Be Careful
Reading and Commenting Through the Book of Acts
Read Acts 12:1-5
Be careful, the correct way of thinking and behaving does not automatically belong to the majority. If you're not thoughtful, you might be guilty participating in mob chaos, group stupidity, or worse - bullying.
The early Jesus movement, traditionally known as the church and more intimately known as "The Way," was a microcosm in most societies. Though it was a small fraction of the population, it was seen as a threat to the well-being of the majority.
Whenever we feel threatened, we tend to think and behave like a creature instead of our Creator. And that was the case for King Herod Agrippa, the grandson of the same King Herod that had many little boys slaughtered in hope of killing the baby Jesus. I will venture a guess that insecurity was alive and well in the Herod gene pool.
A casual reading of this text may seem straightforward. A threatened ruler does away with a potential problem. He simply uses his own interpretation and power to behead a perceived enemy. It's happened many times before and most likely it will continue in one form or another. While that describes what happened, there is a greater lesson for all of us.
Herod's public reason for his action was for the "greater good."
It always concerns me when a person thinks he knows what is best for the rest of us. What's worse is when public opinion polls justify a leader's action. In the case for this story, the majority of Jews were pleased by Herod's deed. In other words, more than one man is guilty for the murder of apostle James.
Being a true God-follower places you in a minority. And if you invest the vast majority of your time within a Christian community, you may also be guilty of creating your own mini majority. While we need Christian community, we are called to live in the world with the purpose of radiating the person of Jesus Christ. It's a dangerous calling but it is authentic Christianity.
Jesus' words come to mind, "What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world (majority) and lose his soul?"
Reflection Questions:
Have you experienced any kind of persecution for your faith in Jesus Christ?
If so, has this experience caused you to be bolder or shrink back?
Why do you think God allows persecution?
