Foxe’s Book of Martyrs – Message 18 – August 4th, 2024  

The Voices Of Their Blood Cry's Out For Justice.   

Today we will be commemorating a number of Christians who were martyred by the Emperor Trajan, who reigned from AD 98 to 117, and was hailed to be the best ruler of Roman History by the senate at that time period.  Also we will be commemorating the Christians who were martyred under his successor, Hadrian, who without skipping a beat continued to martyr thousands of Christians. One Emperor dies and the next one steps in without missing a step.

From this website, Rome.us, it says this about Trajan;

“He was officially declared “optimus princeps,” which means “the best ruler,” by the Senate and remembered as a talented soldier and popular Emperor who influenced the greatest military expansion in Roman history. Moreover, he organized extensive public building programs and implemented social welfare policies.”

Trajan was not only known for being the best ruler, he cared about the poor, but he also was a persecutor of Christians, and according to Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, by his order, thousands of Christians were being martyred daily thru out the Roman Empire.  

In BibleStudyTools.com, Foxe’s Book of Martyrs it says this about Trajan;

“The Third Persecution, Under Trajan, A.D. 108
In the third persecution Pliny the Second, a man learned and famous, seeing the lamentable slaughter of Christians, and moved therewith to pity, wrote to Trajan, certifying him that there were many thousands of them daily put to death, of which none did any thing contrary to the Roman laws worthy of persecution. "The whole account they gave of their crime or error (whichever it is to be called) amounted only to this--viz. that they were accustomed on a stated day to meet before daylight, and to repeat together a set form of prayer to Christ as a God, and to bind themselves by an obligation--not indeed to commit wickedness; but, on the contrary--never to commit theft, robbery, or adultery, never to falsify their word, never to defraud any man: after which it was their custom to separate, and reassemble to partake in common of a harmless meal.”

The ‘harmless meal’ would have been communion – the breaking of bread. Let’s look at the first murder committed by Cain who killed his brother Abel. Murder starts in the heart, then it’s voiced then it’s acted upon. Genesis 4:1-12 says; “4 Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore [a]Cain, and said, “I have acquired a man from the Lord.” 2 Then she bore again, this time his brother [b]Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 And [c]in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. 4 Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, 5 but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. 6 So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is [d]for you, but you should rule over it.” 8 Now Cain [e]talked with Abel his [f]brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. 9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” 10 And He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground. 11 So now you are cursed from the earth, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. 12 When you till the ground, it shall no longer yield its strength to you. A fugitive and a vagabond you shall be on the earth.”

This started with God warning him, Cain disobeyed the warning, envy and jealousy of his brothers offering being accepted and his wasn’t, so murder was in his heart which was followed by the action of murder. Just as the voice of Abel's blood cried out to God for justice to be served to his brother, the voice of the innocent blood of Christian’s cry out for justice to be served those who martyred them and justice will be served by God in the afterlife. Regardless of how Trajan was hailed by the senate to be the best ruler, and that the Christian’s willingly gave up their lives for Christ, justice will be served Trajan, as he presently resides in Hades awaiting the Great White Throne Judgment of God.

The following scripture is an example of God’s justice that will be served those who martyred the Christians, and even though this scripture does not apply to those martyred under Trajan, it’s a good example of how God will avenge the blood of Christians that are martyred.

Revelation 6:9-11 talks about the Fifth Seal which is the cry of the martyrs; “9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.”

Jesus taught us to forgive our persecutors, taught us to bless them, to walk in love with them, and if need be lay down our lives for Him; He taught us to do that. It’s like being the ‘Mr. Nice guy’. But in heaven, when the martyr stands before God, his blood cries out. We have to keep in perspective that Trajan’s rule from AD 108 –112, he martyred Christian’s and at one point it was said that thousands were being killed daily for their faith, and it wasn’t till AD112 that he eased up on hunting Christians down, however if they were found out, they were still judged and set aside for capital punishment if they did not recant their faith in Christ.

Bible Study Tools continues to say the following of Trajan;  

“In this persecution suffered the blessed martyr, Ignatius, who is held in famous reverence among very many. This Ignatius was appointed to the bishopric of Antioch next after Peter in succession. Some do say, that he, being sent from Syria to Rome, because he professed Christ, was given to the wild beasts to be devoured. It is also said of him, that when he passed through Asia, being under the most strict custody of his keepers, he strengthened and confirmed the churches through all the cities as he went, both with his exhortations and preaching of the Word of God. Accordingly, having come to Smyrna, he wrote to the Church at Rome, exhorting them not to use means for his deliverance from martyrdom, lest they should deprive him of that which he most longed and hoped for. "Now I begin to be a disciple. I care for nothing, of visible or invisible things, so that I may but win Christ. Let fire and the cross, let the companies of wild beasts, let breaking of bones and tearing of limbs, let the grinding of the whole body, and all the malice of the devil, come upon me; be it so, only may I win Christ Jesus!" And even when he was sentenced to be thrown to the beasts, such as the burning desire that he had to suffer, that he spake, what time he heard the lions roaring, saying: "I am the wheat of Christ: I am going to be ground with the teeth of wild beasts, that I may be found pure bread."  

So once again, regardless of being declared the best ruler of Rome, Trajan will be served justice at the Great White Throne Judgment where everyone except Christians will stand to be judged. Christians will stand at the Bema Seat of Christ to receive the rewards. If a person stands at the White Throne, it’s over, you don’t go to heaven. This is the scripture that talks about the Great White Throne Judgment.  

Revelation 20:11-15; “11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before [a]God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second [b]death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”

Everything is on record today! Everything is written in the books! It’s one thing to spend thousands of years in Hades, but it’s another thing to be judged at the Great White Throne and then to be cast into the lake of fire. It’s almost unimaginable. Only true, heartfelt repentance wipes the books clean as Psalm 103:12 says; “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

Foxe’s Book of Martyrs in Bible Study Tools says the following of Trajan;  

“Trajan being succeeded by Hadrian, the latter continued this third persecution with as much severity as his predecessor. About this time Alexander, bishop of Rome, with his two deacons, were martyred; as were Quirinus and Hernes, with their families; Zenon, a Roman nobleman, and about ten thousand other Christians.
In Mount Ararat many were crucified, crowned with thorns, and spears run into their sides, in imitation of Christ's passion.”  

Yet with all the good that Emperor Hadrian did, having made the Five Good Emperors list, which included Trajan, who Hadrian was adopted by and groomed to take his place and as we just read, like father like son, continued to persecute thousands of Christians, yet some how made the five good emperors list.   

Bible Study Tools on Foxe’s Book of Martyr’s continues to say;  

“Eustachius, a brave and successful Roman commander, was by the emperor ordered to join in an idolatrous sacrifice to celebrate some of his own victories; but his faith (being a Christian in his heart) was so much greater than his vanity, that he nobly refused it. Enraged at the denial, the ungrateful emperor forgot the service of this skilful commander, and ordered him and his whole family to be martyred.”   

Got Questions says the following of Eustachius;

“As the soldiers dispersed to return to their homes, Eustace’s family returned to Rome. The emperor credited the gods with the army’s victory and commanded the military leaders to offer sacrifices to the gods. Eustace refused. The emperor imprisoned him and his family, trying to convince them to worship the Roman gods.

When it became clear the family would never obey him, the emperor sentenced them to death. Some accounts describe how Eustace, his wife, and his sons were first thrown to the lions, but the beasts refused to harm the Christians. Other versions omit that part and simply recount how the saint’s family was burned inside a brass bull; miraculously, they sang and praised God for three days before their voices fell silent. When the bull was opened, the martyrs were found dead, but their bodies had not been physically harmed.”  

According to what is written in the Bible, Hadrian is in a far worse place than in the belly of a brass bull. Let’s take a look at where Hadrian is now and has been since his death awaiting the Great White Throne Judgment of God.

Luke 16:19-31 gives us an understanding about what Hades is about; “19 “There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and [a]fared sumptuously every day. 20 But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, 21 desiring to be fed with [b]the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

24 “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. 26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’

27 “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, 28 for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ 29 Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ ”

As much as Christian’s forgive their persecutors, it doesn’t change the fact that the voice of a martyrs blood cry's out to God for justice, and as we have read, justice is served in a place called Hades that leads to eternal separation from God in the lake of fire called hell. The martyr’s blood is alive and speaks loudly in God’s ear all the time.  

Foxe’s Book of Martyrs in Bible Study Tools says the following;  

“At the martyrdom of Faustines and Jovita, brothers and citizens of Brescia, their torments were so many, and their patience so great, that Calocerius, a pagan, beholding them, was struck with admiration, and exclaimed in a kind of ecstasy, "Great is the God of the Christians!" for which he was apprehended, and suffered a similar fate.
Many other similar cruelties and rigors were exercised against the Christians, until Quadratus, bishop of Athens, made a learned apology in their favor before the emperor, who happened to be there and Aristides, a philosopher of the same city, wrote an elegant epistle, which caused Adrian to relax in his severities, and relent in their favor.
Hadrian dying A.D. 138, was succeeded by Antoninus Pius, one of the most amiable monarchs that ever reigned, and who stayed the persecutions against the Christians.”

There’s no record of Trajan or Hadrian becoming Christians before they died, and we can pretty much conclude that they are together in Hades awaiting the Great White Throne Judgment which will condemn them into Hell, the lake of fire for eternity.  

Matthew 12:36-37 in the Amplified Bible says; “36 But I tell you, on the day of judgment people will have to give an accounting for every careless or useless word they speak. 37 For by your words [reflecting your spiritual condition] you will be justified and acquitted of the guilt of sin; and by your words [rejecting Me] you will be condemned and sentenced.”

This judgment is eternal, in whatever state you die determines your eternal destination. That’s why it’s important to repent today. Deal with the sin that’s at the door trying to creep in, deal with it now before it turns to murder, deal with the anger before it turns to murder. Deal with the envy and jealousy before it turns to murder. We’re not saying you can’t be forgiven of murder, you can be forgiven of murder, but it will involve repentance here on earth while you’re alive not after you’re dead. You want to stand before Jesus with clean hands and a pure heart. You don’t want to stand before Jesus as a murderer with the voice of someone crying out to Him for justice because even though you get away with it on earth, you don’t get away with it at the White Throne Judgment.  

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Foxe's Book of Martyrs – Message 17- Apostle Philip, Tested by Christ - July 14th, 2024

Today, we have the privilege to commemorate, (bring to memory), the Apostle Philip, who died as a martyr and was uniquely called to follow Jesus by the person of Jesus Himself, unlike some of the other Apostles who were introduced to Jesus thru someone else. Most Christians become a Christian as a result of someone else’s testimony, and the conviction of their sin by the Holy Spirit leads them to repentance to become born again of the Holy Spirit by asking Jesus to come live in their body, which then becomes the temple of the Holy Spirit. We hear testimonies today from around the world though, that Jesus is appearing personally to many, revealing to them that He is the Messiah, the Son of God, and is the Saviour of mankind because these people have no one to share the gospel with them, so Jesus is appearing personally to them.

John 1:43-45 shares the story of Philip and then how he tells Nathanael (Bartholomew);“43 The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

It’s obvious that Philip was a Jew who was anticipating the Messiah, whom Moses and the prophets wrote about, and it’s clearly stated in Mark 16:14-20 that Jesus the Messiah, whom the Apostles and disciples followed, came and after commissioning them, ascended to heaven. It’s quite interesting to see in the scriptures that Jesus already came, went and will return, yet even today as it was then, He is rejected as the Messiah by devout Jews who are still waiting for what they perceive to be the true Messiah.

John 10:22-39 in the Amplified Bible Jesus asserts His Deity to the religious Jews and is rejected by them. “22 At that time the [a]Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. 23 It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple [area] in [b]Solomon’s portico. 24 So the Jews surrounded Him and began saying to Him, “How long are You going to keep us in suspense? If You are [really] the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), tell us so plainly and openly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I have told you so, yet you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name testify concerning Me [they are My credentials and the evidence declaring who I am]. 26 But you do not believe Me [so you do not trust and follow Me] because you are not My sheep. 27 The sheep that are My own hear My voice and listen to Me; I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they will never, ever [by any means] perish; and no one will ever snatch them out of My hand. 29 [c]My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater and mightier than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are One [in essence and nature].”

31 Again the Jews picked up stones to stone Him. 32 Jesus answered them, “I showed you many good works [and many acts of mercy] from the Father; for which of them are you stoning Me?” 33 The Jews answered Him, “We are not going to stone You for a good work, but for blasphemy, because You, a mere man, make Yourself out to be God.” 34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods [human judges representing God, not divine beings]’? 35 If He [d]called them gods, men to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be undone or annulled or broken), 36 [if that is true] then do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and set apart for Himself and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? 37 If I do not do the works of My Father [that is, the miracles that only God could perform], then do not believe Me. 38 But if I am doing them, even if you do not believe Me or have faith in Me, [at least] believe the works [that I do—admit that they are the works of God], so that you may know and keep on knowing [clearly—without any doubt] that the Father is in Me, and I am in the Father [that is, I am One with Him].” 39 So they tried again to seize Him, but He eluded their grasp.”

What enabled Philip to drop everything and follow Jesus which so many other Jews rejected to do? I believe it had a lot to do with not only the individual call of Christ to him, but the miracles that he witnessed Jesus performing.  

Philip was from Bethsaida, a fishing village located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus performed miracles on a regular basis, which included the feeding of 5000 people with 5 barley loaves and 2 small fish.  

John 6:1-15 says“6 After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased.[a] 3 And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples.  

4 Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. 5 Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” 6 But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.

7 Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.”

8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, 9 “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?”

10 Then Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them [b]to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” 13 Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. 14 Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.”

I’d like to repeat the following verses 5-7 “5 Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” 6 But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. 7 Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.”

Today, Jesus is wanting to perform miracles in Christians lives, and like Philip, Christians are logistically explaining away with rational and reasoning what it would take in the natural for Jesus to perform a miracle in their lives. I’m sure after Philip witnessed a few miracles like this, he eventually had to shelve all natural rational and reasoning and simply accept the supernatural as the new norm. So Christian, have you accepted supernatural miracles to be the norm, or are you still, when tested by Jesus, giving Him logistical, rational and reasoning as to what it would take for Him to perform a miracle needed in your life? That’s good to ponder on.

When Jesus sent out Philip as one of the 12 Apostles, the first mission they were on was entirely supernatural, simply for the fact that Jesus required them to minister to religious Jews only; they were required to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead and cast out demons. They were also required not to provide for their own needs, but rather be provided for by those they ministered to, and if they and their message was rejected, they were required to shake the dust off their shoes when they left the house or city, which then would result in that house or city coming under God’s judgment.  

How would you like to have been sent on that missions trip as your first outreach? You’d have been preaching to those you were familiar with and that were familiar with you. You would have had to trust God for all His provision through those that you’re preaching to. You would have had to shake the dust off your feat against those who rejected your message about the Messiah. That’s hard ground to preach on. I’m sure they had to take their shoes off a few times as they travelled, I’m sure God judged those houses or cities as a result of that.  

It’s not God’s will that anyone is lost, that’s why He sent them to the lost sheep of Israel first, He prioritized them over the Gentiles. The lost sheep were on His heart, to send His disciples to, to preach that He was Messiah, that they might be healed, that devils would come out, that lepers would be healed and that the dead would be raised. It seems like Jesus knew them to be a backslidden, nominal, religious nation with God. They were confronted with the gospel, they were confronted with Jesus the Messiah, and they had a choice to make – to reject Him or receive Him.

