During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) 29 The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. 30 This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul. It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3 When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. 4 After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. Acts 11:27-12:5
After the martyrdom of Steven, we learned that Christians ran from the hub of the persecution and the first what I would call real church formed in Antioch. This had Jews and gentiles meeting together and a pastor, Paul, and they let others exercise their gifts like prophecy and even passed the offering plate! They had prayer meetings and even sent off and supported missionaries. The onlooking world took notice and called them "Christians" or "Little Christs" which may have been derogatory but I'm sure to them it was a compliment. If someone called me a little Jesus, I would thank them profusely but then end with you have no idea how far I am from being like Jesus.
I would have liked to be in that Church but I'm not so sure I would have wanted to be in the Jerusalem church like James and Peter. I've often wondered why they didn't run. Did they think that they were protected by God from harm? Obviously not because the early chapters show them getting arrested, beaten, and threatened. Did they think that thousands of people converted around Pentecost would protect them? Obviously not because they easily arrested Peter and James, the first of the 12 to be martyred, and it made the people happy. It reminds me of today where leaders make their decisions based on approval ratings. No, they must have had clear instruction from God to stay for now. It makes me think of religious persecution from today where many missionaries will leave till the threat is over yet some stay refusing to back down. Are the ones that stayed bolder or had greater faith? Maybe. But before we look down on the ones who ran, maybe God told them to leave and they were just being obedient.
What's the application? First, are you in a church? Second, does anyone know that you are a Christian? Third, are you being obedient to the Lord and doing whatever he tells you? Fourth, are you praying for and supporting the less fortunate believers around the world? They are your family. You owe it to them.
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