Who was the first martyr outside of the New Testament according to the text?

The first martyr outside of the New Testament is considered to be Ignatius of Antioch. Ignatius, a prominent early Christian leader and bishop, was martyred around 107 AD. His writings provide critical insights into early Christian theology and ecclesiology, and he is often recognized for his steadfast commitment to the faith, which ultimately led to his execution for refusing to renounce Christianity.

While Polycarp is an important figure in early Christianity and is also known for his martyrdom, his death occurred later, around 155 AD. Clement of Rome and Justin Martyr were significant in the early Church, but their stories do not encompass martyrdom in the same early context as Ignatius. Thus, Ignatius is rightly identified as the first martyr outside of the New Testament narrative.