and preached the gospel in Spain and France, but returning to Rome, he was apprehended by order of Nero, and beheaded.

ANALYSIS: The Man Who Couldn’t Shut Up

Before his conversion, Paul (Saul) was hunting Christians. He held the coats of the men who stoned Stephen. He dragged believers out of their homes and threw them in prison. He voted for their execution. He was the ISIS of his day—a religious terrorist convinced he was serving God by murdering “heretics.”

Then Jesus appeared to him on the Damascus Road and everything changed.

Paul became the very thing he had persecuted. And the people he once worked with became his executioners.

Read through Paul’s résumé of suffering in 2 Corinthians 11:

• Five times I received 39 lashes
• Three times I was beaten with rods
• Once I was stoned and left for dead
• Three times I was shipwrecked
• I spent a day and night in the open sea
• I’ve been in constant danger from rivers, bandits, my own people, Gentiles, in the city, in the country, at sea, and from false believers
• I’ve been hungry, thirsty, cold, and naked

And after all that? He went back to Rome where he knew Nero was killing Christians. He walked into certain death.

Why? Because he said, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation” (Romans 1:16).

He counted his life as nothing compared to knowing Christ.

PAUSE AND CONSIDER:

Question 18: Paul went from persecutor to persecuted. Who in your life seems too far gone to save? Are you writing them off, or praying for their Damascus Road moment?

Question 19: After everything Paul suffered, he still went back. He still preached. He still wrote letters encouraging others. When suffering comes, do you retreat, or do you press forward?

Question 20: Paul called his sufferings “light and momentary troubles” compared to eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). Do you have that perspective, or does a bad day feel like the end of the world?

Question 21: Paul’s greatest crime was that he couldn’t stop talking about Jesus. What’s stopping you from talking about Him? Fear of judgment? Fear of rejection? Or do you just not have anything to say?

 

XI-XVII. THE FINAL SEVEN: No Escape, No Compromise, No Regrets

XI. JUDE: Crucified in Edessa

The brother of James, was commonly called Thaddeus. He was crucified at Edessa, A. D. 72.

XII. BARTHOLOMEW: Beaten and Crucified

Preached in several countries, and having translated the gospel of Matthew into the language of India, he propagated it in that country. He was at length cruelly beaten and then crucified by the impatient idolaters.

XIII. THOMAS: Thrust Through with a Spear

Called Didymus, preached the gospel in Parthia and India, where exciting the rage of the pagan priests, he was martyred by being thrust through with a spear.

XIV. LUKE: Hanged on an Olive Tree

The evangelist, was the author of the gospel which goes under his name. He travelled with Paul through various countries, and is supposed to have been hanged on an olive tree, by the idolatrous priests of Greece.

XV. SIMON: Crucified in Britain

Surnamed Zelotes, preached the gospel in Mauritania, Africa, and even in Britain, which latter country he was crucified, A. D. 74.

XVI. JOHN: The Only One Who Lived

The “beloved disciple,” was brother to James the Great. The churches of Smyrna, Pergamos, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea, and Thyatira, were founded by him. From Ephesus he was ordered to be sent to Rome, where it is affirmed he was cast into a cauldron of boiling oil. He escaped by miracle, without injury. Domitian afterwards banished him to the Isle of Patmos, where he wrote the Book of Revelation. Nerva, the successor of Domitian, recalled him. He was the only apostle who escaped a violent death.

XVII. BARNABAS: The Encourager Who Paid the Price

Was of Cyprus, but of Jewish descent, his death is supposed to have taken place about A. D. 73.

ANALYSIS: Geography Didn’t Save Them

Look at the spread: Edessa, India, Parthia, Greece, Britain, Africa, Asia Minor. These men went to the ends of the known world. They crossed deserts, sailed seas, climbed mountains, learned new languages, adapted to foreign cultures—all to tell people about Jesus.

And it didn’t matter where they went. Whether they preached in civilized Greece or remote Britain, whether they faced Roman authorities or pagan priests, whether they ministered to Jews or Gentiles—the result was the same.

They died.

Every single one except John. And they tried to kill him too—they boiled him in oil and he survived.

There was no safe place to preach the Gospel. There was no comfortable Christianity. There was no cultural Christianity. There was only this: Follow Jesus wherever He sends you and be willing to die there.

PAUSE AND CONSIDER:

Question 22: Thomas is famous for doubting Jesus’s resurrection. But after he believed, he went to India and died for that belief. Have you moved from doubt to faith to action, or are you stuck in one of those stages?

Question 23: These men traveled thousands of miles in the ancient world (no planes, no cars, no GPS, no hotels) to preach the Gospel. How far are you willing to go? Across the street to invite a neighbor? Across town to serve at a ministry? Across the world as a missionary?

Question 24: John survived being boiled in oil. When God miraculously saves you from something, do you see it as a second chance to go harder for Him, or as a sign to play it safe?

Question 25: Simon preached in Britain—the edge of the known world. He could have stayed in comfortable Jerusalem. Instead, he went to the cold, remote, dangerous frontier. Where is God calling you that you’re refusing to go because it’s uncomfortable?

Question 26: Luke was a doctor and an educated man. He could have had a comfortable life. Instead, he traveled with Paul and eventually died for his faith. What comfort is keeping you from fully following Jesus?