Let’s read the account in Matthew 10:5-15 Amplified Bible, “5 Jesus sent out these twelve, instructing them: “Do not go among the Gentiles, and do not go into a city of the Samaritans; 6 but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9 Do not take gold, or silver, or [even] copper money in your money belt, 10 or a provision bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker deserves his support. 11 Whatever city or village you enter, ask who in it is worthy [who welcomes you and your message], and stay at his house until you leave [that city]. 12 As you go into the house, give it your greeting [that is, ‘Peace be to this house’]. 13 If [the family living in] the house is worthy [welcoming you and your message], give it your [blessing of] [a]peace [that is, a blessing of well-being and prosperity, the favor of God]. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. 14 Whoever does not welcome you, nor listen to your message, as you leave that house or city, [b]shake the dust [of it] off your feet [in contempt, breaking all ties]. 15 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of [c]Sodom and Gomorrah than for that city [since it rejected the Messiah’s messenger].”

The Apostle Philip not only ministered to the lost house of Israel, but also was given the opportunity to  speak with Greek Gentiles who wanted to meet Jesus and it’s interesting to see that it doesn't reveal that Jesus met with them, but rather after Jesus hearing of their request, gives Philip and Andrew a lesson in dying to self as His ministers of the Gospel. It gives the impression that the lost house of Israel had priority over the Gentiles regardless of their belief in the God of Israel, and Philip and Andrew needed a lesson in dying to self that would enable them to stand in the face of persecution that would come from both religious Jews and Gentile believing Jews (proselytes converting to Judaism). It seems that Jesus was more concerned at the time about preparing His disciples for persecutions, and He knew that His time was short and the window of opportunity to do so was more important than anything else in the world.  

We read that account in John 12:20-36 Amplified Bible, “20 Now there were some Greeks (Gentiles) among those who were going up to worship at the feast; 21 these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip came and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified and exalted. 24 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone [just one grain, never more]. But if it dies, it produces much grain and yields a harvest. 25 The one who loves his life [eventually] loses it [through death], but the one who hates his life in this world [and is concerned with pleasing God] will keep it for life eternal. 26 If anyone serves Me, he must [continue to faithfully] follow Me [without hesitation, holding steadfastly to Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]; and wherever I am [in heaven’s glory], there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.”

You could probably see Philip and Andrew scratching their heads saying; what does all that have to do with these Greek’s wanting to see You? You must have missed what we just said? You have some very special guests that want to meet with You, and they’re special because they Greek Gentile Jews. Maybe Philip and Andrew thought that that would impress Jesus. In this scripture, Jesus doesn’t say anything about these Greek Gentiles nor does He mention them when asked about them...interesting isn’t it. Jesus’ priority was to prepare His disciples for persecution from the very ones that wanted to talk to Him.

Philip was with Jesus when He gave a lesson on the cost of following Him which in found in Luke 9:57-62 Amplified Bible. “57 As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go.” 58 And Jesus told him, “Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” 59 He said to another, “Follow Me [accepting Me as Master and Teacher].” But he said, “Lord, allow me first to go and [a]bury my father.” 60 But He said to him, “Allow the [spiritually] dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and spread the news about the kingdom of God.” 61 Another also said, “I will follow You, Lord [as Your disciple]; but first let me say goodbye to those at my home.” 62 But Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back [to the things left behind] is fit for the kingdom of God.”

The Apostles were persecuted by non-believing Jews and Jewish converts as we read in the following scripture that Jesus is preparing them for. Persecution from the Gentiles would come also, and is still very present today. Persecution was the future of the Apostles and Disciples of Christ and being prepared for it was top priority to Jesus, and this is why He spent so much time preparing them, and that same teaching they received is as much needed for Christians today as it was for them.  

Matthew 10:16-23 Amplified Bible says; “16 “Listen carefully: I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; so be wise as serpents, and innocent as doves [have no self-serving agenda]. 17 Beware of men [whose nature is to act in opposition to God], for they will hand you over to the courts and flog you in their synagogues; 18 and you will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given you within that [very] hour; 20 for it is not you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

21 “Brother will betray brother to death, and the father his child; and children will rise up and rebel against their parents and cause them to be put death. 22 And you will be hated by everyone because of [your association with] My name, but it is the one who has patiently persevered and endured to the end who will be saved. 23 “When they persecute you in one city [because of your faith in Me], flee to the next; for I assure you and most solemnly say to you, you will not finish going through all the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”

Although there is not much to be said about the Apostle Philip in the Bible, we do know that he was called personally by Jesus to follow Him and he witnessed and would have performed signs, wonders and miracles in His name, as well as would have received plenty of teaching from Jesus to prepare him to be persecuted and martyred for his faith.   

Foxe’s Book of Martyrs says this about Philip’s martyrdom;

“This apostle was born at Bethsaida, in Galilee. He was sent on important missions into heathen countries, being deputed to preach in parts of Asia, where he labored very diligently in his apostleship.

He then travelled into Phrygia, and arriving at Hierapolis, found the inhabitants so sunk in idolatry as to worship a great serpent. St. Philip, however, converted many of them to Christianity, and even accomplished the destruction of the serpent. This so enraged the rulers, and especially the priests, who gained much money by the superstitions of the people, that they committed him to prison. He was then cruelly scourged, and afterwards crucified. His friend St. Bartholomew succeeded in taking down the body, and burying it; but, for this, he was himself very near suffering the same fate. St. Philip's martyrdom took place eight years after that of St. James, in the year 52 after Christ.”

How important it is to examine our own lives today. Jesus wants to do so many great things, He wants to perform great miracles in Christians lives, He wants us to examine where we’re logistically, rationally, and with reason letting Jesus know what has to be done in order for this miracle to take place. If we really examine our lives, we probably can say that we’ve let Jesus know what exactly what it’s going to take for the miracle happen. Kind of like He doesn’t quite know, and it’s important for me to inform Him what it’s going to take for Him to pull off the miracle. We don’t even see it as a test but automatically come up with the natural answer.  

Jesus is seeing the test today, He already knows the answer and outcome, He sees the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, when all you see is what He needs to perform the miracle.  

Jesus wants to do with you and me what He did with Philip. He wants you to examine your heart and get rid of your expectations of how He needs to handle things. Let Jesus do what He does best. What looks like can’t happen and we have to add our two bits and our opinion on what it’s going to take, let’s let Jesus and the Holy Spirit move, even when your tested.  

As with Philip, an appropriate way of him responding could have been, ‘Jesus, I’m confident that You’re going to feed all 5000’. It’s better to respond to Jesus that way when He’s testing you. Don’t come up with an answer, come up with a way of praising what He’s about to do. Speak that forward and watch Him do it. It’s always easy to agree with what the adversary the devil would say in your situation, or the need of your miracle, it’s always easy for him to have you agree with that – in the natural. Be it a miracle for healing, finances etc., he wants you to agree with him.  

But, Jesus wants you to agree with Him, He wants you to unrealistically agree with what is going to happen, even though in the natural it can’t happen. Don’t agree with the devil when you’re tested. You’ll be tested alright, but let’s pass the test by giving the right answer and the right answer is not agreeing with your natural, rational, reasoning mind. We have the mind of Christ today, we hear His voice, so when you see the test, you can look at it saying, oh, this is a test, this is where I get an opportunity to praise about what God is about to do, this is where I get an opportunity to get into agreement with the miracle that God is about ready to perform in your life.  

So let’s choose to do that, let’s choose to see the priorities that Christ has for our lives in preparing us for persecution. You say, that sounds very negative, it’s what Jesus said would happen to Christians, you will be persecuted. He’s preparing you for persecution, study His word and be prepared. But when it comes to being tested by Him, come up with a great answer for Jesus, come up with something that is just great, that overwhelms and moves God that when He looks down at you He says, I just can’t but help but perform this miracle because of what’s coming out of My servants mouths – they passed the test.  Philip failed the test, but we don’t have to fail the test when it comes. Watch God put on the Ritz, have Him clear the room that’s filled with fear, doubt and unbelief and leave the ones that are living and speaking faith. God likes it when His servants say; Daddy, You can do whatever You can to do because You can just do it, I know you can do it.  No matter what your facing, come into agreement with Jesus. Watch Him watch over His word to perform it.

Foxe's Book of Martyrs - Apostle Bartholomew/Nathanael - Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen  - Message 14 – May 19th, 2024

Today we have the privilege to commemorate the Apostle Bartholomew, also known as Nathanael, who was one of the 12 apostles that Jesus chose to be part of His close inner circle of disciples whom He invested three years of His short lived ministry prior to His ascension back to heaven. Nathanael was a very religious devout Jew, who Jesus acknowledged to be an Israelite who had no deceit in him.

Let’s look at the call of Nathanael to follow Jesus found in John 1:43-51, where his friend Philip is used to introduce him to Jesus, and Jesus knowing already who he was in the natural and what his character consisted of as an Israelite.

“43 The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”  46 And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter[o] you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

It’s pretty clear that Jesus not only knew who Nathanael was but also knew his future, and this is so important for you Christians to keep in mind that Jesus knew you before you committed your life to him and He knows your future and will reveal it to you as He wills.

There's nothing in the Bible about Nathanael seeing angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man, Jesus, but angelic interventions are just the norm for Christians to experience on a regular basis whether they know it or not, angels are working on behalf of Christians for their good.  

Matthew Henry’s Commentary says the following;

“Through Christ we have communion with and benefit by the holy angels, and things in heaven and things on earth are reconciled and gathered together. Christ is to us as Jacob’s ladder (Gen. 28:12), by whom angels continually ascend and descend for the good of the saints.”

Even though you don’t physically see them ascend and descend, doesn’t change the fact that they’re  working on behalf of you for your good.  

Matthew 10:3, Luke 6:14, Mark 3:18 and Acts 1:13 list Bartholomew/Nathanael as one of the Apostles. Regardless of the interchanging of names, it is the same person.

You would think that because Nathanael is referred to by Jesus as being a true Son of Abraham,  that he would not have any need to follow Jesus, and that in and of itself, would be sufficient. But because he’s brought into accountability by Phillip that Jesus is possibly the Messiah, now, Nathanael is confronted with the call to follow the Messiah. If he died prior to all of that and hadn’t even know about Jesus, he would have died and went to Abraham’s bosom, he wouldn’t have went to hell because he was a devout, religious Jew. But now that he’s accountable to the news of Jesus being the Messiah, that changes things. That changes everything. It’s obvious that Nathanael answered the call and knew Jesus was the Messiah by what he says of him in verse 49, “49 Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” He believed and answered the call.

Many religious Jews rejected Jesus as the Son of God, the King of Israel and Messiah, and died and are separated from God for eternity for having done so, and there is no redemption to be found after they have died. What this clearly shows is that unless devout religious Jews accept and not reject Jesus, as Nathanael did to be the Son of God and King of Israel, the Messiah, they too will be separated from God for eternity after death, regardless of their religious devotion. There is an accountability to Jesus and the call. As soon as Jesus calls, you’re accountable to Him, you’re accountable to make a decision, for Him or against Him.

Prior to Nathanael being introduced to Jesus, he already had it in his mind that nothing good could come out of Nazareth and that no Galilean could possibly be the Messiah. But the Lord called him and he obeyed and he saw he was wrong, because in truth, everything good came out of Nazareth.

John 1:46 says; “46 And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

Jesus broke thru Nathanael’s religious mindset and revealed Himself to him by letting him know his whereabouts prior to meeting Him.  

Verse 48 “Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”

John 15:16 says; “16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.”

Religious mindsets can and will keep a person from accepting the fact that Jesus chose His Apostles and disciples, they never chose Him, and in the case of Nathanael, it’s obvious that he had every religious reason to not answer the call to follow Jesus because he was upright, an Israelite, in whom there was no deceit. But Jesus revealed Himself to him in a supernatural way by words of knowledge, and chose Nathanael to not only become His disciple but to also become his Apostle and go forth and bear much fruit.

It’s easy to tell the difference between religious Christians and true Christians, one rejects obeying Jesus’ call and the other obeys Jesus’ call, and this is why Jesus says that many are called but few are chosen. The call is going out even today, but few are obeying to answer the call, to be chosen of Jesus. It’s not God’s fault that you’re not answering the call, that’s your decision, He’s just giving you the opportunity to follow Him. Whether you obey and follow Him or whether you disobey and reject Him, it’s still not His fault.  

Matthew 22:1-14 talks about the Parable of the Wedding Feast,“22 And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: 2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, 3 and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. 4 Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.” ’ 5 But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. 6 And the rest seized his servants, treated them [a]spitefully, and killed them. 7 But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. 9 Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.’ 10 So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. 12 So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, [b]take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

It sounds all too familiar to those who are being invited to become Christians today, invited to the wedding feast, but they’re not willing to come. It’s Jesus’ wedding being talked about with the bride of Christ, His body is the church being the bride.

How many times have you heard in witnessing to people that they make light of the call of Jesus? They give all the excuses that they have a business, a farm, they have a property or car to purchase, they have a family that they have to be close to on that day, they have vacations to go on, they can’t plan their life around church, but they thank you just the same for the invitation. They’re now accountable to the call of Jesus.  

It says in the parable that the servants were seized, spitefully treated and killed. If you don’t believe it’s happening or happened, Foxe’s Book of Martyrs is full of testimonies of men, women, children that were persecuted and killed for following Jesus. They were killed because of the gospel being preached, the invitation to the wedding feast of the Lamb, to be the bride of Christ. When God hears of the death of His servants, disciples, apostles, prophets etc., because of the gospel, like the King in the parable, He’ll have the final say regarding the murderers of His servants on judgment day.

Jesus is calling you today to go into the highways and byways and fill up the church with souls, those who have been rejected, present the gospel to them, get them into church and pray for them to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. It’s part of the great commission to evangelize, to cast out devils, heal the sick, raise the dead etc. Nathanael was part of that group to go out and preach in the highways and byways.

It’s interesting to see that you can be called by Jesus and not obey, yet in your heart you believe you’re worthy of salvation, but you don’t have the robe of righteousness on through being born again by the blood of Jesus. You’ve deceived yourself because you believe you’re worthy of salvation because of how good you are. You’ll stand before the judge at the great white throne judgment as to whether you’ve accepted the call of Jesus to make Him Lord of your life or not. If you haven’t, your eternal destination is not heaven, but hell. The condition of answering Jesus’ call on your life is repentance and receiving Jesus as Lord, being born of His Holy Spirit. That’s how you’re recognized by Jesus on the day of judgment. Good works alone does not grant you entrance into the kingdom of heaven. When Jesus said; 13 Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, [b]take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’, does not refer to the kingdom of heaven but rather to that of hell. There will be extreme pain, suffering, a lot of ‘could have’s, would have’s and should have’s at that time. All of that for not obeying Jesus’ call when He called you. Jesus has given you a free will that He will not overturn.

