COGIC ADULTS MENS SUNDAY SCHOOL BOOK November 2, 2025 Acts 12:1-11 KJV
West Angeles Cogic Church Cathedral Los Angeles California
My COGIC WORSHIP: 1Corithians 15:3-4 KJV I Worship God that appears and does miracles through Jesus Christ Rising from the dead. I Worship God that hears prayers of his people delivers them out of their trials with victory. I Worship Jesus Christ being only God -To see GOD. I Worship God that's gives me hope-(not to give up) . I Worship God giving me what I want to believe in him and speaking faith. I Worship God that makes me atonement, distinct and with meaning.
Jude 1:14-15, And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his SAINTS,
To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
1 Thessalonians 3:13To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his SAINTS. .
Where do they fit?
Here's another argument I've heard but I'm not sure it's correct but on the surface it's interesting.
The word Angel is used in diverse ways in scripture.
Example.
And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. Acts 12:14-15.
Did the 12 apostles of Christ fulfill Matthew 28:19? Read Carefully!
There is no definitive historical evidence in Scripture showing that all 12 apostles of Christ traveled throughout the entire known world to preach the gospel. However, church tradition, early writings, and some historical sources provide accounts-though often inconsistent or unverifiable-of where individual apostles may have gone after Pentecost.
Here's a breakdown:
Biblical Record
In the book of Acts, only a few apostles are mentioned in detail after Pentecost:
Peter: Preaches in Jerusalem, visits Samaria, and goes to Joppa and Caesarea ( Acts 8-10).
John: Accompanies Peter ( Acts 3, 8).
James (the brother of John): Martyred early ( Acts 12:2).
Paul (not one of the 12) becomes the main focus from Acts 13 onward.
There is no biblical record showing that the other apostles (e.g., Bartholomew, Simon the Zealot, Thaddeus) traveled widely or took missionary journeys outside of Judea.
Church Tradition & Historical Accounts
Some later Christian writings and traditions claim broader travels:
Thomas: Said to have gone to India (supported by strong local tradition among the St. Thomas Christians).
Andrew: Believed to have preached in Scythia, around the Black Sea (modern Ukraine and Georgia).
Bartholomew: Said to have gone to Armenia or India.
James (son of Zebedee): Martyred early, but later traditions say his remains went to Spain (Santiago de Compostela).
Matthew: Possibly went to Ethiopia or Persia.
However, these traditions are not in the Bible and vary in historical credibility. Many were recorded centuries later and are difficult to verify.
Paul's Unique Role
Only Paul is consistently shown in Scripture as traveling extensively-through Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome, with plans to go to Spain ( Romans 15:24). He calls himself "the apostle of the Gentiles" ( Romans 11:13), and his journeys are recorded in great detail in Acts 13-28.
As a rule; there were almost no personal prayers mentioned in the New Testament. We don't have record of most of Jesus' prayers and discussions with God but in terms of the Apostles the closest we get is Paul asking for boldness ( Ephesians 6:19-20).
This is intriguing indeed considering how bold Paul already was as to a prayer He would ask others to give on his behalf. Paul's prayers were ever for the church who He prayed for day and night; in the case of 2 Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night (was said by Paul to Timothy).
Ephesians 3:14-21 14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
This beautiful prayer certainly shows Paul's wishes for the Ephesian church; which makes the situation in Revelation 2:1-7 even more pitiful. They had forgotten their first love.
And of course as I am sure I pointed out before we have prayers for Peter's escape from prison ( Acts 12:5-17) and Paul's miraculous escape also Acts 16:25-34 when prayer and praise of Paul and Silas was followed by the gates opening. This would lead at least the jailor and his family to faith in the Lord.
