How many Christians were martyred during the Dark Ages?
Historical estimates indicate that during the Dark Ages, roughly 500 AD to 1500—about 1,000 years—some 50 million Christians were martyred. Many suffered horrible deaths, yet they endured gladly for their faith. This figure is presented as an estimate from history.
Les teaches that history records the Dark Ages as the period from about 500 AD to 1500, at the time of the Reformation—roughly 1,000 years. During that thousand years, estimates place about 50 million Christians put to death as martyrs. Many of them suffered horrible deaths that we cannot imagine, yet they did it gladly for their faith. In the surrounding passage, this shedding of the blood of saints and prophets is given as the reason for God's righteous judgment, and the angels affirm that He is righteous.
For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.