Day 109, Acts 12
We have reached about ten years after the crucifixion and resurrection, and now we see political power opposing the threat posed by the flourishing church.
The first martyr was at the hand of religion: Stephen murdered by the Jewish authorities. The second recorded martyr (and the first of the apostles to be killed) is Jacob (James) murdered by the political power, Herod Agrippa.
Since this gains favor with the religious powers, Herod then throws Peter into prison. But God has other plans: an angel releases Peter and leads him back to the church who are praying fervently for his release.
There is more humor in the disbelief that leaves Peter outside while everyone disputes that their prayers could have been answered! But the miraculous release was not good news for the guards, who are executed in a fit of vengeance by Agrippa. He truly is a picture of how human governmental power corrupts.
Later, having failed to give God glory but taking it for himself instead, Agrippa meets his gruesome end.
And through this tumultuous period, Saul and Barnabas have brought the offering from Antioch for the believers in Jerusalem, and they leave after their assignment is completed, taking John Mark (son of the owner of the house where the surprised prayer meeting took place) with them. This is the Mark who write the first gospel.
We will hear more of Mark in the coming days too.
Have a great day!
Mark