Ronald Whittemore - I believe you have accurately described the context of Acts 12:4 in the KJV. The word Easter is used (Gr pascha) translated 28 times as "Passover" and only once, here as "Easter." The question is why? Many KJV scholars and other KJV proponents (like me) believe the translators were attempting to describe at what "time" was Herod intending to bring forth Peter from prison . . . (after the conclusion of celebration of the Vernal Equinox - Pagan Easter celebration) . . . The translators realized that Herod could not be referring the day of the Jewish Passover (gr. pascha) because that day had already passed (day one of seven days of unleavened bread - Exodus 12 - then were the days of unleavened bread Acts 12:3)
We see the Word Easter in Acts 12:4 in our King James Bible, however, this word is not used in the Greek text. I am not sure why the translators used the word Easter but it is the word PASKA for Passover.
Ashtaroth was a pagan festival where we get our term Easter from. Their celebration of life was the bunny and the Easter egg.
Acts 12:10 - When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.
The term "own accord" in Greek is the word automatically. It just opened! And they went out, and passed on through one street; and immediately the angel departed from him.
Acts 12:20 - And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country.
And Herod was highly displeased. It's made up of a couple of Greek words. THUMOS for passion, and MACHOMAI to fight. Literally he was fighting mad. Highly displeased almost sounds like a gentleman's term. But Herod was fighting mad with them of Tyre and Sidon:
Why he was upset with them we really don't know. Tyre and Sidon are right on the coast up from Jerusalem and Judea. And up the coast in Tyre and Sidon, even David the king, he sent food to them, and they exchanged supplies. For some reason, they made Herod angry, and he cut off their food supply. He was fighting mad at these people!
Acts 12:21 - And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.
And upon a set day Herod, and it is kind of interesting that Herod would agree with this and say "Okay, okay, but stay in town because we are going to have a special day to honor Herod."
So, upon a set day Herod, arrayed (or clothed) in royal apparel, sat upon his throne. That's not the word THRONOS. That's the word BEMA. It's on his judgment seat! And made an oration, or a speech unto them.
Tyre and Sidon, everybody that was in town could come. But he wanted to make this pronouncement on them that he would continue to supply food to them. This was a very big deal!
Acts 12:4 - And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
So, they put him in prison. But notice, and if you are reading from the King James, it says to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. There is no word Easter. It is the word PASKA for Passover.
Many people have had questions over the years because "Easter" is mentioned in the bible. Well, in the English yes, but in the Greek text, no!
Ashtaroth was a pagan festival where we get our term Easter. Their celebration of life was the bunny and the Easter egg.
Acts 12:8 - And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so, he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
And the angel said unto him, Gird yourself, (that is, put your belt on), and bind on your sandals. And so, he did it. And he saith unto him, Cast your garment around you (your outer coat), and follow me.
"And follow me" is in the Imperfect Tense in the Greek. Be continually following me! You would think that the angel was like Peter's mother, like he didn't know how to get dressed!
The emphasis here is that Peter didn't wake up and the angel had to "get him up." The angel had to tell him how to get dressed and what to do.
And the angel says now continuously follow me! No matter where we go, you just keep following me. It won't be for another 30 minutes before Peter realizes and wakes up and goes, "Wow, I thought that was a dream!" There is nothing about Peter that made any of this happen.
Acts 12:9 - And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
And he went out, and followed him; and wist not, (meaning he did not know) that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he was seeing a vision.
Acts 11:24 - For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
For he was a good man. This is the word AGATHOS meaning he was good spiritually. He was a good man and he was full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.
Acts 11:29 - Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, and it's the word prosper. Now the Greek terminology for prosperity is anything beyond necessity. Every man according to as he prospered, determined to send relief unto the brothers which dwelt in Judaea:
Acts 12:2 - And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
The word "killed" is not the normal word for put someone to death. It is the word for beheading. He beheaded James the brother of John with the sword.
Interesting! This is James and John, the sons of Zebedee. James will be the first apostle who has been martyred now.
But I think it is kind of interesting that James and John are brothers, and remember they are the ones that their mother approached Jesus and said can my sons sit one on your left and one on your right-hand side, and Jesus said are you worthy to participate in the baptism that I'm baptized with?