From the time of Jesus’ ascension back to heaven, His Christian servants (apostles and disciples),  have been preaching the Gospel and inviting people to the marriage supper of the Lamb of God in Heaven, some have been treated spitefully (persecuted), and others killed (martyred). Many people have been called of God, but they can’t attend the wedding supper of the Lamb of God (Jesus), without the robe of righteousness that is obtained by being born again of His Holy Spirit.  When Jesus says many are called but few are chosen, it’s very easy to understand that it’s not God’s will that anyone spend and eternity separated from Him. In order for a person to be chosen by Him, they must obey the call by repenting of their sins and be born again, nothing else a person can do will qualify them to become a Christian and enter heaven when they die.

Nathanael, the disciples, the apostles knew this, and they answered and said yes to the call. They were born again, baptized in the Holy Spirit and fire and received the Comforter to comfort them while they were obeying Jesus in the call on their lives. They were preaching the gospel, casting out devils, healing the sick etc.

You’d think that Nathanael, being such a righteous man in the religious Law as well as having been so obedient to the call of God, that just maybe he would have gotten a break from the persecution that the other apostles received. But not so. How did Nathanael die?

Bible Study Tools says this about Bartholomew/Nathanael;

“How Did Bartholomew Die, according to Tradition?

History shows that Bartholomew served as a missionary to Ethiopia, Mesopotamia, Parthia (Modern Iran), Lycaonia (Modern Turkey), and Armenia. It is believed that he was flayed and beheaded for converting the king of Armenia to Christianity. The king’s brother ordered his death.”

Nathanael brought the gospel to the King of Armenia, he invited him to the marriage supper of the Lamb to be born again and obtain the robe of righteousness. You’d think he’d get a break from persecution and martyrdom from leading such a political celebrity to Jesus, but he didn’t. It wasn’t a regular martyrdom, he was skinned alive – how gruesome and morbid is that – and after that he was decapitated. His life ended by the King’s wicked angry brother and hopefully the King of Armenia answered the called of Jesus and continued in it. Just like Jesus said in the parable we read, “they seized his servants, treated them [a]spitefully, and killed them.” So unless the brother repented of murdering Nathanael, according to what Jesus said in the parable, “13 Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, [b]take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’” ,this would have been his eternal destination. Don’t think that there isn’t a sowing and reaping principle for those who persecute the church, God’s servants and prophets and go so far as to martyr them. The Bible says in Psalm 116:15 that, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” But if murderers don’t repent, it’s a different story and is not precious.

Foxe’s Book of Martyrs has a different scenario as to how Nathanael dies though;  

“St. Bartholomew.

This apostle and martyr preached in several countries, performed many miracles, and healed various diseases. He translated St. Matthew's gospel into the language of heathen nations. The idolaters

finally slew him, some say with the sword, others that he was beaten to death with clubs.”

Two opinions on Nathanael’s death. One might want to cover up the terrible martyrdom of skinning a servant of God alive, to have it fade away and have the story of being clubbed to death or killed by the sword viewed as less gruesome. There aren’t words to describe what being skinned alive would have been like. Maybe even Armenia doesn’t what that story to be accepted either. But according to tradition, that’s how it says he was martyred. However it happened, Nathanael was martyred for answering the call of Jesus on his life. Should we be surprised when we hear of such extreme torchers taking place today. It’s going on in jails all over the world, our brothers and sisters answered the call to preach the gospel. Is it evil, no, but the devil wants to twist it and make it look like the servants are the evil ones and the persecutors are the right ones. It’s twisted but that’s how the devil works.

In other words, would it be ‘worthy’ in our judicial system that what a Christian is accused of, such as doing good deeds, spreading the gospel of Jesus, offering eternal life, healing the sick, casting out devils, praying for the raising of the dead; is ‘worthy’ to be skinned alive for? We know that Jesus has had the last say regarding the martyrdom of Nathanael and the rest of the disciples and will continue to have the last say. So if you think you can get away with doing what you’re doing when you’re persecuting and martyring Jesus’ servants, you will likewise perish if you don’t repent. If you reject the call of Jesus through the gospel being preached to you, and have rejected the voice of the prophet who has spoken to you, you’ll be eternally separated from God for eternity. It’s God’s will that you repent and be born again and have a clean robe of righteousness on. So answer the call to follow Jesus today because it’s the only way He can chose you, by your repentance. Don’t blame God if you stand before Him having rejected Jesus Christ as your Saviour. It’s your fault, not His. He’s saying today, come follow Me!

Click here to read the prophecy from Sunday's service.

Foxe's Book of Martyrs - Message 12 - Missionary Apostle Barnabas – Son of Encouragement April 21st, 2024

Today we have the privilege of commemorating the missionary Apostle Barnabas, formally known as Joses, who truly fulfilled in his ministry what Jesus required of all His disciples as He said in John 13:34-35 Amplified Bible; “34 I am giving you a new commandment, that you [a]love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.”

Barnabas not only displayed love and unselfish concern by words alone for his fellow Christian brothers and sisters, but he gave liberally to the needs of the Church by selling a piece of property and donating all of the proceeds of the sale to the Apostles over the Church. It’s one thing to love your brothers and sisters in the Lord by what you say, but it’s another thing to give to them in their time of need. Barnabas set the good example that Ananias and Saphiria failed to do by deceptively keeping back a portion of the sale of their property with the pretense of having given it all to the Church.

Acts 4:36-37 shows this; “36 And [a]Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of [b]Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

Bible Study Tools says the following;  

“What Can Christians Learn from Barnabas?

Barnabas was someone who had worldly respect, wealth, and other standing and gave it all up for Jesus—something today’s Christians would do well to learn from. As a Levite who owned property, he heeded the words of Jesus in Matthew 19:21, when Jesus told the young man of wealth how to get eternal life: “Go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Barnabas sold his field and put the money at the feet of the apostles (Acts 4:37). He then spent the rest of his life travelling as a missionary, leading others to Jesus at great personal risk. He also saw Paul, the very man he’d taken under his protection, rise to greater fame in the ministry world. Yet Barnabas did not falter. He persisted in his work, even after he and Paul parted ways over a quarrel, even after Paul blasted him for going astray from hypocrisy (Galatians 2:13). Barnabas stood fast, led others to God, and did extraordinary work for the Kingdom.”

The name Barnabas was given to him by the Apostles, and it meant conciliation or encouragement, which is who he was by example to the Apostles and disciples of Christ, for he loved not only in word but in deed and exemplified the works of the Holy Spirit in their lives that brought tangible comfort in their time of need. He not only spoke, he gave, he built them up, he encouraged them, he helped lift them up when they fell into disobedience, he helped strengthen them when they were weak. Could you use some encouragement?

Acts 2:44-45, “44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and [a]sold their possessions and goods, and divided[b] them among all, as anyone had need.”

That’s really a tough scripture, but that’s how the early church lived, as a community. Barnabas not only sold his land, but went into full time ministry.

There are a lot of Christian’s today that could use some encouragement, be it spiritually by prayer and the gifts of the Holy Spirit bringing comfort or be it physical by food, shelter, clothing, etc..., and this is why as Christians we need to love not only in word but in deeds of charity.  

It was Barnabas who had such a good reputation and credibility with the early church, that was used to convince them that Paul, who formally persecuted the Church, is now a genuine Christian in need of their acceptance as a brother in the Lord. 

Acts 9:26-27 says; “26 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.”

Had it not been for Barnabas’s excellent example of Christ’s love, it would have taken Paul a long time to be received as a brother by the early church, and it’s by his example that we as Christians ought to live by truly fulfilling Jesus’ command to unselfishly love one another which is what truly identifies a Christian as His disciple.

It’s interesting to see, that years after when Paul was established as a missionary to the Gentiles, is not able to receive John Mark to work in his ministry because he never fulfilled their last missions trip to the end but left part way thru and returned home. Paul's love walk seemed a little hardened by ministry life and hardships, and Barnabas set an example to Paul of forgiveness when he chose to forgive, receive and minister with John Mark instead of Paul.

Acts 15:36-41 talks about the division over John Mark; “36 Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” 37 Now Barnabas [a]was determined to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. 39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, being [b]commended by the brethren to the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.”

It’s ironic that the same Paul that God used Barnabas to be accepted by the early church, is now rejecting John Mark as a minister, regardless of what Barnabas has to say of him that would qualify him to go with them.  It just shows how important it is as ministers to walk in love and forgiveness just as they have been loved and forgiven. Keep in mind, that this is the same Paul who later writes 1 Corinthians 13 that is an instruction on walking in love. Somewhere along the line, the Holy Spirit ministered to Paul about the love walk and that no matter how powerful his ministry was, love and forgiveness needed to be at the core of all he did. If anyone needed words of encouragement it was Paul. So God brought Barnabas into his life to encourage him in his work, call, election etc.  

It was Barnabas and Paul who were separated unto the call of ministry by the Holy Spirit in Acts 13:1-3, to minister to the Gentile nations, which they did with great success in the Lord, and it appears that Barnabas is the leader of these missions trips, until...they have a fallout over John Mark.

Acts 13:1-3 shows Paul and Barnabas being sent to the Gentiles; “13 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.”

It’s interesting in the scripture headings in most Bibles it mentions Saul (Paul) first and then Barnabas, but the verse then reads Barnabas first and then Saul.

Bible Study Tools again says;  

“What Is Barnabas’ Background?

As a Levite, Barnabas would have been raised a Jew, most likely wealthy, and schooled in Hebrew in religious foundational instruction. References in the Bible indicate he was a respected figure—in Acts 14:12, Barnabas was referred to as “Zeus” while his companion, Paul, who did most of the speaking, was called “Hermes.” To the Ancient Greeks, Zeus was the lead god, considered the god of sky and thunder and ruler of all other gods and goddesses on Mount Olympus, so the reference to Barnabas as Zeus would have been an acknowledgment of his leadership and authority, and possibly also his age and stature. Easton, in his Bible dictionary, noted Barnabas was born of Jewish parents of the tribe of Levi and probably educated as a Pharisee in the school of Gamaliel. And, of course, it was on Barnabas’s introduction that Paul was first welcomed into the Jewish Christian apostolic sphere in Jerusalem upon Paul’s conversion.”

An interesting point is that Paul was also schooled under Gamaliel. Prior to the Holy Spirit separating them apart together for the ministry, Barnabas was chosen by the Apostles to look into the Church that was scattered in Antioch, a city where Christians were first called Christians.  

Acts 11:19-26 says; “19 Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. 20 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. 22 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. 23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”

So prior to there ever being a ‘Barnabas and Paul’ missions team, Barnabas was very involved with the church in Jerusalem, and had extreme favour with them, that as we read, set him up to minister to the Gentiles. Remember in Acts 9, Paul was sent to Tarsus by the Apostles because he was causing such an uproar and disputes with the Hellenist Jews in Jerusalem. It was there in Tarsus that Barnabas finds him again. The Apostles probably could have contacted Paul directly to go oversee the work in Antioch, but they didn’t and sent Barnabas first. Then Barnabas brings Paul to Antioch to help him. We see the sequence of events again that just as Barnabas introduces Paul to the Apostles after his conversion, that again, Barnabas introduces him to the church in Antioch. Barnabas was quite the encouraging leader and restorer.  

After Barnabas and Paul separate over John Mark, there’s no mention of them ministering together again, and it seems like what the Holy Spirit had set apart for the ministry continued on individually. Paul is no longer ministering in the shadow of Barnabas, the sent out established missionary from Jerusalem, but is now independently leading and preaching with great success everywhere he goes.

This shows that the work of the Holy Spirit will continue on in individuals, regardless of divisions, and so long as they are yielded to the Holy Spirit, all of the regrets, and ‘could have’s, would have’s, and should have’s,’ become like that saying, “it’s all like water under the bridge.” Yet, could there have been greater works done by Barnabas, Paul and John Mark had they continued together since the two were commissioned by the church to minister together? It’s speculative but needs to be considered.

Barnabas was there to help Paul in the very beginning to help him fulfill his call and encourage him. It looks like he was there for him again getting him out of Tarsus and into Antioch – back in ministry. Last week we studied John Mark and how Barnabas took a hit for the company (church), laying down his life for his cousin and brother in the Lord to restore him while Paul continues with Silas. It could be that Paul was pretty independent from the time that the Apostles sent him off to Tarsus from Jerusalem where he was too dangerous for the church. 

One thing is for sure, regardless as to who was right or wrong, who made the mistake, Barnabas or Paul, but need to see God’s mercy and grace on their lives to continue on in ministry. I personally would lean to Barnabas being right in that he was the one who restored John Mark and maybe Paul needed an example of forgiveness, as we see at the end of Paul’s life, he calls for John Mark when he was in prison because he had need of him. We have to keep in mind that it was Barnabas who helped restore Paul to the church at his conversion.

It’s interesting to note that although not much is heard of Barnabas in the Bible after he and Paul separate, he did write an epistle that never made the Canon of books in the Bible, but is worthy of reading for any Christian. Here is a link to listen to an audio and readable version of the Epistle of Barnabas.

Bible Study Tools again says;  

“While the Bible does not mention how Barnabas died, he reportedly was martyred for his faith, like some of the other apostles; he was either stoned or burned to death in Salamis, Cyprus.”

Foxe’s Book of Martyr’s from Bible Study Tools says the following;  

“Barnabas.
Was of Cyprus, but of Jewish descent, his death is supposed to have taken place about A.D. 73.
And yet, notwithstanding all these continual persecutions and horrible punishments, the Church daily increased, deeply rooted in the doctrine of the apostles and of men apostolical, and watered plenteously with the blood of saints.”

Although there is not much mentioned about the martyrdom of Barnabas, one can only assume that just because of his ministry in Jerusalem, and his extensive ministry in Antioch and with the Apostle Paul, he was not martyred before his time, but rather fulfilled the call on his life before it was taken. Whatever side you take on Barnabas and Paul, Paul needed Barnabas, he needed a word of encouragement, to be strengthened, he needed the fire ignited under him. Paul needed to separate from Barnabas, in his mind, as it was a sharp, contentious division, but it didn’t stop the hand of the Holy Spirit and that must be remembered and reiterated.  

John 13:35 says; “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love one for another.”, not by all the signs, wonders and miracles that follow the preaching of the gospel, it’s love. Even as the Holy Spirit helped Paul in his love walk as we read in 1 Corinthians 13, help each one who reads this to walk and live in Your love.

Click here to read the prophecy from church.
 

Foxe's Book of Martyrs - Message 11 - Disciple of Christ - John Mark -  April 7th, 2024 

Today we get the privilege to commemorate the Disciple John Mark, who was converted as a young man to Christianity by apparently, the Apostle Peter. It could have been because of the prayer meetings held at his home, the miracles he saw Peter do, the angelic deliverance of Peter from prison...a myriad of other things contributed to John Mark’s conversion with Peter’s influence on his life. Later, he became the writer of the Gospel of Mark.

John Mark was exposed to the early church which met regularly to pray in his mother’s home, he was a youth who was impacted by the early church gatherings, evangelism and miraculous works. It appears that he is the cousin of apostle Paul's missionary travelling companion Barnabas. It’s good to keep in perspective the time period that John Mark was raised in the early church which was around 34 AD, and we first hear of him in Acts 12:12 at the scene where the Apostle Peter shows up at his Mother’s home after being supernaturally released from Herod's prison.   

