Acts 12 records a despotic King, Herod, determining to “harass some from the church.” He executed James, the brother of John, and we are told his actions “pleased the Jews.” Their approval spurred him on, and he siezed Peter as well, and put him in prison. (vv. 1-3).
Two lessons can be learned from this:
1) Though we are fortunate not to be the subjects of governmental persecution, that can change. Christians will always be the subject to the ungodly impulses of evil men. It is for this reason we are called to be virtuous in standing when our faith is tested.
2) Ultimately, God wins! So, it is in our best interest to serve Him. Not all who are evil will get their punishment in this life (though Herod did, as God struck him worms, and he died, vs. 23). But, rest assured that the ungodly will be punished, and those who believe will receive the reward of heaven.
As Paul wrote, “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).
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