He meant the baptism of persecution and suffering. And they said, "Yes we are." It is interesting that James would die first. He's the first martyr. And his brother John would be the last apostle to die. Very interesting!
I believe you're correct, most modern Bible translations would opt for the neuter gender, such as "My soul shall make ITS boast in the LORD", as it would align more accurately with those reading the Bible today.
As far as Acts 12:4, the accurate word from the Greek is 'pascha', or 'passover', and this word Young's Literal Translation uses. I don't know why the KJB translators opted for Easter. My sense is that since they were quite high ranked in the C of E, 'Easter' would be a more acceptable & appreciated replacement by the masses instead of using 'pascha'. May the Lord bless you in the study of His precious Word.
My last two posts were a general look at accuracy of historical and more recent information as seen through the media and historical accounts. A realistic view of the Bible sees it set apart as having all things necessary for instruction; rebuke; etc as 2 Timothy 3:16 states. We often use other sources such as Foxe's Book of Martyrs to fill in the details; and most of us have the idea that all but one of the original Apostles was martyred. The scripture only mentions James the brother of John killed in Acts 12:2. We can assess from the writings of Paul that he knew his time of departure was at hand; but Acts 28 stops short of his martyrdom. From Christ's words to Peter in John 21:18 as to his fate of martyrdom as well. Whether John in Revelation was boiled in oil unsuccessfully before his Patmos exile is not as far as I know proven.
Often we CAN read into what is not said in scripture. Jesus was basically left out of anything but a bare bones description of his time before His minstry began after John the Baptist baptised Him. I would imagine he was perfect in being a carpenter and all that it entailed but we just need to understand that He fulfilled the law perfectly in His life and ultimately His death.
When we look at Christ's personal prayer life in particular; we see that He knew the importance of withdrawing before certain events and praying all night at times; as He did before picking the Disciples; as well as fasting and prayer which He likely did both practices before upbraiding those who didn't remain proactive in general to be spiritually strong at the casting out of the demon in Matthew 17:21. We don't see ANY indication that any of the Apostles or Disciples prayed before the Resurrection. It doesn't prove it didn't happen but certainly indicates it was probably very deficient.
The Bible clearly does NOT put people but God on display. Even mourning for Moses had to end ( Joshua 1:2).
The writer of James is introduced to us in Verse 1. The Greek word for James is the Hebrew name for Jacob. There are four prominent people in the New Testament by the name of James. The first one is James, who with his brother John, are known as the sons of Zebedee. They are presented to us in Mark 1:19.
This James was put to death by Herod Agrippa as recorded in Acts 12:2. So he is not the writer of this letter. Secondly, there is James the son of Alphaeus. He is presented to us in Mark 3:18 as one of the disciples. We don't have any more information about James the son of Alphaeus.
The third one is presented to us in Luke 6:16 where we are told about Judas the son of James. This Judas in not Judas Iscariot. Since this James is the father of one of the disciples mentioned in Luke 6:16, he would have been too old or even dead by the time James was written therefore he cannot be the author.
Fourthly, James that is given to us in the New Testament and by tradition as well as scripture itself, it is presented to us as the writer of this letter. The tradition from Jerome, Augustine, and other writers says James the writer of the Letter of James is the half-brother of Jesus.
In Mathew 13:55, it tells us that Mary and Joseph, after the birth of Jesus Christ, gave birth to other children. There are four brothers mentioned along with sisters. James is listed first so he must have been the oldest.
John 7:5 tells us that during Jesus' earthly ministry, His earthly brothers were taunting Him and did not believe in Him.
I Corinthians 15:5 tells us that after Jesus died and rose from the dead, He appeared to James His brother, as well as the other disciples and His family, and they became believers in Jesus Christ as the Savior and Messiah.
Ronald this "simple one" is not so simple if we look deeper into it.
( Acts 12:3-4) v3 Tells us "he proceeded further to take Peter also (Then were the days of unleavened bread).
A look at ( Leviticus 23:5-6) v5 "In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD'S passover". v6 "And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread".