So from his first intro in 34 AD to 47 AD, we see he aids Barnabas and Saul on a missions trip. I get the impression that in Acts 12:12, John Mark was in his youth around 12 years old, and anything that was taking place in the early church persecution, he was privy to because of his mothers home being a central prayer meeting place, where supernatural answers to prayer were just the norm. Because there is no mention of John Mark’s father, you can only assume that he was raised alone by his mother and that the Apostle Peter, along with the other apostles, were the examples of manhood in his life that impacted him to not only grow strong as a young man, but to grow strong in his faith in the Lord.  

There are countless John Mark’s in the world today, who are being raised by single mother’s for whatever reason, who are in need of Godly Christian men to set an example for them, to aspire to be like and inspire them to fulfill their own call to ministry work. I believe it was the supernatural presentation of the gospel thru signs, wonders and miracles by the Apostles that impacted John Mark’s life the most, and in return developed and positioned him to become the writer of the Gospel of Mark, founder and server of the Church in Alexandria, a missionary evangelist that served with the Apostle Paul and Barnabas as well as a servant to the ministry of the Apostle Peter.

A brief synopsis of his life and ministry can be found in the book, Foxe’s Book of Martyrs;

“St. Mark.

This evangelist and martyr was born of Jewish parents, of the tribe of Levi. It is believed that he was converted to Christianity by the apostle St. Peter, whom he served as a writer, and whom he attended in all his travels. Being entreated by the converts at Rome to write down the admirable discourses they had heard spoken by St. Peter, he consented, and accordingly wrote his gospel in the Greek language. The words of that gospel are, therefore, actually the words of St. Peter. He established a bishopric at Alexandria, and then went to Libya, where he made many converts.”  

It is said that Mark’s ministry work serving the Apostle Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey to the Gentiles failed and labelled Mark as a deserter of their ministry work.

GotQuestions.org says the following;

“John Mark was a helper on Paul and Barnabas’ first missionary journey (Acts 13:5). However, he did not stay through the whole trip. John Mark deserted Paul and Barnabas in Pamphylia and left the work (Acts 15:38). The Bible does not say why Mark deserted, but his departure came right after a mostly fruitless time in Cyprus (Acts 13:4–12). Only one conversion is recorded in Cyprus, but there had been strong demonic opposition. It’s likely that the young John Mark was discouraged at the hardness of the way and decided to return to the comforts of home.”  

Acts 13:5; “5 And when they arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John as their assistant.”

Acts 15:38; “38 But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work.”

Maybe John Mark was overwhelmed by the spiritual warfare, lack of conversions, or other reasons that caused him not to desire to continue with them. I don’t see John Mark’s departure from the ministry as a failure, but rather it simply revealed that he wasn’t ready for the seasoned missions work that required the true grit, which he had no experience with, other than hearing about it at prayer meetings and dreaming about possibly doing it some day. I think it’s important for seasoned ministers to allow room for young aspiring ministers to grow in their gift without placing unrealistic expectations on them that they simply can’t fulfill due to lack of experience and maturity.  

Let’s face it, the Apostle Paul was the amplified version of true grit, and for him, living on the edge as a minister was just the norm, and I doubt that no matter how great someone served his ministry, it would have never been enough until they lived on the edge with him. This is where Paul seemed to be when young novice Mark returned home, and I’m sure after this, Barnabas for weeks heard Paul go on and on about Mark’s desertion. On the second missionary journey that Paul and Barnabas are planning, Barnabas again wants to take John Mark with them and Paul absolutely denies his request.

GotQuestions.org says the following;

“Some time later, after Paul and Barnabas had returned from their first journey, Paul expressed a desire to go back to the brothers in the cities they had previously visited to see how everyone was doing (Acts 15:36). Barnabas agreed, apparently upon the provision that they take John Mark with them. Paul refused to have Mark on the trip, however, citing Mark’s previous desertion. Paul thought it best not to have a quitter with them; they needed someone more dependable. Paul and Barnabas had a “sharp disagreement” about John Mark (verse 39) and wound up separating from each other and going on separate journeys. Barnabas took John Mark with him to Cyprus, and Paul took Silas with him through Syria and Cilicia to encourage the believers in the churches in those areas (Acts 15:39–41).”

Acts 15:36; “36 Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.”  

Acts 15:39-41;“39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, being [a]commended by the brethren to the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches”.

You’ve heard the term, ‘blood is thicker than water’. John Mark was a blood relative of Barnabas, and Barnabas in a lot of ways probably saw a lot of himself in young cousin Mark, and if truth be told about Barnabas’s travels with Paul, I’m sure he longed for the comforts of home and some fellowship with John Mark as well, with a genuine concern that he would fulfill the call on his life as a minister, in the midst of what was deemed, a failure, by Paul.

GotQuestions.org continues with this;  

“Barnabas, the “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36), desired to forgive John Mark’s failure and to give him another chance. Paul took the more rational view: pioneering missionary work requires dedication, resolve, and endurance. Paul saw John Mark as a risk to their mission. Luke, the writer of Acts, does not take sides or present either Paul or Barnabas as being in the right. He simply records the facts. It’s worth noting that, in the end, two groups of missionaries were sent out—twice as many missionaries were spreading the gospel.”

Acts 4:36; “36 And [a] Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of [b]Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,”

I firmly believe that God was at work in all three of these men, and that it was not just only about fulfilling corporate team work, but about individual grooming that was needed to not only further the proclamation of the Gospel, but establish them in their unique gifts and callings as ministers. Iron sharpening iron is good, but in the end everyone has their own ministry gifts from God that need to be allowed to grow, and are not to be grieved. I’m glad that Barnabas took a shot for the company by giving John Mark another chance to serve in his ministry gifts, and I’m sure that Mark had more opportunity to minister with Barnabas than he would have if Paul was with them.  The interesting part of all this is that years later, John Mark is welcomed back into Paul's ministry fold with 5 star recognition.  

GotQuestions.org continues with this;  

“John Mark sails off to Cyprus with his cousin Barnabas, but that is not the end of his story. Years later, he is with Paul, who calls him a “fellow worker” (Philemon 1:24). And near the end of Paul’s life, Paul sends a request to Timothy from a Roman prison: “Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11). Obviously, John Mark had matured through the years and had become a faithful servant of the Lord. Paul recognized his progress and considered him a valuable companion.”

Philemon 24: “24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers.”

2 Timothy 4:11; “11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.”

At this point in Paul’s life, he was not in the mission field anymore, living on the edge, but rather was now over the edge, awaiting his death sentence. It’s here that we can see Paul's strong hand of affirmation on John Mark’s ministry. Paul was beheaded in 67 AD and John Mark was martyred in 68 AD.

In the book, Foxe’s Book of Martyrs it says this of John Mark;

“On returning to Alexandria, some of the Egyptians, jealous of his power, determined on his death. St. Mark was therefore seized, his feet were tied together, and he was dragged through the streets, and left bruised and bleeding in a dungeon all night. The next day they burned his body. His bones were afterward carefully gathered up by the Christians, decently interred, and at a later period, so one tradition tells, removed to Venice.”

So Mark now at the end of Paul’s life, and he himself well seasoned in ministry, receives Paul’s affirmation. Only one year has elapsed since Paul’s execution that John Mark faces sever persecution – to the point of death. If you look at it in the natural, something seems wrong about what happened to John Mark, and it is. It’s called persecution and there is nothing nice or fair about it. This young man who grew up in ministry, wrote the detailed Gospel of Mark on the life of Jesus which it seems was heavily influenced by Peter, has such a gruesome death.  

There is nothing fair about persecution, but that’s who the devil is, he doesn’t play fair, even though Jesus said you will be persecuted and some, unto death. Jesus didn’t say that it would be a fair way to die. The individuals who think up the way to torture someone, and in Mark’s case to be dragged through the streets by his feet, is evil and wicked to the core. Those who did that will give an account to Jesus on judgment day as to why they did what they did. Whatever the persecution, the perpetrators don’t get away with it...unless they repent before they die. John Mark probably forgave them as he was being dragged through the streets, just as Stephen did when he was being stoned to death. Again, in the natural there is nothing fair or right about persecution.

When you look at John Mark, how he lived from a child onward, fulfilling God’s call on his life, struggling with world renowned senior missionaries with whom he found favour in the end, only to be tied up, dragged through the street and killed. It doesn’t seem fair. The men who did this were jealous of John Mark, jealous. They didn’t like the Holy Ghost power that he was operating in. Same thing today. How many people are jealous of the Holy Spirit power on your life and are planning and scheming your demise, to get rid of you. When Jesus called you to preach the gospel He told you that you might be persecuted unto death. He didn’t candy coat anything or say the preaching of the gospel would be fair. The devil comes to rob, steal and destroy; Jesus came to give life and give it abundantly. Don’t be surprised at persecution which comes from the devil – that’s your warfare. It’s not with the people, it’s the demons controlling the people whom you’re fight is against. Fight the good fight of faith in the Spirit. You’re life won’t end before your time, even like Paul who escaped persecution by being lowered by a basket through a window and many other times too, God will make a way of escape for you. But fulfill your call, regardless of persecution. So stand and say, I haven’t fulfilled my call Jesus, it’s not time for me to go. If you’re not to be persecuted unto death, you won’t be, but that doesn’t mean persecution won’t come.  

In looking all three of these men, Paul, Barnabas and John Mark, God was working in all their lives at the same time according to their maturity, position, call, responsibility etc. We can’t be too hard on John Mark for leaving the ministry because it seems as though he just wasn’t ready for it. It looks like he was put in a position for a seasoned minister and he wasn’t that at that time in his life, or, maybe he thought more of himself than he was...that’s a possibility. Paul on the other hand had a no holds barred stance, he was true grit. But Paul had to grow up and mature also and accept John Mark with his short-comings and eventually affirm him in his ministry. Barnabas in some ways seemed like a mediator or referee, he encouraged both John Mark and Paul. All of us have to do the same, grow up, mature, walk in mercy and humility as none of us have ‘arrived’. Our perfection comes in heaven only, until then, we walk in the Spirit and we choose not to fulfill the deeds of our flesh nature.

Foxe's Book of Martyrs - Message 8 - Apostle Peter “The Rock” Dead Man Walking - March 3rd, 2024 

Today, I would like to commemorate the Apostle Peter, formally known as Simon who was the brother of the Apostle Andrew. Jesus gave Simon a new name, Peter, “Cephas”, which meant Rock, which in the natural seemed premature for Jesus to give Simon, for he was everything but a solid rock when Jesus called him. But Jesus knew the future character change within Peter that would qualify him to live up to such a name. Today, if you were to be honest, Christian, when God called you, you did not qualify for the title of being called Christian, and if truth be told for some Christians, it took several calls from Christ to follow Him before they yielded and answered the call to Christian service. This is why it’s important when studying the Apostle Peter, that we need to approach it not with the natural, rational mind, but rather the mind of Christ, and allow the Holy Spirit to supernaturally teach us. Regardless of how unqualified Peter was to be Jesus’ Apostle in the beginning, years later he made the top two most wanted and hunted Apostles of the Christians by Emperor Nero, the other being the Apostle Paul, and both died as martyrs after spending some time suffering in the Mamertine Prison.

Let’s look at what Peter had to say about sharing in the sufferings of Christ.  

1 Peter 4:12-19 talks about suffering for God’s glory; “12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are [a]reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. [b]On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a [c]busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this [d]matter.17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.”

It’s good to keep in perspective that this same Peter who wrote this – also to avoid suffering for Christ – took up his sword in self defense and cut off the high priest’s servants ear, and after Jesus was arrested denied that he knew him three times out of fear to suffer the same fate.

John 18:10-11 says; “10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”

Jesus was referring to the cup of suffering which Peter was trying to save Him from, plus to escape suffering for himself and the rest of the disciples.

John 18:15-17 tells of Peter denying Jesus; “15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another[a] disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. 16 But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in. 17 Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.”

John 18:25-27 tells of Peter denied Jesus twice more; “25 Now Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore they said to him, “You are not also one of His disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not!” 26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” 27 Peter then denied again; and immediately a rooster crowed.”

This confirms what Jesus had prophesied to Peter that the rooster would not crow until Peter had denied Him three times. It’s also interesting to see that this same Peter after hearing Jesus predict His own death and resurrection, rebukes Jesus and in return, Jesus points out to Peter that his rebuke is that of Satan operating thru him.  

Matthew 16:21-23 states; “21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. 22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, [a]“Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” 23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are [b]an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

There’s about a 34 year gap between the death of Jesus and the martyr of Peter where he had fulfilled years of suffering for Christ, and Peter himself was informed by Jesus how he would be crucified as a martyr in John 21:18-19; “18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”

Peter understood clearly what Jesus said to him about him dying as a martyr and he speaks of it in the following scripture.

2 Peter 1:12-15; “12 For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. 13 Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this [a]tent, to stir you up by reminding you, 14 knowing that shortly I must [b]put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. 15 Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my [c]decease.”

For all those years between his close fellowship with Christ and his own crucifixion by Nero, Peter knew in the back of his mind that what Jesus said could happen at any time, yet he was determined to fulfill his call and nothing else mattered more to him than fulfilling the words of Jesus that restored him after having denied Him and left the ministry to return to his fishing business. We know that Peter wept bitterly after denying Jesus, repenting of what he did, also we know that he saw Jesus at least twice after His resurrection but there didn’t seem to be a clear moment of restoration until they’re at the Sea of Galilee where Jesus appears again to Peter and a few of the disciples. It would seem like they were walking away from the call, not realizing that the call was about to start in full. Jesus knew Peter and the rest were in the flesh, striving for food and sustenance all night long, but His plans were much greater for all of them.

To set this up (found in John 21), after Jesus sees them totally dejected from not catching anything, He commands them to cast the net on the right side of the boat. They disputed with Him briefly probably wondering what difference it would be on the right or left, plus they were too close to shore to catch anything, but they obeyed. They caught a literal ‘boat load’ of fish, 153 to be precise. But when they got to shore, Jesus already had fish and breakfast cooked for them – a miraculous supernatural provision.

John 21:15-17 reveals this restoration; “15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of [a]Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I [b]love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of [c]Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I [d]love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of [e]Jonah, do you [f]love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.”

The ‘these’ that Jesus is talking about is the 153 fish they had just caught which Jesus may have pointed to. Jesus was challenging Peter if he loved Him more than all the ‘boat load’ of fish that he was putting his hope and trust in that morning. It was an awkward moment for Peter, knowing that he denied Jesus three times, left the ministry, went back fishing, up all night, in the flesh...so it’s a good question to ask yourself today, what are you in the ministry for? Do you love Jesus more than the provision you’re seeing in the natural? Do you notice that Jesus didn’t say to Peter to stay in the fishing business that he just went back to. No, Jesus knew Peter’s call and election to feed Jesus’ sheep – the church. But Peter was grieved and sorrowful again because it seemed Jesus was pressing him about his commitment and love for Him. Jesus was breaking off the lies that Peter had in his mind about his faithfulness to Jesus. Peter needed to say yes to the call on his life of feeding the church the word of God, to preach the word, to be instant in season and out of season.  

It was here that Peter left everything to build Christ’s Church, to feed the lambs and we can see clearly from the time of Christ’s ascension that nothing else mattered more than fulfilling the call of God on his life.  

