I wouldn’t go so far as to say that any past Christian’s role is over.
As Paul says in 1 Co 2: “9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
After all, we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses.
Their specific earthly roles in the redemption story are completed.
After all, we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses.
Isn't it possible that the testimony of these witnesses is their COMPLETED actions on earth? Hebrews 12:1 is a concluding statement for Hebrews 11 - which details historical examples of faith. If a martyr does nothing else, he or she has already provided a testimony for us through his or her faithfulness unto death.