Acts 12:1-5 (ESV)

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.

This isn’t Herod the Great but his grandson. He’s a small-time punk who’s out of his depth holding a serious office. He kills people just to show off. He thinks he’s powerful, but he knows nothing of real power.

Still, he manages to knock off one of the original twelve disciples. Imagine the shock wave this sent through the church – despite Jesus’ specific prediction that James would suffer.

Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized,” – Mark 10:38-39

Though Jesus never said that anyone would be safe, it’s normal human nature to assume that leaders are at less risk in a conflict. This is, for example, standard military strategy. Rear Admirals are expected to stay in the rear where they don’t get killed. When Generals lead a charge it’s historic because that’s not how Generals are expected to operate.

But Christianity isn’t structured like a human institution because it isn’t a human institution. No one is exempt from dying for Christ. That’s now painfully dawning on the church.

So, when Peter is arrested, everyone hits their knees. The situation is about as tense as things can get, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

I’ll bet those prayers got incredibly earnest.

But many of the most earnest prayer requests will not be granted. Many of the first Christians will be martyred. This undoubtedly was tough to be a part of. After all, God did rescue Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace, and He saved Daniel from the lions’ den.

But praise God that He didn’t save these guys. The testimony of their martyrdom undergirds the proof that it’s all true. Without their sufferings, the evidence for the resurrection would have a soft foundation.

And they had to endure all that without being able to see the purpose for their suffering.

The weekly study guides, which include discussion questions, are available for download here:

https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/91-deep-studies