Foxe’s Book Of Martyrs book says the following;

“After the ascension of Christ, the Jews still continued to persecute the Christians, and ordered several of the apostles, among whom was St. Peter, to be scourged. This punishment they bore with the

greatest fortitude, and even rejoiced that they were thought worthy to suffer for the sake of their Redeemer. When Herod Agrippa caused St. James to be put to death, and found that it pleased the Jews, he resolved that St. Peter should be the next sacrifice. He was accordingly arrested, and thrown

into prison; but an angel of the Lord came in the night and touched him, and his chains fell off, the prison doors opened, and he went out free. Herod was so angry at his escape that he ordered the

sentinels who guarded the dungeon in which he had been confined, to be put to death.”  

The story of this miraculous escape from Herod’ s prison can be found in Acts 12:5-19.

Being persecuted by both the Jews and Romans was just the norm for Peter. He obviously had the favour of God on his life that enabled him to fulfill his call which would not be cut short before its time. Even when he was thrown in prison after James was killed, knowing that Herod wanted to kill him too, he probably wondered if his martyrdom was next.

Be it Herod, or the religious Jews, or the Roman Emperors, they could not deny the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit that operated thru the Apostle Peter. It was all the more reason to strike the shepherd of this fast growing Church that was keeping the name of Jesus alive, to imprison him and kill him, with the sole purpose of scattering the flock.

During the time of imprisonment while awaiting execution at the end of his life, I’m sure Peter took time to reflect upon his own epistles which he wrote, 1st and 2nd Peter.  

1 Peter 1:3-9 talks about a heavenly inheritance; “3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance [a]incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been [b]grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not [c]seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.”

You can imagine while awaiting to be crucified under Nero, no angels were coming to let him out of the prison as they did when he was in Herod’s prison years earlier. His call was coming to a close. He remembers his early life where Jesus rebukes him for having allowed satan to usehim to speak through,  Peter remembers when he denies Him three times, but also where he has the revelation that Jesus is the Christ, Son of the living God. So many memories flooding his mind as he reflected on how the Holy Spirit moved through him in power and might, seeing God’s supernatural deliverance in so many ways. Nero’s prison was probably much harsher than Herod’s. Remember, Herod had to placate to both the Jews and Romans, but in Rome, Nero saw himself as god to be worshipped and he had the final say in everything. Peter probably suffered greatly with many scourgings and beatings as they wanted to find other ‘ring leaders’ of the Christians to crush Christianity.  

The supernatural that was taking place though was God’s grace on Peter to finish the race and the call. It might have been obvious that what Jesus said would come to pass would happen in Nero’s prison, but Peter probably continued to pray that he’d be given just a little more time to preach the good news. Peter would have needed great grace to rejoice in the midst of Nero’s prison. He apparently suffered nine months before his death of crucifixion. He had to continually encourage himself in the Lord and in His promises.  

He probably reflected on what he wrote in, 1 Peter 3:13-17; “13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But [a]sanctify [b]the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”

Peter was suffering for doing good and not for doing evil, but Nero’s twisted mind said Peter was evil, being a bad influence on his kingdom.

Foxe’s Book Of Martyrs book says;  

“The emperor was very angry at the apostles; especially, as they had converted to Christianity some of the members of that cruel tyrant's own household; so he cast St. Peter and St. Paul into prison and kept them there nine months. During this time they converted two of the captains of the guards, and forty-seven other persons, to Christianity. Having been nine months in prison, Peter was brought out for execution, and after being scourged, he was crucified with his head downwards. It is related that he himself chose this painful posture because he did not think he was worthy to suffer in the same manner as the Lord.”

Regardless of the outcome of Peter being crucified and all the suffering with it, the following scripture shows the truth in God’s Word that the devil never prevailed against the church.  

Matthew 16:13-19 is where Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ; “13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not [a]prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth [b]will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

That was the authority that Peter was given to walk in. Jesus was referring to Himself as being the Rock that He would build His Church on, and Peter and all Christians are given the authority to bind the lies of the devil and loose the truth of God’s word to expose and do away with the lies. This is why the gates of hell will not prevail against the church, because it is built upon Jesus and His word of truth that is loosed upon all the lies about the church that have and are being bound by the Christians, who like Peter, have been given the keys to the kingdom of heaven. It’s a spiritual warfare between truth and lies, binding the lies and loosing the truth found in the Bible.  

So when the devil lies about the Church, bind his lies, and loose the Bible scripture truths that build the church upon Jesus the Rock, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. When the devil lies about the church and who you are in Christ, bind the lies and loose God’s truth upon the church and your life.

1 Peter 1:24-25 in the Amplified Bible says;“24 For, “All flesh is like grass, And all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers And the flower falls off, 25  But the word of the Lord endures forever. And this is the word [the good news of salvation] which was preached to you.”

Peter knew he was not the ‘Rock’ but that Jesus was, this is the authority that Peter walked in which made him successful because he knew his place and position in the church. He knew he was not the “Rock” upon which the church was to be built on, but that Jesus was the Rock. Peter’s authority was to take the keys of the kingdom of heaven, the authority to bind the devil throughout his whole ministry and to loose God’s word, plan and purpose over the church. That’s probably why he was such a good leader because he never built the church on himself.  

It all comes down to the authority of God’s word, everything else, the flesh, the flash, the sound, all the pomp and whatever you’re doing to add to the ministry to make it appealing to the sinner, it’s all going to fade just like the grass and the flower. The word of the Lord endures forever, the word of the Lord is what will stand, the word of the Lord is what’s going to build your church, the word of the Lord is what the devil is not going to be able to come against. In those last nine months in the Mamertine prison, Peter probably continually bound the devil over the church and loosed the word of the Lord over the church in prayer.  

34 years after Jesus spoke to him to feed His lambs, his life was ending, but Peter knew that the word of God would not come to a close, that it would endure forever, he continued in this authority until the very last hours of his life. Even though he wasn’t leading the church from a pulpit, he was leading the church from the prison by the spiritual authority that he walked in binding the devil and loosing the word of the Lord over the church. He knew the gates of hell would not prevail against the church regardless of what Nero threw at him. Whatever the devil is throwing at you, the gates of hell will not prevail, you need to stand up, take God’s word and speak it, speak it, speak it. No matter how much the persecution you have to speak God’s word with authority, bind the devil in your church and tell him to get behind you, expose his lies and then loose God’s word which is truth, loose scriptures about the church, provision, health, salvation etc., and watch God watch over His word to perform it.  

All Peter had in the end was God’s word which endures forever, he had nothing else, he was a broken man, facing a death sentence, not counting himself worthy to even die as Jesus but rather to be crucified upside down. When you’re in the midst of persecution and there may be nothing left, you have the enduring word of God to speak and stand on. When you never thought you’d be in the dire situation that your facing now, and you remember how God delivered you in the past, you still have the enduring word of salvation to use it in prayer.

Foxe's Book of Martyrs - Message 7 - "Persecution" - Apostle Paul's Thorn in the Flesh - Feb.11/24 

Today I would like to commemorate the Apostle Paul who was martyred under the reign of Emperor Nero, who had Paul beheaded some time during his reign A.D. 67- 72. Nero, remember him from Message 2? Nero’s Build Back Better? He thought he could build Rome back better but it failed.

Today is a sensitive subject for those who want to lay claim that their suffering from sickness and disease is their thorn in the flesh. Well, that’s a lie, you’ve bought into a lie if you believe that the sickness and disease in your body is of God and that you’re afflicted by God. God does not afflict His children with sickness and disease, that’s what satan does, that’s his plan and purpose. Let’s get that straight right out the gate.

Foxe’s Book of Martyrs says the following; “This apostle and martyr was a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, born at Tarsus in Cilicia, and, before his conversion, was called Saul. From his father he inherited the rights of Roman citizenship; probably earned by some ancestor through services rendered the Roman state. Paul was at first a great enemy to the Christians, being present at the stoning of Stephen, the executioners laying their clothes at his feet.”

Saul believed that he was doing God a service by persecuting Christians, and he was the ringleader of the Jews that killed Stephen by stoning. It could have been Saul that stirred the pot to have Stephen killed. We see in the following scripture that he was present and endorsing Stephen’s stoning.

Acts 8:1-3 Amplified Bible; “8 Saul wholeheartedly approved of Stephen’s death. And on that day a great and relentless persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem; and the believers were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles. 2 Some devout men buried Stephen, and [a]mourned greatly over him [expressing a personal sense of loss]. 3 But Saul began ravaging the church [and assaulting believers]; entering house after house and dragging off men and women, putting them in prison.”

Saul was relentless in his persecution of the church, mom’s and dad’s dragged away, leaving their children as orphans.

Acts 9:1-2 Amplified Bible; “9 Now [a]Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord [and relentless in his search for believers], went to the [b]high priest, 2 and he asked for letters [of authority] from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any men or women there belonging to [c]the Way [believers, followers of Jesus the Messiah], men and women alike, he could arrest them and bring them bound [with chains] to Jerusalem.”

Foxe’s Book of Martyrs says; “But after the death of Stephen, while Paul was on his way to Damascus, the glory of the Lord shone suddenly upon him, he was struck to the earth, and was made blind for three days. After his recovery he was converted and became an apostle, and lastly suffered as a martyr for the religion which he had formerly persecuted.”

Saul never met Jesus personally until the Damascus Road when he met Him face to face. Why such a dramatic encounter with Jesus? Because Saul was persecuting Jesus’ church, His bride, by harassing them, putting them in jail and killing them. Saul was bullying the wrong bride, the bride of Christ. What man in his right mind would not deal with someone who was dragging off his wife – bride – to jail? What man would not role up his sleeves and deal with the bully? That’s what Jesus was doing, He was jealous for His bride, Saul was bullying His bride. But Saul was doing it in ignorance.

Acts 9:3-9 gives a detailed understanding of what happened to Saul on the road to Damascus where he encounters Jesus, the one who he is persecuting. When Saul was struck with blindness while on the road to Damascus by the hand of Jesus, he was then led to a place for three days where he not only received his sight back, but was born again, baptized with the Holy Spirit and was baptized in water.

Acts 9:10-13 says; “10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much [a]harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children[b] of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” 17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord [c]Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. 19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.”

During those three days, Jesus was doing a deep work within Saul. Right after this he immediately goes to fellowship with his new Christian family, although it was difficult because they still believed him to be the persecutor. It’s pretty clear that Paul the Apostle prior to his conversion, persecuted Christians, and it’s also clear that he himself will be severely persecuted for his new found faith in Jesus. Again, verse 15 says; “But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children[b] of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

Does that mean that Jesus will afflict him? No, but Jesus knows the devil and knows he will afflict him. Paul had a huge calling on his life.

Foxe’s Book of Martyrs says; “St. Paul's great abilities and earnest enthusiasm in spreading the

gospel of Christ have made his name revered wherever the Christian religion is known. After his wonderful conversion he went to Jerusalem, where he saw the apostles Peter, James and John. He then went forth with Barnabas to preach. At Iconium, the two were near being stoned to death by the enraged Jews; upon which they fled to Lycaonia. At Lystra, St. Paul was stoned, dragged out of the city, and left for dead. He, however, recovered and 'escaped to Derbe. At Philippi, Paul and Silas were imprisoned and whipped; and both were again abused at Thessalonica.”

Who was he abused by? People who were under the influence of satan, not God. Remember the Bible says that many are the afflictions of the righteous but He delivers them from them all (Psalm 34:19).

In 2 Corinthians 12:7 Amplified Bible, Paul talks about the thorn in the flesh; “7 Because of the surpassing greatness and extraordinary nature of the revelations [which I received from God], for this reason, to keep me from thinking of myself as important, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, to torment and harass me—to keep me from exalting myself!”

The devil is allowed to afflict and persecute Paul to the point that it puts him in a position that keeps him humble and doesn’t exalt himself in his ministry. The origin of this thorn in the flesh is of satan and not God and it was a result of revelations that Paul received from God. The thorn was not sickness, but rather he was mistreated violently and tormented by people. As a result of that, it’s likely that his body felt ailments, especially after being stoned to death, beaten with rods and whips etc., but these were afflictions of persecution done by satan. The following scriptures use the same word ‘thorn’, that Paul uses to describe the thorn in his flesh.  

Numbers 33:55 Amplified Bible; “55 But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then those you let remain of them will be like pricks in your eyes and like thorns in your sides, and they will attack you in the land in which you live.”

Joshua 23:13 Amplified Bible says; “13 know and understand with certainty that the Lord your God will not continue to drive these nations out from before you; but they will be a snare and trap to you, and a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land which the Lord your God has given you.”

Judges 2:3 Amplified Bible; “3 So I also said, ‘I will not drive your enemies out before you; but they will be like thorns in your sides and their gods will be a snare to you.’”

It was the non-Christian Romans, Jews and Gentiles that were the thorn in Paul's flesh, who fiercely persecuted him on every side and fulfilled what Jesus said to Ananias in Acts 9:15; “15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children[b] of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”  

Satan is afflicting, persecuting, harassing him through the people. As Paul harassed the early church, he’s now the recipient of the persecutions. That is his suffering, his thorn in the flesh, the messenger of satan.

2 Corinthians 11:24-28 Amplified Bible talks about some of the sufferings that Paul went through; “24 Five times I received from the Jews [a]thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent adrift on the sea; 26 many times on journeys, [exposed to] danger from rivers, danger from bandits, danger from my own countrymen, danger from the Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger on the sea, danger among those posing as believers; 27 in labor and hardship, often unable to sleep, in hunger and thirst, often [driven to] fasting [for lack of food], in cold and exposure [without adequate clothing]. 28 Besides those external things, there is the daily [inescapable] pressure of my concern for all the churches.”

If you have persecution from people around you that are under the influence of satan, it would be good to re-read this scripture and be encouraged. It’s not belittling what you’re experiencing but to see that your afflictions probably are not of the magnitude of Paul’s, and if he survived and gave testimony to Jesus, then you can also. The Apostle Paul understood that redemption did not include redemption from persecution, regardless of how many times he was delivered from being persecuted unto death, there was no redemption from persecution as a whole. That’s not to say that God won’t deliver you from affliction, He will, just as He delivered Paul out of many afflictions. Paul was supernaturally removed from situations where he was left for dead, he shouldn’t have made it out alive, but by the power of God he did. That’s the testimony of it all. God’s deliverance. We serve a supernatural God and He moves supernaturally.

2 Timothy 3:12 Amplified Bible “12 Indeed, all who delight in pursuing righteousness and are determined to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be hunted and persecuted [because of their faith].”

Are you pursuing righteousness and living godly? Then, according to the Bible, you will be hunted and persecuted because of it, in one way, shape or another it’s guaranteed. It’s not because of you, but it’s because of Christ in you whom they are persecuting. If they persecuted Jesus, Paul, the Apostles...they’ll persecute you. Nothing has changed regardless of the laws of a country that may limit some persecution, but they will persecute you in one way, shape or another. Jesus isn’t persecuting you, He doesn’t persecute His own bride. Some would think that the reason Paul was persecuted so much was a result of his own actions of persecuting Christians, maybe he had it coming some would say, but we have to keep in mind that Paul persecuted Christians as a devout religious Pharisee, thinking he was doing a righteous service of God. He was spiritually blind. Jesus laid out clearly that all those who would be His disciple would be persecuted and it hasn’t changed throughout the centuries. In the end, Jesus has the victory over satan and satan is cast into the lake of fire for eternity. He gets his just judgment. Until then, we endure as soldiers of the cross of Christ.

Let’s take our eyes off Paul for a moment and look at what he wrote about the persecuted Apostles, including himself.

