James the son of thunder has been silenced by Herod and even
though Peter escapes this time his days are numbered and martyrdom will be his
reward for following the One he confessed as the Christ. Peter’s escape from
the clutches of Herod is the last we hear of him in the Acts of the Apostles and
while tradition has him crucified upside down in Rome the scriptures are silent
as to his end. The first Christians didn't choose to become the objects of ridicule,
scorn and abuse but they were willing to endure all manner of hardships in
order to follow the Way and cling to Christ. There are Christians who continue
to suffer for the sake of Christ and the church’s fervent prayers on their behalf
are much needed. But in the end even the apostles were not spared from the
sword or the arena or the cross. It is a testament to their faith that they
lived the teaching of Jesus to their death – love your enemies and pray for
those who persecute you – even if Paul added the caveat that by doing so you
heap burning coals upon their heads. (Romans
12:20)
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