Question 27: Barnabas means “son of encouragement.” He encouraged Paul when everyone else feared him. He died for encouraging others to follow Jesus. Who are you encouraging toward Christ? Or are you just encouraging people toward comfort and success?

 

CONCLUSION: THE QUESTION THESE MARTYRS ASK YOU

Seventeen men. Multiple continents. Decades of ministry. Different methods of execution—beheading, crucifixion, stoning, spearing, beating, hanging, being dragged to death.

One common denominator: They all chose Jesus over life itself.

Not one of them recanted. Not one said, “You know what, this isn’t worth it.” Not one negotiated or compromised or found a middle way. When the choice came—deny Jesus or die—they died.

Now let’s get personal, because this isn’t ancient history. This is a mirror.

THE UNCOMFORTABLE QUESTIONS YOU CAN’T AVOID:

1. Would you die for Jesus, or are you just living for Him when it’s convenient?

Let’s be honest. Most of us won’t even experience minor discomfort for Jesus. We won’t:

• Speak up when coworkers mock Christianity
• Share the Gospel with relatives at Thanksgiving
• Refuse to participate in office gossip
• Take a financial hit to maintain integrity
• Risk a relationship by speaking truth
• Fast from entertainment to pray
• Give sacrificially to missions

If we won’t suffer inconvenience for Jesus, what makes us think we’d suffer death?

2. What are you trading for comfort that these men traded for Christ?

These martyrs had:

• Careers (Matthew was a tax collector, Luke was a doctor, Peter was a businessman)
• Families (Peter had a wife, likely others did too)
• Security (they gave it all up)
• Futures (they traded earthly futures for eternal ones)
• Lives (they literally gave them up)

What are you holding onto that you won’t surrender? Your career ambitions? Your retirement plan? Your comfortable lifestyle? Your reputation? Your relationships?

3. Is your faith REAL or just RESPECTABLE?

These men had the kind of faith that:

• Cost them everything
• Made them enemies of the state
• Got them tortured and killed
• Changed the world

Most of us have the kind of faith that:

• Costs us nothing
• Makes us blend in
• Gets us social approval
• Changes nothing

Which kind do you have?

4. What would have to change for your faith to be real enough to die for?

Here’s the hard truth: These men didn’t become martyrs because they were more courageous than us. They became martyrs because they had actually encountered the risen Jesus. They didn’t believe in a concept—they knew a Person. They weren’t defending a philosophy—they were testifying about Someone they’d seen, heard, touched, and followed.

The question isn’t “Would you die for Jesus?” The question is “Do you know Jesus well enough that death would be preferable to denying Him?”

THE FINAL CHALLENGE:

Most of you reading this will never be martyred. You’ll die in a hospital bed surrounded by family. You won’t face a sword or a cross or a stone.

But you’ll face something more insidious: the slow death of comfort.

You’ll face the daily choice to:

• Compromise a little to avoid conflict
• Stay silent to keep relationships smooth
• Water down truth to stay relevant
• Pursue security over faithfulness
• Choose approval over obedience
• Trade boldness for “wisdom”

And piece by piece, choice by choice, day by day, you’ll die without ever being killed. Your faith will become tame, domesticated, harmless, and useless.

These martyrs chose sudden death over slow compromise.

They chose physical martyrdom over spiritual suicide.

They chose the sword over the slow fade.

What will you choose?

THE APPLICATION YOU CAN’T IGNORE:

This week, do one thing that costs you something:

• Have the conversation you’ve been avoiding
• Speak the truth someone needs to hear
• Give sacrificially to Kingdom work
• Fast from something comfortable to pray
• Share the Gospel with someone who might reject you
• Take a stand that might cost you a relationship
• Obey God in the thing you’ve been putting off

Start training yourself to value Christ over comfort. Because if you won’t choose Jesus over your comfort, you’ll never choose Jesus over your life.

And if you won’t choose Jesus over your life, then ask yourself: Is He really your Lord?

 

FINAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

28. If you had to stand before these seventeen martyrs and explain why you call yourself a Christian, what would you say? Would they recognize your faith as the same faith they died for?

29. These men’s last words were about Jesus. What are your most common words about? Sports? Politics? Complaints? Entertainment? Your words reveal your treasure.

30. If the government made Christianity illegal tomorrow, would there be any evidence to arrest you? Would your neighbors testify you’re a Christian? Your coworkers? Your browsing history? Your bank account?

31. These martyrs counted everything as loss compared to knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8). Make a list of what you’re unwilling to lose. That’s your real god.

32. Read this article again in one year. Will your life look any different? Or will you still be playing comfortable Christianity while claiming to follow the same Jesus these men died for?

A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO WANT REAL FAITH:

Jesus, I am convicted. These men knew You in a way I don’t. They loved You in a way I don’t. They followed You in a way I don’t. I’ve been playing Christian while they were being Christians. I’ve been defending my comfort while they were dying for Your glory. Forgive me. Transform me. Give me faith that’s real enough to cost me something. I don’t want to die a comfortable death—I want to live a dangerous life for You. Make me willing to lose everything for the privilege of knowing You. Show me where I’m compromising, where I’m hiding, where I’m playing it safe. And give me the courage to choose You over my comfort, my reputation, my security, and even my life. Because You’re worth it. You’ve always been worth it. In Your name, Amen.

Now go live like it matters. Because it does. Eternally.