1 Corinthians 4:9-13 Amplified Bible; “9 For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles at the end of the line, like men sentenced to death [and paraded as prisoners in a procession], because we have become a spectacle to the world [a show in the world’s amphitheater], both to angels and to men. 10 We are [regarded as] fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are highly esteemed, but we are dishonored. 11 To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty; we are continually poorly dressed, and we are roughly treated, and wander homeless. 12 We work [for our living], working hard with our own hands. When we are reviled and verbally abused, we bless. When we are persecuted, we take it patiently and endure. 13 When we are slandered, we try to be conciliatory and answer softly. We have become like the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now.”

The redemption that can be found in such severe persecutions is this; the grace to go thru it and supernaturally continue in the ministry and fulfill the call of God. In the natural, it didn’t look good for any of them, in the natural it might not look good for you today. But in the supernatural there is a grace for you to be able to stand and fulfill the call on your life.

2 Corinthians 4:7-12 Amplified Bible says; “7 But we have this precious treasure [the good news about salvation] in [unworthy] earthen vessels [of human frailty], so that the grandeur and surpassing greatness of the power will be [shown to be] from God [His sufficiency] and not from ourselves. 8 We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed; perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair; 9 hunted down and persecuted, but not deserted [to stand alone]; struck down, but never destroyed; 10 always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown in our body. 11 For we who live are constantly [experiencing the threat of] being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be evidenced in our mortal body [which is subject to death]. 12 So physical death is [actively] at work in us, but [spiritual] life [is actively at work] in you.”

However you’re suffering in the ministry today, look at the impact that you’re having on those Christians whom you’re teaching. Paul understood God’s grace to be able to stand in the face of all persecution that was dealt him, and he clearly understood that grace was sufficient in and of itself, that he could offer nothing to assist it in his favour, where, he could possibly boast a little bit about it.  

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 Amplified Bible “8 Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me; 9 but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. 10 So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].”

Paul was like a knock-down-clown, no matter hard they hit him, he just kept getting back up, and Nero knew that the only way to stop him from getting back up was to behead him. But even in death, Paul still knew he had the victory by God’s grace over all the persecutions.  

2 Timothy 4:6-8 Amplified Bible; “6 For I am already being [a]poured out as a drink offering, and the time of [b]my departure [from this world] is at hand and I will soon go free. 7 I have fought the good and worthy and noble fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith [firmly guarding the gospel against error]. 8 In the future there is reserved for me the [victor’s] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that [great] day—and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and longed for and welcomed His appearing.”

Foxe’s Book of Martyrs says; “Being afterwards taken at Jerusalem, St. Paul was sent to Caesarea, but appealed to Caesar at Rome. Here he continued a prisoner at large for two years; and at length being released, he visited the churches of Greece and Rome, and preached in Gaul and Spain. Returning to Rome, he was taken, imprisoned nine months, with St. Peter, and then martyred by the order of Nero, by being beheaded with the sword.”

It’s interesting how both Peter and Paul ended up in the same prison, both being martyred by Nero. It’s important for Christians to accept that Jesus never redeemed them from persecution, but rather in the midst of it they can receive the supernatural grace from Jesus to stand just like the Apostle Paul and fulfill the call of God on their lives.  

Click on this link to watch this short video on “Paul, Apostle of Christ / Paul is Beheaded”

Here is a list of books the Apostle Paul wrote;

Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon

Click to read the prophecy from Sunday's service. 

Foxe’s Book of Martyrs – Message 4 - Son of Thunder (Apostle James) - January 7th, 2024 

Today, I want to commemorate James who was the first Apostle to be martyred for having put his faith in Jesus as Lord and Messiah, the soon coming King. Let’s look at at the call of James to become a disciple of Christ found in Matthew 4:18-22 where Jesus called four fisherman to be His disciples; “18 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.

21 Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.”

How does it happen that after one call from Jesus to follow Him, they dropped everything and followed Him. Maybe they had heard of Him as news travelled about John the Baptist baptizing many. Maybe there were rumours about a possible Messiah showing up in Israel. Maybe they heard him speak somewhere else. Maybe they had seen or talked to Him before having given them understanding of who He was and what His mission was for His life. What do you think? Imagine a total stranger coming in your life telling you to leave your job, home, career, family...to follow him. Would you drop everything and go? Are you willing to do that? Stuff like that just doesn’t happen....or does it? All we know prior to this encounter is that Jesus had just ended a 40 day and 40 night fast in the Judean wilderness being tempted by satan, and instead of returning to Nazareth, his home town, moved to Capernaum by the sea of Galilee. What do you think? Do you think that it was a supernatural call and they answered, yes, and said to their dad, see you later?

When Jesus called James and John his brother, they became part of Jesus’ close inner circle, they came in at the ground floor of the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. James never chose to follow Jesus, but rather Jesus chose him, and this is a very key point to keep in perspective at all times, that as Christians, we never chose to follow Jesus, He chose us and we answered the call, and now expects us to bear fruit that remains. Maybe this gives understanding as to why they dropped everything to follow Him. It was supernatural, it was beyond the logistics of eating, drinking, being merry and having a career. It was supernatural, they were chosen.

You may say, no, they had to have a part in it...did they? Or did they just answer the call? Did they just know in their ‘knower’, this is my call to follow this man, Jesus. You may say, no, there had to have been more than that. Really? Why? Why do we have to assume there had to be something more? Is not Jesus enough? When Jesus calls a man or woman, He bids them to come and die. It doesn’t sound to attractive or comfortable to me in the natural. It didn’t look like there was too much provision included in the call, they were fisherman and they depended on the work of their hands, their boats, their nets, the weather for provision, but when Jesus called them, they dropped everything not knowing where they were going. That’s what James did. In my natural mind I can assume there must have been some understanding of who Jesus was, but according to the Bible it doesn’t give much of an explanation. It doesn’t say, Jesus, who they met 40 days earlier...no, it just says Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee and He called them.  

It’s hard to wrap your mind around a call that was that instamatic. But look back on your life when Jesus called you, it was pretty instamatic. Look back at the altar time when you heard His voice calling you to come follow Him. It maybe had a different scenario, a different job you were in, but when He called you, you made a decision to follow Him. Did you have to drop a few things to follow Him? Probably. James had to drop his life to follow Jesus, he had to give up his life. Jesus gives a nickname to James and John, the sons of thunder, and we’ll see shortly as to why that may have been.

Jesus says this in John 15:9-17; “9 As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. 11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. 17 These things I command you, that you love one another.

Your friendship with Christ is dependent upon how much you obey Him in all things. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again; you can’t call yourself a Christian and not go to church on a regular basis to be part of the body of Christ; you can’t call yourself a Christian if you choose not to take communion regularly (unless you know you’re in sin and not willing to repent); you can’t call yourself a Christian if you refuse to be water baptized. Those are not the fruits of being born again as they are part of the basic fundamental tenants of Christianity. You can’t say your born again and reject the baptism in the Holy Spirit which Jesus commanded you to receive. A person who rejects these foundational beliefs of being a Christian needs to examine their life to see if they’re truly born again or if they’re very backslidden.  Actions like these are associated with apostacy which the Apostle Paul warns Timothy about in  I Timothy 4 and II Timothy 3.

Anyone can call themselves a Christian, but not everyone will fulfill what Jesus requires of them to be His friend, and part of His close inner circle.

It was James along with John and Peter who were made privy to Jesus’ transfiguration on the Mount where he has a meeting with Moses and Elijah found in Matthew 17:1-13.

Although James never wrote any of the books found in the Bible, he was however written about, and was a very close friend of Jesus, not just by association as many of the disciples were then who later, after counting the cost of being His disciple, left him which John 6:60-66 says. Jesus makes it very clear in verse, “65 And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.”  

In Matthew 20:20-28, we see that James and his brother John were such close friends with Jesus that their own mother requests that they are seated with Jesus in His kingdom to come, one on his left and the other on His right.

Jesus knew what was in the heart of James before He called him to be His disciple, and from what we read in Luke 9:51-56, Jesus rebukes him and his brother for wanting to call fire down from heaven and destroy the Samaritan village that would not accommodate them because they were Jews. This is probably why Jesus gave them the name Boanerges, which meant Sons of Thunder, that depicts that James and John had a lot of pride in their Jewish heritage and anger that needed to be curbed in order for them to be His disciples. They were clinging to tradition and Jesus let them know that they had to let that go, because it was making them angry. What are you clinging to today that’s making you angry? What hostility do you have within that’s making you angry today? What are you holding on to today that you have to give up that’s making you angry? What has you upset because the world won’t accept you based upon their prejudice of you, something in you, in your past, your tradition or religion or your bloodline heritage...it could be any number of things that make you upset; but you need to curb those things to follow Jesus. I’m sure James and John had some ‘curbing’ done by Jesus along the way, numerous times, when their anger came up.

It’s ironic though, that James who took so much pride in his Jewish heritage was himself killed by Herod Agrippa I, who was a Roman appointed ruler of Israel, not a Jew by birth as his family had converted to Judaism; so he was a Roman on the inside, a Jew on the outside, knowing that it would please the religious Jews and he would gain favour with them as King. Who knows if Herod, in his own twisted mind, maybe thought he was being set up to be Messiah, King of the Jews. He was a perverse and twisted man. Remember he was appointed by the Roman Emperor Caligula, (Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus), who was known to be self-indulgent, cruel, sadistic, extravagant and sexually perverted to the point that he demanded worship of himself as a living god. You can imagine the things that went on between the two of them.  

Again, it’s interesting James was killed by Herod Agrippa I who was only masquerading as a Jew  outwardly but was Roman at heart. Now James, was Christian outwardly but Jewish on the inside to the point that it offended him that there would be prejudice against his Jewish side. In him wanting to call down fire from heaven over the Samaritan’s who didn’t want them to stay in their village because he was a Jew, shows he hadn’t died to his bloodline identity. Herod was sinner on the inside and religious outwardly. How about those today who are sinners on the inside but masquerading as religious or Christian outwardly, trying to save face with those around them?

Why did Herod kill James? We know that it pleased the Jews so much that he then arrested Peter with the same intent to kill. I’m sure that if Herod Agrippa I was positioned by Caligula as King of Judea, he was well versed with the persecution of Christians and his job was to continue to keep the peace in Jerusalem and appease the religious Jews. Maybe James was calling out Agrippa’s duplicity claiming to be a devout Jew but inwardly was a devout Roman, and his double standard that he had with the Jewish nation, maybe he was prophetically bringing to light Herod’s hidden agenda...  

It’s the same today with politicians, to save face with the country that if the majority of the country is Catholic, they’re Catholic, or if the majority of the province is Christian, they’re Christian too. Why, because they need their vote. According to some writings on Herod Agrippa I, he was an extremely devout Jew, very studious and very devout on the outside but not inwardly, mainly to save face and gain favour from the religious Jews he was ruling over.

The Jews, initially thought that having Jesus killed would also bring an end to His disciples, but Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to His disciples and before He ascended to heaven, He promised to send the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire that the 120 then received on the day of Pentecost in the upper room. You can only imagine the uproar in Jerusalem amongst the religious Jews, when the 120 disciples received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues that prophesied the wonderful works of God which converted 3000 Jews to become Christians on that day. Herod Agrippa I was very aware of that.

From the day of Pentecost ‘til the apostle James’ death in 44 AD, is about a 10 year period, so you can only imagine the amount of church growth among the Jews in Judea, and how much it would have been on the minds of the religious Jews and King Herod, who was a professing and practising Jew, to kill the church ring leaders Peter, James and John and any other Jew that converted to Christ as their Messiah.  

Acts 12:1-4 tells us about Herod’s violence to the church; “12 Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. 2 Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. 4 So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four [a]squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover.”

Bible Study Tools Foxe’s Book of Martyrs; says this about the Apostle James;

“James the Great;
The next martyr we meet with, according to St. Luke, in the History of the Apostles' Acts, was James the son of Zebedee, the elder brother of John, and a relative of our Lord; for his mother Salome was cousin-german to the Virgin Mary. It was not until ten years after the death of Stephen that the second martyrdom took place; for no sooner had Herod Agrippa been appointed governor of Judea, than, with a view to ingratiate himself with them, he raised a sharp persecution against the Christians, and determined to make an effectual blow, by striking at their leaders. The account given us by an eminent primitive writer, Clemens Alexandrinus, ought not to be overlooked; that, as James was led to the place of martyrdom, his accuser was brought to repent of his conduct by the apostle's extraordinary courage and undauntedness, and fell down at his feet to request his pardon, professing himself a Christian, and resolving that James should not receive the crown of martyrdom alone. Hence they were both beheaded at the same time. Thus did the first apostolic martyr cheerfully and resolutely receive that cup, which he had told our Savior he was ready to drink. Timon and Parmenas suffered martyrdom about the same time; the one at Philippi, and the other in Macedonia. These events took place A.D. 44.”

It’s very powerful to see the very accuser of James repent, realizing his sin and is born again. James died for his faith in Jesus as his Lord and Messiah, and for the preservation of the Church, the Body of Christ. Today Christian, don’t be surprised if those who are persecuting and lying about you aren’t convicted of their sin, repent and instead of being the persecutor become the persecuted also. In the midst of persecution, are you cheerful and resolute in your faith? Will the lives of the unsaved be changed as a result of your attitude of gratitude for what Jesus has done for you?

Herod Agrippa I, being perniciously zealous to please the Jews, proceeds to arrest Peter and places him in prison with 16 soldiers to guard him. It says in Acts 12:5-11;"5 Peter was therefore kept in prison, but [a]constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. 6 And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were [b]keeping the prison. 7 Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. 8 Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” 9 So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. 11 And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.”

You see, Herod was just a henchman doing the dirty work for the Jews, just like Pilate was for the Jews for killing Jesus. After this great escape of Peter, Herod has these four squads of soldiers that were guarding Peter killed and then leaves Judea and heads to Caesarea and stays there. It looks like Herod exited stage left as it reflected very badly on him that his prisoner had ‘divinely’ escaped. He didn’t quite see things unravel as they did as he thought for sure that Peter would also be killed at his behest. But it was in Caesarea that he meet his judgment with God.

Got Questions says the following about Herod Agrippa I;

“It was in Caesarea that Herod Agrippa I met his demise. “[Agrippa] had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon; they now joined together and sought an audience with him. After securing the support of Blastus, a trusted personal servant of the king, they asked for peace, because they depended on the king’s country for their food supply. On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, ‘This is the voice of a god, not of a man.’ Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died” (Acts 12:20–23). From the information Luke gives, one might expect that Agrippa was suddenly overpowered by worms that consumed him in a matter of seconds, and one can envision how this might be portrayed gruesomely in a Hollywood movie. But Luke does not say that Herod died immediately, only that he was “struck down” immediately. According to Josephus, Herod Agrippa I was immediately incapacitated by a severe pain his stomach; the pain lingered for five days before he died. The book of Acts tells us that the cause of death was worms (parasites, probably) directly from the hand of God.
The fate of Herod Agrippa I is a graphic reminder that it does not pay to fight against God (see also Psalm 1). While Herod the king is writhing on a bed of pain with worms in his gut, Peter the apostle is free to spread the gospel and serve the Lord. Herod died, “but the word of God continued to spread and flourish” (Acts 12:24).”

