James Killed and Peter Seized By Herod Sometime near the time Barnabas and Saul were taking the gift from Antioch to Jerusalem, Herod Agrippa decided to inflict pain on certain members of the church. Particularly, it seems, he had in mind the apostles. He first had James, John's brother, taken capt... [ Continue Reading ]
The Danger of Prayer While Herod waited for the end of Passover, the church waited in prayer. They asked God to be with Peter, whether in simply requesting that God help sustain his faith or have him released, cannot be said with assurance. The Greek words used by Luke suggest there was a prayer be... [ Continue Reading ]
God Deals With Herod The next morning, as one might imagine, the prison was in turmoil. No one knew what had happened to Peter. When Herod could not find him, he had the guards executed. Roman law required that a guard face the punishment which was intended for any prisoner who escaped under their... [ Continue Reading ]
Barnabas' and Saul's Special Work Once Barnabas and Saul had completed their task of delivering the gift for the needy saints in Jerusalem, they returned to Antioch. Barnabas' cousin, John Mark, also went with them (Colossians 4:10). It will be remembered that Mark's mother was Mary. Luke had just... [ Continue Reading ]