Today we are reading Acts 12. In this chapter we read about political persecution of Christians. “About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword, and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.” Acts 12:1-5 ESV This political persecution of Christians was shocking and upsetting to the church. James was the first of the 12 to be killed for his faith. James was one of the first disciples to be called by Jesus and the first to be called home. The rest of the disciples took the Gospel throughout the world and all were martyred except John the brother of James. He lived a long life and wrote five books of the New Testament! We don’t know how long we will serve Jesus before we are called home but we can live each day like it is our last! God bless you as you bless others! Pastor Tim