There are many people today that are persecuting Christians all over the world, in their jobs, school, political arenas, etc., but just so long as there is a praying church, God has the final say in the end.

1 Peter 4:12-14 Amplified Bible says; “12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test you [that is, to test the quality of your faith], as though something strange or unusual were happening to you. 13 But insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, keep on rejoicing, so that when His glory [filled with His radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may rejoice with great joy. 14 If you are insulted and reviled for [bearing] the name of Christ, you are blessed [happy, with life-joy and comfort in God’s salvation regardless of your circumstances], because the Spirit of glory and of God is resting on you [and indwelling you—He whom they curse, you glorify].”

To read Bible Study Tools on Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, click here.

Foxe’s Book of Martyrs – Message 3 – The Stoning of the Waiter of Widows (St.Stephen) - Dec.10, 2023 

There are four disciples of Christ who were not Apostles, but need to be commemorated as martyrs for their Christian faith and today were going to look at the disciple Stephen. Waiter of widows, that’s what Stephen did, that was his job description in the church, he waited on widows. Himself and six others waited on widows and oversaw food distribution to them.

Stephen was the first disciple of Christ to be martyred and what made him unique was that it was by the hands of the religious Jews and not by the Romans. Let’s look at Stephen’s job description he held in the church prior to his death which deemed him a waiter of widows. 

Acts 6:1-6 in the Amplified Bible says; “6 Now about this time, when the number of disciples was increasing, a complaint was made by the [a]Hellenists (Greek-speaking Jews) against the [[b]native] Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. 2 So the [c]Twelve called the disciples together and said, “It is not appropriate for us to neglect [teaching] the word of God in order to serve tables and manage the distribution of food. 3 Therefore, brothers, choose from among you seven men with good reputations [men of godly character and moral integrity], full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. 4 But we will [continue to] devote ourselves [steadfastly] to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 The suggestion pleased the whole congregation; and they selected [d]Stephen, a man full of faith [in Christ Jesus], and [filled with and led by] the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas (Nikolaos), a proselyte (Gentile convert) from Antioch. 6 They brought these men before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them [to dedicate and commission them for this service].  

The title that Stephen held in the church in the natural, seemed menial, yet it was required of him to be a man of good reputation and full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom and also required the Apostles to lay hands on them and pray for them, dedicating and commissioning them for this service of waiting on widows. So what made this waiter of widows such a threat to the religious Jews? It’s obvious from the following scriptures that he didn’t despise his humble beginnings in church service but operated in Holy Ghost power that demonstrated signs and wonders and miracles among the people which kept Jesus, whom the religious Jews killed, very much alive in Jerusalem. Stephen wasn’t just known for his ministry to widows in the church, but he had a powerful ministry in the field as we’ll read in the following scripture.

Acts 6:7-10 Amplified Bible says; “7 And the message of God kept on growing and spreading, and the number of disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem; and a large number of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith [accepting Jesus as Messiah and acknowledging Him as the Source of eternal salvation]. 8 Now Stephen, full of grace (divine blessing, favor) and power, was doing great wonders and signs (attesting miracles) among the people. 9 However, some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (freed Jewish slaves), both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and [the province of] Asia, rose up and questioned and argued with Stephen. 10 But they were not able to successfully withstand and cope with the wisdom and the intelligence [and the power and inspiration] of the Spirit by whom he was speaking.”  

You could say that Stephen was being bullied by the religious leaders of the day, but they were messing with the wrong man. Stephen was highly educated in God’s word – the Old Testament – in Jewish religion, in the Jewish history of his forefathers; he wasn’t just a waiter on widows trying to make it through life. He was a man filled with the Holy Spirit and knew the exact details of the Jewish nation and people.

It’s important to keep Jesus alive wherever you go as His servant and not despise your humble beginnings, but allow the Holy Spirit to use you as a vessel of honour for His glory. It’s guaranteed if you keep Jesus alive, you will be persecuted by the religious Jews who were responsible for killing not only Jesus, but Stephen also, and who just as they did for Jesus, raised up false witness’s against him that lead to his death.  

It says the following in Acts 6:11-15; “11 Then [to attack him another way] they secretly instructed men to say, “We have heard this man [Stephen] speak blasphemous (slanderous, sacrilegious, abusive) words against Moses and against God.” 12 And they provoked and incited the people, as well as the elders and the scribes, and they came up to Stephen and seized him and brought him before the Council (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court). 13 They presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and the Law [of Moses]; 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus the Nazarene will tear down this place and will change the traditions and customs which Moses handed down to us.” 15 Then all those who were sitting in the Council, stared [intently] at him, and they saw that Stephen’s face was like the face of an angel.”

Remember, Stephen was walking in the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, which they saw but refused to acknowledge, so they had to bring in liars to justify their decision of his execution. On top of it, Stephen’s face lights up like an angel, a supernatural manifestation of glory comes to the defense of Stephen.

The Roman empire governed Israel at the time of Stephen’s death, but they were not responsible for this disciples death, and truth be told, it was the fact that Stephen was martyred for exposing the religious Jews for rejecting the Messiah and having him killed by the Romans, who even Pilot who authorized his death, washed his hands of Jesus’ blood and put all the blame on the Jews who turned Jesus over to him. The Romans did the dirty work – so to speak –  but it was the religious Jewish leaders who incited His death.

The prophet Zechariah prophesies of this too in Zechariah 12:10; “And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.” Also John 19:37 and Revelation 1:7 reference this.

You can read Stephens defense in Acts 7:1-53 where he boldly sets the record straight by giving a detailed Bible history lesson that clearly exposes the truth about the Jews having rejected Jesus as their Messiah.

Stephen’s concluding words to them in Acts 7:51-53; “51 You stiff-necked and stubborn people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are always actively resisting the Holy Spirit. You are doing just as your fathers did. 52 Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who proclaimed beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become; 53 you who received the law as ordained and delivered to you by angels, and yet you did not obey it!”  

These words boldly spoken by a waiter of widows sealed his fate, because they were undeniably historical truths that exposed their lies about Jesus not being the Messiah. The great thing about all of this is that Jesus’ death and resurrection gave way for not only Jews to be saved, but also Gentiles, which will be ongoing till the day of His return.

Let’s look at the final verses in Acts 7:54-60; “54 Now when [k]they heard this [accusation and understood its implication], they were cut to the heart, and they began grinding their teeth [in rage] at him. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit and led by Him, gazed into heaven and saw the glory [the great splendor and majesty] of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; 56 and he said, “Look! I see the heavens opened up [in welcome] and [l]the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” 57 But they shouted with loud voices, and covered their ears and together rushed at him [considering him guilty of blasphemy]. 58 Then they drove him out of the city and began stoning him; and the witnesses placed their outer robes at the feet of a young man named [m]Saul. 59 They continued stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive and accept and welcome my spirit!” 60 Then falling on his knees [in worship], he cried out loudly, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them [do not charge them]!” When he had said this, he fell asleep [in death].”

It’s quite interesting that Saul a religious Jew who later became the Apostle Paul, was there endorsing Stephen’s death, and as you read in the book of Acts, he went on to persecute Christians, thinking he was doing God a service as a devout religious Jew.

Bible Study Tools: St. Stephen
“St. Stephen suffered the next in order. His death was occasioned by the faithful manner in which he preached the Gospel to the betrayers and murderers of Christ. To such a degree of madness were they excited, that they cast him out of the city and stoned him to death. The time when he suffered is generally supposed to have been at the Passover which succeeded to that of our Lord's crucifixion, and to the era of his ascension, in the following spring.
Upon this a great persecution was raised against all who professed their belief in Christ as the Messiah, or as a prophet. We are immediately told by St. Luke, that "there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem;" and that "they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles."
About two thousand Christians, with Nicanor, one of the seven deacons, suffered martyrdom during the "persecution that arose about Stephen."  

It doesn’t say if this was at the hands of the Jewish religious leaders, Saul (Paul), the Romans or perhaps all, but the next significant martyr we read about in Acts was the apostle James the son of Zebedee, John’s brother which was done by the hands of Herod Agrippa.  He’s also known as James the Great.

Acts 8:1-3 Amplified Bible talks about Saul’s persecution of the church; “8 Saul wholeheartedly approved of Stephen’s death. And on that day a great and relentless persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem; and the believers were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles. 2 Some devout men buried Stephen, and [a]mourned greatly over him [expressing a personal sense of loss]. 3 But Saul began ravaging the church [and assaulting believers]; entering house after house and dragging off men and women, putting them in prison.”

Acts 9:1-2 says; “9 Now [a]Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord [and relentless in his search for believers], went to the [b]high priest, 2 and he asked for letters [of authority] from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any men or women there belonging to [c]the Way [believers, followers of Jesus the Messiah], men and women alike, he could arrest them and bring them bound [with chains] to Jerusalem.”  

You can continue to read about Saul's conversion in Acts 9 where he meets Jesus on the road to Damascus to persecute His disciples, and as we just read, there were about 2000 Christians martyred after Stephens death. Just as the Jews didn’t like Jesus, they didn’t like the new church that was recently formed by Him. They didn’t like the fact that there were people following an individual that’s still alive, whom they had killed. Add to that that Jesus said He’d come back for His church at the rapture, have a seven year marriage supper of the Lamb in heaven with them, then to return to establish His kingdom on earth in Jerusalem with Christians ruling and reigning with Him during the thousand year millennial reign. It’s heavy and weighty. Jesus ruling in Jerusalem with Christians that were persecuted by religious Jews, by the Romans, and by all nations in the world.  

No one wants to end up by their own decision-making at the Great White Throne Judgment, you want to be at the Bema Seat, or the Judgment Seat of Christ, where Jesus reviews your Christian life and whatever you’ve done for His name as a Christian. You don’t want to be anywhere else. Jew or Gentile, you need to receive Jesus Christ as the Messiah, Lord of lords and King of kings. We pray for the Jewish people, that the veil would be removed from their eyes, that Jesus had to be the final sacrificial lamb to take away the sin of the world and that He is coming back for His church, born again Christians, even as He explained to Nicodemos the Pharisee that he must be born again to inherit the kingdom of heaven.

Just as Jesus was persecuted by the religious Jews, so were the disciples prior to and after his death and even to this very day in Israel, Christians are still persecuted by religious Jews and just like Saul who later became a Christian, so are many Jews becoming Christians in Israel and all over the world. The gates of hell will not prevail against the church. Stephen’s life being taken did not thwart the building of the church at it’s inception. Don’t despise your humble beginning in ministry and church work. In your eyes it might be small, but don’t despise it.

You have to get your eyes off of titles, positions and image and step out in Holy Ghost power with signs, wonders and miracles because that is what has kept the name of Jesus alive throughout the past 2000 years. Just as Stephen fed widows, he was known for signs, wonders and miracles following his preaching of the living Jesus. The only image we need to carry is the image of Jesus with Holy Spirit power. Regardless of how menial your work might be to you, expect miracles, signs and wonders, expect the devil to be bound when you bind him. Because Stephen spoke the truth of God’s word to religious leaders, it cost him his life. But he knew his life wasn’t his own and asked Jesus to not hold their sin against them – forgiveness. Whatever religious lies that come your way, bind them in Jesus’ name and loose what God’s word has to say. Bind the lie and loose the truth in every area of your life. Remember, there is no sting in death for the true Christian, there is though for those who reject Jesus’ lordship.

Stephen, a deacon who served the tables of the widows, who was not ashamed of the good news of Jesus, willingly gave his life for the church, yet today, we have Christians who don’t even want to go to church, let alone serve in church. It shows the backslidden and apostate times that we’re living in.

To read Sunday’s prophecy, click here.

To read Bible Study Tools on Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, click here.

Message 2– Nero’s Build Back Better? - December 3rd, 2023 

It’s important for Christians to commemorate the Saints that refused to bow the knee to the Roman Empire who were then martyred, for in doing so, they bring to light what was done to Christians in the open that was not hidden from the public eye. Blatant persecution unto death, not in hidden rooms for the most part but in open colosseums so as to put the fear of Nero into the people and Christians because in doing so they would surely see it as the end of their lives. But for Christians it was the beginning of a brand new life with Jesus, in heaven. How deceived Nero was to think that what he did in public would stop the church.

Matthew 5:10-12; “10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Jesus was talking about the Old Testament prophets who foretold His coming as the Messiah under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. They prophesied a future hope which they put their faith in even though they did not see the fulfillment of it. They saw it in the spirit but not with their natural eyes. Hebrews 11:36-40 gives us an understanding of some persecutions the Old Testament saints faced, who walked by faith and never saw the promised Messiah, Jesus, and whom the Apostles and disciples walked with for three years, and gave up theirs lives for under the persecution of Rome.

Hebrews 11:36-40; “36 Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, [a]were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— 38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, 40 God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.”

The “us” is the New Testament Christian saints, you and me. The Old Testament Saints were not made perfect apart from us, the church, that’s what perfected their faith. The gates of hell will not prevail against us, the church. What part of the gates of hell will not prevail against the church does the World Economic Form not understand? Nero didn’t understand that the gates of hell that he was instrumental in unleashing would not prevail against the new church according to what Jesus said in Matthew 16:18; “...and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

The early Church Christians not only personally walked with Jesus for three years, but after His death, received the promised Holy Spirit as a Comforter to strengthen them in times of persecution. As Christians today we never walked, talked or broke bread with Jesus, but we by faith received the same Comforter of the Holy Spirit that Jesus gave them, and this is why it’s so important to be baptized in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, so that in times of persecution we won’t bow the knee to the present day world leaders who follow and carry out the World Economic Forms agenda to depopulate our world at any cost of its citizens and ‘build it back better.’ Are they any less murderess than Nero? Are they any less covetous of their neighbours property? Not at all. Let’s look at Nero, who had a similar plan that backfired on him personally and cost him everything including his own life by suicide.  

Bible Study Tools says the following;  

The First Persecution, Under Nero, A.D. 67
“The first persecution of the Church took place in the year 67, under Nero, the sixth emperor of Rome. This monarch reigned for the space of five years, with tolerable credit to himself, but then gave way to the greatest extravagancy of temper, and to the most atrocious barbarities. Among other diabolical whims, he ordered that the city of Rome should be set on fire, which order was executed by his officers, guards, and servants. While the imperial city was in flames, he went up to the tower of Macaenas, played upon his harp, sung the song of the burning of Troy, and openly declared that 'he wished the ruin of all things before his death.' Besides the noble pile, called the Circus, many other palaces and houses were consumed; several thousands perished in the flames, were smothered in the smoke, or buried beneath the ruins.”

It’s said that Nero was motivated to destroy the city so he would be able to by-pass the senate and rebuild Rome in his image. Sounds familiar to what is going on today with the World Economic Form to rob, kill and destroy and “Build Back Better” agenda. Just look at what took place in Canada that violated religious constitutional rights and freedoms of Christians and their church's who refused to bow the knee and close their churches during the COVID 19 scamdemic. This clearly shows that Christians will be persecuted regardless of rights and freedoms, and this is all the more reason to set your minds on things above and face the reality that this place you call home is only temporary and you will be persecuted and if need be martyred for being a Christian in Canada. Did you ever think that in your life-time you would have seen what happened to churches during the lockdowns, fining and imprisoning pastors just because they went against the illegal mandates to shut church doors!  