The 14th day is passover, THEN the 15th day starts the feast of unleavened bread for 7 days.
( Acts 12:3) "Then were the days of unleavened bread" this would have been the day ((AFTER)) passover when the feast of unleavened bread begins.
( Acts 12:4) "And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people".
In this verse Easter is still to come, so it came AFTER the feast of unleavened bread at that time, he's keeping him till after Easter. Passover is the day BEFORE the feast of unleavened bread begins.
Do you see this is not a mistake in translation? There are no mistakes in the KJB!
( John 14:23) The word (words) is #3056; it means something said ((including the thought)), Divine Expression (i.e. Christ) doctrine. (If a man love me, ((he will keep my words)) and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him) If we keep His Words then the Holy Spirit will lead us into All truth.
(Including the thought) How did He do this? In ( 2 Pet 1:19-21)
( Rev 1:3) "and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things ((which are written therein))". IT IS WRITTEN!
( Rev 22:7) "blessed is he that keepeth the (sayings) of the prophecy ((of this book))". WRITTEN IN A BOOK!
The word (sayings) is the same meaning as the word (words) above. Which says (including the thought) of Christ.
I agree with you the KJV is the best translation into English, but from one language to another at best, there will be errors. We must rely on the Holy Spirit to show us the meaning of what we read and study.
A simple one, it is like in Acts 12:4 James was killed, and Peter was put in prison and was probably going to be killed after Passover, but they used the word Easter for the Greek word Passover, which means Passover.
In context, it is clear it should be Passover, even if they were thinking the Romans and Greeks probably celebrated Easter they would not end at the same time. This is a wrong translation, but it is clear the meaning whether it says Easter or Passover.
God has preserved His word for us today and the Holy Spirit is sent to help us understand it as it is the exact words God inspired the writer to write.
John Mark was a cousin of Barnabas, and that's given to us in Colossians 4:10. And I'm giving you these scripture texts and this piece of information now because of the travels and interaction with the different believers later, knowing that John Mark is related to Barnabas.
We travel with him now from Jerusalem to Antioch. John Mark has been in Jerusalem all this time. Paul and Barnabas have come to Jerusalem, and they've done some ministry work, and they are about ready to leave to go back up to Antioch. This is Antioch of Syria.
After the persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, many of the apostles stayed in Jerusalem. But many leaders in the church went up to Antioch of Syria right up on the coast. And that's where all the missionary journeys came from. And that's where the Gentiles were hearing the gospel and were being saved. And people were being sent out from Antioch.
So, Paul and Barnabas were finished with their work in Jerusalem, and they were going to go back up to Antioch, a couple hundred miles north, up the coast from Jerusalem. And what is interesting is that Acts 12:25 tells us that when Paul and Barnabas left Jerusalem, Mark left with them. Now you see the connection because he is related to Barnabas, and it was probably some connection there saying, come on son, you can be part of the ministry.
III. THE FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY:
This is given to us in Acts 13:1-3. Remember Paul is there, Barnabas is there, and Mark was there. The Holy Spirit tells the church that God has called out Paul and Barnabas to make the first missionary journey. And so, when they go to leave, they take John Mark with them. Again, probably because the connection with Barnabas. They go straight west and they go across the island of Cyprus.
The Gospel of Mark was written for the Roman mind, Gentiles, but specifically in Rome. Mark's gospel was written from the testimony of Peter. He writes to present Jesus as the Suffering Servant. Matthew was the Savior Messiah, Mark the Suffering Servant. Mark ends with the ascension.
I. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
In Acts 12:12, we are introduced to Mark. He's in Jerusalem. In fact, we are told that his name is John Mark. Most people in the scriptures that we're close to, that are presented in detail, they have two names. One is a Jewish name, and one is a surname, or a Roman name. John is his Jewish name. It is Yochanan. And Marcus is his Roman name. His name is John Mark.
