People in the world are generally quite self-centered. Even saved people are often lovers of their own selves instead of preferring one another.
John wondered at the thought that there would be a time in the future when a group identifying as Christian would put others to death for having faith in Christ.
A martyr is one who is killed for his faith. Only two individuals are specifically named as martyrs in scripture: Stephen and Antipas.
God places a high value on life. His desire was for man to be fruitful and multiply and bring forth abundantly in the earth (Genesis 9:7).