So long as the Church is alive and growing, Jesus is the restrainer of the World Economic Form’s (WEF) agenda to rob, kill, destroy and build back better. This is why Christians are and will be persecuted like never before in history in the near future until they are raptured by Jesus as His bride and taken to a seven year marriage supper in Heaven, while those who are left behind will face the seven year tribulation period that no longer has a restrainer of evil. The church is the restrainer by the power of Holy Spirit.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12talks about the great apostasy; “ Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of [a]Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of [b]sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits [c]as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the [d]mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only [e]He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

You are part of the solution as a member of the body of Christ, being the restraining force by binding the devil and loosing God’s will on earth.

Bible Study Tools says;  

“This dreadful conflagration continued nine days; when Nero, finding that his conduct was greatly blamed, and a severe odium cast upon him, determined to lay the whole upon the Christians, at once to excuse himself, and have an opportunity of glutting his sight with new cruelties. This was the occasion of the first persecution; and the barbarities exercised on the Christians were such as even excited the commiseration of the Romans themselves. Nero even refined upon cruelty, and contrived all manner of punishments for the Christians that the most infernal imagination could design. In particular, he had some sewed up in skins of wild beasts, and then worried by dogs until they expired; and others dressed in shirts made stiff with wax, fixed to axletrees, and set on fire in his gardens, in order to illuminate them. This persecution was general throughout the whole Roman Empire; but it rather increased than diminished the spirit of Christianity. In the course of it, St. Paul and St. Peter were martyred.”

Paul and Peter were two of the greatest saints. Paul probably travelled the most, suffered the most, wrote the most and was persecuted the most.

These acts of violence were just some of the ways that Nero persecuted Christians, and I don't feel like it’s necessary to expound on the depravity of this man, but it’s important for Christians to realize that what was done to Christians then, is in the heart of many world leaders today and if they could remove the restraining force of Jesus Christ and His Church, they would do so, but until then you can be guaranteed to be persecuted in one way or another.  

The Apostle Peter who was martyred by Nero was given the following promise by Jesus in Matthew 16:18-19; “18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not [a]prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth [b]will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

You would think that because of Peter’s martyrdom that what Jesus said was not true, but it was true and the church is still being built on the doctrines of Peter and the Apostles to this day and it has the same authority to bind the devil on earth and loose God’s will on earth and that the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Both Peter and Paul’s death had huge significance on the building of the church. They didn’t die before their time because there was a praying church that prayed for them continually that’s why they were able to fulfill their call and they didn’t suffer any untimely deaths.

Romans 8:31-39says; “31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The Apostle Paul who was martyred by Nero was the most persecuted of all the Apostles, and he writes the following summery of them in2 Corinthians 11:22-28; “ 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. 24 From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— 28 besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.”

So Christians, who are the Nero’s in your lives today? Are you walking in the authority that Christ gave you to bind the devil on earth as it is in heaven and loose on earth God’s will as it is in heaven so that the gates of hell will not prevail against the Church? Christ in you is the restraining force that is keeping the Nero’s over your lives from prevailing with their rob, kill, destroy and build back better agendas. Just as Nero destroyed Rome to build it back better in his image, so global leaders and the WEF want to rob, kill, and destroy this world’s present image and build it back better in their image. It’s all rooted in idolatry. It was the prayers of the saints that delivered the Apostles out of premature deaths and the same goes for you today, so that your church leaders and you fulfill your ministries. Don’t bow your knee to the Nero in your life.

The following excerpt is from Foxe’s Book of Martyrs which shows the persecution of the church from it’s beginning until Emperor Constantine;

“The first Christian Martyrs were those who suffered under the persecution of the Romans in the early ages of the Church. For two hundred and forty years, or from about the year 64 after Christ to the time of the emperor Constantine (306), the cruel punishments inflicted upon the Christians by their heathen enemies are described by the ancient historians as being as various and horrible as the mind of man, inspired by the devil, could invent.

" Some," we are told, " were slain with the sword; some burned with fire; some scourged with whips; some stabbed with forks of iron; some fastened to the cross or gibbet; some drowned in the sea; some

had their skins plucked off; some were stoned to death; some killed with cold; some starved with hunger; some, with their hands cut off or otherwise disabled, were left naked, to the open shame of the world. Yet, notwithstanding the sharpness of their torments, such was the constancy of those who suffered—or rather, such was the power of the Lord in his saints—that they generally remained faithful to the end."

Christian, don’t bow the knee to the Nero that’s over your life today, they may be political leaders or just leaders, men and women of influence, rather bind the devil and loose God’s will on earth so that the gates of hell will not prevail against you and the church until Jesus rapture’s you home to heaven. You don’t want to face the great tribulation, keep your lamps full of oil, now is not time to reject the power of the Holy Spirit in your life. You need His power to stand and overcome.

Click to read the prophecy from church.

Message 1 - Heavenly Minded Martyrs - November 26, 2023 

In this series, I’m going to try to illustrate with the use of the Holy Bible the truths that are found in God’s word that enabled these men, women and children to die as martyrs for having put their faith in Jesus Christ as King of kings, Lord of lords. It’s not being illustrated with theatrics, smoke shows, costumes, music nor flashiness...just purely the Word of God. It’s the only way we can illustrate in the best way the persecution of the early church, you can’t remotely try to reenact it, just let the Word speak loudly like a trumpet. So if you haven’t made Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords in your life today, you need to. Don’t fear martyrdom, there is a greater city awaiting you. Heaven awaits the martyr of Jesus, there is no sting of death for the martyr.

Today I’m going to focus on the persecution and martyrdom of 11 out of the 12 apostles who are the founding fathers of the Christian Church, who all but one died as martyrs. Let’s start by looking at what Jesus spoke into their lives while He was training them as His disciples that gave these men the grace and courage to not bow their knee to the world, the flesh and the devil that wanted lordship of their lives. I’m sure each of you can identify something of the world, the flesh and yes even of the devil that wants lordship of your life today but don’t give it lordship. Be steadfast, strong, immovable in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus says emphatically in Matthew 16:24-25 in the Amplified Bible that discipleship would be costly.  It says; ““24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]. 25 For whoever wishes to save his life [in this world] will [eventually] lose it [through death], but whoever loses his life [in this world] for My sake will find it [that is, life with Me for all eternity].”

This is both good to die for but also to live for – it’s something to look forward to. The Bible is also clear that not only you’ll be with Him for eternity, but that if you’re alive when the rapture happens, you’ll spend seven years with Him to then come back to earth to rule and reign with him for the millennial 1000 year period. It’s pretty clear that Jesus is not offering or guaranteeing His disciples a seeker friendly, Christian-lite life of kumbaya songs and friendship evangelism that would guarantee them a life without persecution. The disciples as a result of what Jesus taught them, set their minds on things above and not on things below, and this is what made it easy for them to give up their lives as martyrs, for Jesus continually pointed them to eternal life as residents of the kingdom of heaven in exchange for a temporary life on earth. 

If, as a Christian, you keep your mind set on things below, only focusing on things on earth with it’s temporal pleasures, you’ll become very disheartened and be empty for the most part.  

Matthew 6:19-21 Amplified Bible says; "19 Do not store up for yourselves [material] treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart [your wishes, your desires; that on which your life centers] will be also.”

We know we have an adversary who will immediately come to try to rob this word that is being sown into your heart today, but don’t let him do it. Meditate on the word that you’re hearing from the pulpit, read it, meditate on it, apply it to your life, let it grow. The Word of God is alive, it’s not dead and the Word goes on for eternity because His words are eternal.

If your heart is on the temporal treasures of this world more than heaven, it will be difficult for you to give up your life and die as a martyr for Christ. This is why Jesus makes it very clear that if a Christian is not willing to deny themselves of everything that exalts itself above His Lordship, they are not fit to be His disciples. Are you fit to be His disciple? Where have your affections been today? Have they been caught up in the cares and treasures of this world or the treasures you don’t have and want in this world that you want to fulfill before you die? The happy man and woman is the one who has their minds on things above.  

That’s why the disciples were able to stand in the midst of persecution and if need be give up their lives because they had their mind on things above, they weren’t bound to anything on this earth except what Jesus spoke about. All the disciples were martyred except two; Judas Iscariot committed suicide because He went for the world, riches and treasures because that’s where is heart was, and John died a natural death as an old man even though they did try to kill him.

When you got up today, how much of your day was on things below? How much of your day was trudging through the quagmire of cares with depression and despair for the day and future? And why, because the fulfillment of the treasures of this world are not being fulfilled.  If they are being fulfilled, they probably still won’t satisfy because it doesn’t matter they’ll just take over your mind and won’t bring deep satisfaction in the end.

My God shall supply all your needs according to His glory and riches, and even as those are being supplied if you’re still not satisfied at the end of the day it’s because your mind is supposed to be on things above not on things below. Thank God for all He gives you, but don’t let it be the be-all and end-all in life. Keep your mind on eternity, the rapture, the millennial period, because then with all of the blessings you’ll be fulfilled because you know they’re still in the end temporal. The devil loves to even get you caught up in all the blessings coming in but if you’re to be satisfied with all of that – why at the end of the day are you still not satisfied? Because we’ll not thoroughly be satisfied until we give up our lives. Give everything to Him even as it comes into your life and hands, give it back to Him. To be honest, there is nothing on this earth that He can give you what compares to eternity. Think about that! It’s not wrong to have the best of the best, no. What I am saying is that it won’t fulfill you – at the end of the day what is going to fulfill you is by having your mind on the things above – that will fill the void. The truth is, you’re heart will never be totally fulfilled and the void never filled until you get to heaven. In the mean time, fill it up with things above every day. You won’t be fulfilled until you’re out of your body and with the Lord, that’s what the disciples knew because that’s what Jesus taught them to do – to keep their mind on things above.

Luke 14:26-27 Amplified Bible says; “26 If anyone comes to Me, and does not [a]hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life [in the sense of indifference to or relative disregard for them in comparison with his attitude toward God]—he cannot be My disciple. 27 Whoever does not carry his own cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow after Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me] cannot be My disciple.”

Jesus is saying that He doesn’t want anything to be in the way with His lordship in your life, He wants absolute lordship. Is He asking you to hate your wife and children? No, not with worldly hate. He’s saying anything that is in the way for His will in your life has to go from your heart. Does that mean you get rid of your wife or children, no. He’s saying deal with it in your heart today. Get rid of the idolatry that’s in your heart towards your family, materialism and external things. I’m not saying there is anything wrong with having a Godly wife or children but to not let it get in first place before Him. If you are, repent. Jesus first and everything else second. You’ll be surprised how it will grow and flourish without your hand being involved.

Jesus knew what the early Church would face under the tyranny of Rome, and He needed them to be all in, and not halfway, for them to stand under persecution, and this is why He continually pointed out that heaven was their true home. The same applies for today – heaven is your true home. You may say that we as Christians are not under the tyranny of Rome in Canada, and are protected by our constitutional religious rights and freedoms. I believe that these freedoms are written in the constitution, but this does not mean they are being upheld by our present Government that has bowed the knee to the World Economic Form (WEF). This is all the more reason for Christians to not place their total trust in their constitutional rights only, but need to be ready for the persecution that follows being disciples of Christ. You can’t put your trust in the rights of your country only.

The early church disciples of Christ never had constitutional rights and freedoms, but they had their minds set on things above, rights and freedoms to eternal life that Rome could not take away. As a Canadian, you have rights and freedoms of eternal life that the government of Canada can’t take away. They can try to withhold constitutional rights and freedoms, delay them, corrupt them and if need be change them but they can’t take away the rights and freedoms to eternal life. This is what drives political leaders crazy, it’s because they can’t do that. From Rome to present, political or self-appointed leaders can’t take away your hope but they do go out of their way to make them as miserable as they can on earth through persecution. You talk about hatred for Christ, look to what Prime Ministers, Presidents and political leaders are doing to Christians worldwide. You may not think it won’t happen in Canada, but it is and will continue to. That’s why you must keep your mind on things above not on things below.

Ten out of the original chosen 12 Apostles died as martyrs, excluding Judas who died of suicide, and the only one who lived and died of natural causes was John who was sentenced to prison on the Island of Patmos where he wrote the book of Revelation. It’s amazing how God entrusted one man to write that book. He preserved John, even though he was persecuted but not killed to write the final book of the New Testament.

Judas was then replaced by Matthias in Acts 1:15-26, and we see later that the Apostle Paul was incorporated in as an Apostle to the Gentile nations, and both these apostles died as martyrs.

The rights and freedoms these men had was to pick up their cross and follow Christ and if need be die as He did, and build the Church which the gates of hell would not prevail against. You are part of this picture also which takes your call to a higher level. Start studying about things above, the future in heaven, marriage supper of the Lamb, the millennial reign. Jesus didn’t fulfill what the Jews expected Him to do 2000 years ago because He came as the sacrificial Lamb to take away the sin of the world, BUT, He is coming again at the appointed time to rule and reign physically on earth for 1000 years! So if you really meditate on the eternal things, you’ll be more joyful, happier, less stress and anxiety. This, the world cannot rob you of no matter how hard the world tries. That’s why they go to great lengths to torture Christians as we’ll read in Foxe’s Book of Martyrs. The tortures are so horrendous yet they had their minds on eternal things that they were able to endure suffering and trouble which, in the natural they wouldn’t have been able to, but they were in the supernatural, they walked in the Holy Ghost power of the supernatural.

The Apostle Paul says this in 2 Corinthians 4:9-13; “9 For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle [a]to the world, both to angels and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! 11 To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. 12 And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; 13 being defamed, we [b]entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the off scouring of all things until now.”

It almost sounds like Paul was mocking the Corinthian church for their pride and arrogance. He was giving them a wake-up call. This letter speaks loudly to the many Christians in churches across Canada who have chosen the seeker-friendly, Christian-lite life, that builds their church to comfort and enable the sinner to attend church instead of building them around the doctrines of the apostles who gave up their lives for it.

Without going into details today that are written in Foxe’s Book of Martyrs about the events that surrounded the Apostles deaths, I will summarize the following which came from Bible Study Tools:

Peter

"Among many other saints, the blessed apostle Peter was condemned to death, and crucified, as some do write, at Rome; albeit some others, and not without cause, do doubt thereof. Hegesippus saith that Nero sought matter against Peter to put him to death; which, when the people perceived, they entreated Peter with much ado that he would fly the city. Peter, through their importunity at length persuaded, prepared himself to avoid. But, coming to the gate, he saw the Lord Christ come to meet him, to whom he, worshipping, said, "Lord, whither dost Thou go?" To whom He answered and said, "I am come again to be crucified." By this, Peter, perceiving his suffering to be understood, returned into the city. Jerome saith that he was crucified, his head being down and his feet upward, himself so requiring, because he was (he said) unworthy to be crucified after the same form and manner as the Lord was."

Andrew

"Was the brother of Peter. He preached the gospel to many Asiatic nations; but on his arrival at Edessa he was taken and crucified on a cross, the two ends of which were fixed transversely in the ground. Hence the derivation of the term, St. Andrew's Cross.”

James the Great

"The next martyr we meet with, according to St. Luke, in the History of the Apostles' Acts, was James the son of Zebedee, the elder brother of John, and a relative of our Lord; for his mother Salome was cousin-german to the Virgin Mary. It was not until ten years after the death of Stephen that the second martyrdom took place; for no sooner had Herod Agrippa been appointed g