His mother's name was Mary. And she evidently was a rich widow because in Acts Chapter 12, when Peter was released from prison and they were having a prayer meeting, and remember when he knocked on the door, or the gate, and one of female servants came and looked out and said, "It's Peter!" She ran back in and said, "Hey, Peter is at the door." They said impossible because he is in prison, so let's pray for him. She said, no its Peter, come here, come here!
We know she was rich because the house had a gate and the house had servants. Only rich people had these things back then. So, this woman was rich, and her name is presented as Mary, the mother of John Mark. It is believed that all away from Acts Chapter 2 through Chapter 12, the Christians met in the home of Mary, John Mark's mother. Many even believe it was the upper room in her home where the disciples met when the Holy Spirit came. So, we are first introduced to him in Acts Chapter 12 Verse 12.
These are but a tiny sampling of what God declares about His WORD, the BIBLE.
Psalms 78:1 Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the WORDS of my mouth.
Psalms 119:151,152 Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are TRUTH. Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the WORDS that I speak unto you, they are SPIRIT, and they are LIFE.
Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every WORD that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my WORDS shall not pass away.
Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my WORDS in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Luke 1:1,2 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the WORD;
Luke 11:28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the WORD of God, and keep it.
John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the WORDS of eternal life.
Acts 19:20 So mightily grew the WORD of God and prevailed.
Acts 12:24 But the WORD of God grew and multiplied.
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the WORD of God.
Hi T. Levis. If I remember correctly, the enquirer, Herbert, had asked this same question in another thread, to which I had responded. And it was actually Acts 12:2,17 that he was referring to, i.e. the difference between James, brother of John and James, the Lord's brother.
Hi Herbert. Acts 12:2 speaks about James the brother of John (the disciple & apostle). In Acts 12:17, the James here is Jesus' brother ( Galatians 1:19).
Prayer (continued) I have seen a couple times how the Lord was able to be glorified in difficult marriage situations. One case involved a client where I used to be employed who was going through a divorce apparently from a very abusive man who wasn't seeking it but because of the pressure from her estranged husbnad was going through the proceedings. She asked to pray with me about it and I asked for God's will to be done. Eventually within a couple years the man passed from this earth unexpectantly. This lady demonstrated unconditional love toward this man despite what had been a long history of threatenings and troubles. Admittedly she seemed to have some issues of her own; but nonetheless it seems the prayer was answered according to His will.
The second situation involved an alcoholic husband who last summer was back into rehab after a relapse. It appears that he wasn't violent toward his wife; but nonetheless she requested prayer at the time. He also died shortly after with the damage to his liver. Her joyful countenance throughout these struggles that also involved other family members and grandchildren was a great demonstration of faith in difficult circumstances.
Sadly there are cases where tragic events happen even for those who we pray for regularly. There is no doubt; however that prayer affects things; most notably in scripture when prayer was given all night for Peter in jail in Acts 12:5-17. Of course that worked for Paul and Silas during their midnight prayer and praise as well in Acts 16. My point is that we may or may not know the results of those who we don't know or aren't present with physically; but we are like minded with those who are suffering for His Name's sake.
Of course in order to give thanksgiving for all things we need to have a TRUST in God that He works out all things for the good for those who LOVE HIM. ( Romans 8:28). That holds true to our death in whatever form He chooses.
"Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;"
Ephesians 6:19-20
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."
Colossians 4:2-3
"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds"
1 Thessalonians 5:25
"Brethren, pray for us (Paul says)."
Acts 12:5
"Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him."
And many many more. If Perer and Paul needed prayers from others how necessary it is for us to pray for each other?
