Could the apostles die as martyrs without recanting because they would rather die instead of being known as liars? When it comes to psychology of ancient mind (the importance of honor), this question sounds kind of hard to get through. Can anyone comment on that?
This idea just doesn’t really make sense because it goes against human nature.
Yes, perhaps ONE man might be willing to die in order to avoid being known as a liar. Or perhaps a group of 12-15 men who are all in the same room might be willing to die together (even for a lie).
However, 12-15 men all alone, spread out across the ancient world, from Spain to India are not very likely to all die for a lie.
Humans don’t want to die, and surely most are not willing to die for a lie, ESP when they are surrounded by strangers and don’t have to worry about shaming their family.
If all the Apostles died as martyrs in Jerusalem, this arguments MIGHT hold a little more water, since they would want to avoid shaming their families.
But since they were all around the ancient world, by themselves (plus an aide), any family shame would be lessened (or eleminited). So while perhaps one person might still go forwarded with martyrdom for a lie, it’s very doubtful that all of them would.