An Orthodox Christian perspective:
1. The man was Jordanian, and thus perhaps Orthodox. Any pious Orthodox Christian knows the implication of denying Christ. The scripture references that others have posted clearly apply.
2. Had the man cofessed that he is a Christian, recited the Nicean Creed (1st Ecumenical Council), who could doubt that he would then die a martyr and be numbered among the saints of The Church?
3. I make no judgement about the man...God alone judges. But he now lives knowing the scripture and fearing the dread judgement. He chose that unknown over martyrdom. He will be thinking about this for the rest of his life.
4. Also, it appears this all transpired upon the feast of Pentecost (one of the 13 major feastdays of the Orthodox Church); when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles.
Oh fer cryin out loud! Recite a creed?!? That is nowhere in the Bible?