The followers of Christ come from every race and culture, every generation and social class. However, it is not a common culture that draws them together, but a common faith. Peter and Paul represent the universality of the church and the red vestments worn today remind us of the price their commitment exacted of them. Both Peter and Paul are examples of how God takes those weak in faith and transforms them into champions of the gospel. Once transformed, each man threw himself wholeheartedly into the mission that was his. Their fate should not surprise us, for they were disciples of one who gave his last breath for the life of the world. Although the word martyr usually refers to one who dies for the faith, the Greek word (mártys) really means witness, one who gives testimony. Like Peter and Paul, the martyr is one whose life gives witness to the faith. However, when this witness is too much of a challenge, the witness’ life is placed in jeopardy. Peter and Paul call us all to this kind of testimony to faith.