Introduction

The setting of the story now shifts from the Antioch church back to Jerusalem. Luke writes Acts 12 to reaffirm “Israel’s rejection of the Messiah.” The growing hostility of the Jews toward the church paves the way for the first missionary journey (Gentile evangelism). Let’s review the shift in the attitude of the Jewish people: (1) Initially, the Jews were favorable toward the church. (2) However, persecution began following Stephen’s martyrdom, with Saul leading the charge. (3) After Saul’s conversion, there was a temporary period of peace. (4) However, after Gentiles began to join the church, hostility increased. (5) In this context, persecution struck the Jerusalem church again, this time by political authorities. This persecution began around the time when the Antioch church was collecting relief funds for the Jerusalem church (around the Passover of AD 44).

The death of James

Following are the four generations of the Herodian dynasty: (1) Herod the Great (37–4 BC): He kiIIed his beloved wife, Mariamne, and their two sons (Aristobulus and Alexander). (2) Herod the Great’s son: Herod Antipas (4 BC–AD 39): The tetrarch of Galilee (Luke 3:1).  (3) Herod the Great’s grandson: Herod Agrippa I (AD 37–44): The son of Aristobulus. He was a close friend of the Roman Emperor Caligula (Gaius) and ruled over the territories once controlled by Herod the Great. (4) Herod the Great’s great-grandson: Herod Agrippa II (AD 44–around 100): He would later preside over Paul’s trial (Acts 26). Herod Agrippa was a populist. As an Idumean, he sought to gain favor with the Jews by moving the capital from Caesarea to Jerusalem. He then began persecuting the apostles, likely in collaboration with the Sanhedrin. The first target was James, the brother of John. The phrase “executed with a sword” refers to execution by beheading (the same method used for John the Baptist in Matthew 14:10). Beheading was considered the most merciful form of execution (other methods included stoning, burning, and hanging). The use of beheading indicates that James was executed for the charge of apostasy. The elder of the “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17) became the first martyred apostle. His younger brother John would become the only apostle to live a long life. God has a unique plan for each of us, which in His perspective, is the best plan. Faith is accepting it as so. Let’s continue to move forward trusting in God’s best today.