Just to add a point. I checked the references given by Awaiting, and also came up with the following in the same question from readers, along with a further point in the sub-refered article:
Wt January 15, 1952 P.62- "Questions from Readers"
According to the article "Hated for His Name" in the September 1, 1951, Watchtower, hundreds of thousands of Christians died in the "ten persecutions" starting in Nero's time, 144,000 dying in Egypt alone during one of the persecutions. How can this be harmonized with the Scriptural limitation of 144,000 placed on the number being in Christ's body, and which position was the only one open to Christians during those centuries?-J.A., Dominican Republic.
The article did not class with any finality the individuals that died during these persecutions, but spoke of the results in a general way. Note that a key qualification was made in the case referred to in the question: "In the province of Egypt alone, 144,000 such professed Christians died by violence in the course of this persecution, in addition to another 700,000 who died as a result of fatigues encountered in banishment or under enforced public works." The victims are identified as "professed Christians", not Christians in fact. Many of those persons might have been caught in the wave of persecution, but may never have actually preached the truth or followed in Jesus' footsteps, being only professed Christians. They knew the world they lived in was rotten and they were listening to the message of the Christians and willing to die for it even though not in line for the high calling in Christ Jesus. Many professed Christians today might be willing to die for their faith, but still not be Jesus' footstep followers and meeting the Scriptural requirements for such.
Wt September 1, 1951 P.516 - "Hated for His Name"
Brief respite followed the death of Nero, but by the latter years of the first century the second great persecution, under Emperor Domitian, flared up. It is said that in the year 95 alone some 40,000 suffered martyrdom.
I'm new here (not even a week-old), so I had missed the earlier posts until they were refered to, but I've got to stand up and be counted on this one - I, too, have received an anointing by Holy Spirit (fairly recently, infact). I've yet to get my head round posting my experience (with current events, etc.) but the key is Christ.
The Father draws, but the desire to be with Christ is undeniable. Further, the Spirit opens your eyes when you read certain scriptures regarding our Father.
I'm still a dub elder, post-1935 <g>, and now have a differant take on a number of scriptures that I thought I knew well. My thirst for the truth of God's word has become unquenchable, and I pray daily for the assistance of the "helper".
I can honestly say that it is truly humbling - hence the nik (a reference to how I feel within the "body" of Christ).
I would also add that I was brought up a dub, never did drugs, and (for the most part <g>) am a fairly well balanced individual (emotionally and mentally). Some here might question that, since I'm still a dub <g>, but I do my part to fight the corner of orphans, widows and those skinned and thrown about.
Above and beyond that, I must also reiterate that I love Marmite, and Guinness (so don't assume that it takes away your tastebuds or sense of humour - I've not become a bethel lawyer, or anything) <vbg>.
LT