He Had James Killed

Scripture: Acts 12:1-5

1 About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church. 2 He had the apostle James (John’s brother) killed with a sword. 3 When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish people, he also arrested Peter. (This took place during the Passover celebration.) 4 Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover. 5 But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him. (Acts 12:1-5 NLT)

Each section of this part of Acts could begin with the word “Meanwhile”! There’s so much going on, and the scene switches between Jerusalem, Samaria, Damascus, Joppa, Caesarea, and Antioch! There was a respite in the persecution of Jesus’ followers right after the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Over a decade has passed since the Acts 2 day of Pentecost. Now persecution raises its head again. Herod Agrippa, the grandson of the Herod who beheaded John the Baptist, has James, John’s brother killed. Herod saw an opportunity to boost his popularity with the Jews and had Peter arrested and imprisoned under heavy guard.

Herod arrested Peter because he saw how much killing James “pleased the Jewish leaders.” Herod’s driving force wasn’t justice or truth; it was applause, political leverage, and public opinion. This was evil, wrong, and heartbreakingly sad! Stay tuned for how that turns out! Living for the approval of others is a dangerous, slippery slope that compromises integrity and harms people around us. This brings up the “Why” questions. Why do evil people get away with the harm they do? Why are bad things allowed to happen to good people? I find that the “Why?” questions are always above my pay grade. When I can’t understand “Why?”, I will trust in God!

“But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed earnestly for him.” Humanly speaking, Peter was completely helpless, guarded by 16 soldiers and facing imminent execution. But the church possessed a weapon greater than Herod’s evil power: earnest, collective prayer. Never underestimate the word “But” when it involves God and the prayers of his people. The world may write a script of defeat, isolation, or despair for your situation. However, earnest prayer invites God’s power in. When you feel trapped by circumstances, remember that heaven is always listening—keep bringing your “impossible” situations to God in prayer.

Prayer:

Father, Please help us to trust you when the “Why?” questions swirl around our souls. Please help us to pray earnestly when faced with overwhelming, seemingly impossible challenges. We do trust you! We will continue to earnestly pray. In Jesus’ Name!