Acts: Go & Be Chapters 10-18Sample

What is this passage saying?

Herod Agrippa was the grandson of Herod the Great. The John MacArthur Study Bible has great information about Herod the King’s past. The early Church is growing and leading many to the Lord. Herod begins persecuting Christians, he killed James the brother of John, one of the apostles. These actions were gaining him favor with the Jews. So, to increase his popularity he put Peter in jail during the feast of Unleavened bread and was intending to let him out after Passover. It is amazing that as we read the Bible, we are getting insight into the thoughts of Herod. He was a cruel leader, but as we know there is no earthly authority that is greater than our God. There is confidence in us when we read these moments in history because we know the ending. It seems very grim and scary, but we know that God is going to do what only He can do. He is our protector. Jesus promised us hardships in this world- John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” The world is against Christians, this should not be a surprise to us. If you are living for Jesus, you will experience hardships. Jesus calls the ones who are persecuted for His Name’s sake blessed and that they will inherit the kingdom of God. (Matthew 5:10) No matter the trial we have peace because we have Jesus. The God of the universe is our defender. Romans 8:31 “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” When you look at your life, have the same confidence that God is in control.

What is this passage teaching?

God is always in control. James was killed for his faith. He was not delivered on earth. I invite you to read Tony Evans' commentary on this passage. Verse 2 is a quick verse; we could miss it. We can assume that John was praying for the deliverance of his brother. But this was not God’s plan for James. God’s plan for James was for His son to die for him, making a way for James to be with God. God’s plan was for His son to rise again so James could have eternal life. God’s plan was to save James through the gospel of Jesus and for James to live a life on earth that led others to a saving knowledge of Jesus. James was a martyr- beheaded for the Gospel. This would bring him into the presence of God where he would dwell in perfection for all eternity. The death of a loved one is devastating, and separation from them is heartbreaking. We do mourn, but not like those who have no hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13) Deliverance can have different meanings for a Christian. Our God gives us life that death can’t touch.

How do I respond?

Don’t be surprised when the world does not accept you. Prepare for it. The patterns of this world do not define Christians. Hardships are coming, but so is heaven. Praise the Lord- hardship is finite, but heaven is eternal. Fight to be eternally minded.