Henry Martyn: The Scholar and Missionary Who Gave It All for Christ
The Story of Henry Martyn
Henry Martyn was born on February 18, 1781, in Truro, England. Known for his remarkable intelligence, he excelled in academics from a young age. While studying at Cambridge University, he earned accolades for his scholarly achievements, becoming a top mathematician and respected academic. Despite his early success, Martyn felt a deep sense of emptiness and began to question the purpose of his life.
His spiritual transformation began when he heard a sermon by Charles Simeon, a prominent Christian preacher, who spoke about the need for missionaries to spread the gospel. This sermon, paired with the witness of his dying father and the reading of missionary accounts, awakened Martyn to the urgent need to serve God fully. He soon committed his life to missionary work, giving up a promising career in England to follow God’s call.
The Turning Point Towards God
Martyn’s turning point occurred during his studies at Cambridge, where he was influenced by devout Christian friends and mentors like Charles Simeon. He felt convicted by Matthew 16:26:
“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”
This verse challenged Martyn to think beyond earthly success and consider the eternal impact of his life. It was then that he decided to dedicate himself to spreading the gospel, even if it meant facing great danger and sacrifice.
An Inspiring Story of Martyn’s Sacrifice
In 1806, Martyn set sail for India as a missionary with the East India Company. The journey was arduous, and upon arrival, he faced many challenges, including a harsh climate, cultural differences, and health issues. Yet, he was undeterred. He devoted himself to translating the Bible into local languages, believing that people must have access to God’s Word in their own tongue.
One of Martyn’s most inspiring accomplishments came from his work translating the New Testament into Persian (modern-day Farsi). He traveled to Persia (now Iran) to complete this translation and distribute copies. While there, he faced intense opposition from local religious authorities. In one dramatic encounter, a Muslim scholar publicly challenged Martyn, demanding that he renounce Christianity. Despite the risk to his life, Martyn stood firm, boldly defending his faith in Jesus Christ. He continued his work, often praying fervently for the people of Persia and India to come to know Christ.
Henry Martyn’s health deteriorated rapidly due to the harsh conditions, but he pressed on, completing translations of the New Testament into Persian, Urdu, and parts of the Bible in Arabic. His unwavering dedication and bold witness left an indelible mark on the Christian mission field.
The Work He Did to Change the World
Martyn’s work laid the foundation for future Bible translations, and his writings inspired many to pursue mission work. His translations of the New Testament into Persian and Urdu were monumental achievements, bringing the gospel to people who had never before encountered the Word of God. Though he died young at 31, his commitment to God’s calling sparked a wave of missionary fervor that would influence generations. His life showed the power of using intellect and scholarship to advance God’s kingdom.
The Verse That Changed His Life
Matthew 16:26 became a guiding force for Martyn:
“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”
This verse led him to choose a life of sacrifice over worldly success, trusting that serving God’s kingdom had eternal value.
Things to Learn from Henry Martyn
- Eternal Perspective: Martyn’s life reminds us to prioritize God’s eternal purposes over temporary worldly achievements.
- Boldness in Faith: Despite danger and opposition, he remained steadfast in his mission, never compromising his faith.
- Power of Scripture: His dedication to Bible translation highlights the importance of making God’s Word accessible to all people.
- Sacrificial Love: Martyn gave up the comforts of his home country and risked his health for the sake of sharing Christ’s love.
Henry Martyn’s story is a testament to the power of surrendering everything to God. His unwavering faith, scholarly gifts, and sacrificial love continue to inspire believers to live with a passion for Christ and a heart for the lost. His legacy encourages us to remember that our true purpose lies in serving God, no matter the cost.