James 5:16
"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
Ronnette Part 2 Galatians 1 Only God can explain this well.Glory to God! on Galatians 1:16 - 3 years ago
Galatians 1:19 Paul did not see any other apostles but James the brother of Jesus. Now read on and absorbed what God revealed to us. There is a reason why this verse is important. Other Scholars said that the Book of James was written by James the brother of Jesus. How could that be? The message in James was that faith without works is dead James 2:20 & James 2:26. How can you explained the opposition on Pauls messages Ephesians 2:8-9? It is because the author of James is James the brother of John the sons of Zebedee. That James was killed by King Herod Acts 12:2 about 44 AD or CE. He was not seen by Paul after Paul went to Arabia. That James had written the book of James before James died to tell the 12 tribes what is about to happened in the tribulation ( my opinion after the church age will be raptured) James 1:1. If this was written by James the brother of Jesus, he would have not contradicted what he heard from Paul because he saw Paul right after Paul went to Arabia Galatians 1:17-19. The second part of 2 Timothy 2:15 we are not ashamed to tell all that we must rightly divide the word of truth. Know the physical and spiritual messages of God. It is only revealed when you trust Jesus and not yourself. If you do not rightly divide you will be confuse of your salvation. We are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. Amazing God we have. I glorify God by telling you this revelation. I please only God and not men. My life is a true testament of God's glory. Who has the mind of God Romans 11:33-36, 1 Corinthians 2:15-16. My brothers and sisters in Christ, if you are a leader in church, let the Spirit of God speaks to you..Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it. Genesis 33:11. But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.
Does Satan have the authority to take away life? I believe that only God gives & takes away life. In Satan's domain (i.e. outside the Church to which a sinning believer might be sent), pain & destruction may well be the physical demise of the believer, to the end that his "spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus".
Re: "untimely death". I mean that a life was shortened because of God's action against sin. We see this in many instances in the OT & NT, & especially that we have already mentioned Ananias & Sapphira ( Acts 5); 1 Corinthians 11:27-30; Acts 12:21-23.
Re: Hebrews 10:26,27 & we can add, Hebrews 6:4-6 as well; these verses have been discussed previously by bro Jesse & myself & too long to deal with here.
Re: Acts 21:20. All I can see from this limited detail, is that the Church (the Jewish component), hadn't properly dealt with the separation of the Law & the liberty they ought to have enjoyed in Christ. Much like today, when those coming out of other religions or cults, might take a long time to understand & resolve matters that have been indoctrinated deep into their minds. The fact that the Jerusalem council seemed to understand & accept this matter didn't warrant them to address it. However, Paul always did & was taken to task for doing so.
I hope I've addressed the points you raised, brother. I know we will see these things differently, but I hope you can also see how I understand it: the Lord knows His children & they have been brought into His family by His indwelling Spirit. Does God make an error in doing so? Or, are His children secure in Him & when they err, His correction done in love, will always bring us back into fellowship. If it doesn't do so, then, speaking personally, I would have to question my salvation, that it was merely a mental or emotional assent given, without a true change in heart & spirit. And that's the only way I can understand some of these difficult, apparently contentious, Scriptures. Every blessing.
The time frame of the book of Acts, appears to be many years. Starting right about the time of the Resurrection of Jesus CHRIST. Please note Acts 1, Acts 2, - Acts 4:34-35, shows time passage, because those events cannot be done in one day, but over time. Acts 7, young man Saul, Acts 8,
Acts 12 again shows process of time, note Acts 12:25, Acts 14:21-28, again Acts 15, note Acts 15:33,36, Acts 27, Acts 28:11,
Hello John. We are not specifically told where James was when he wrote this epistle, but we do know that he was a recognized leader in the Jerusalem Church ( Acts 12:17; Acts 15:13; Acts 21:18 are verses alluding to James' position there). So it can be assumed, without certainty of course, that James penned this letter from Jerusalem & directed his message to the "twelve tribes scattered abroad" ( James 1:1), since he was already in Jerusalem.
West Angeles Cogic Church Cathedral Los Angeles California
My COGIC WORSHIP: 1Corithians 15:3-4 KJV I Worship God that appears and does miracles through Jesus Christ Rising from the dead. I Worship God that hears prayers of his people delivers them out of their trials with victory. I Worship Jesus Christ being only God -To see GOD. I Worship God that's gives me hope-(not to give up) . I Worship God giving me what I want to believe in him and speaking faith. I Worship God that makes me atonement, distinct and with meaning.
Revised.
Maybe Jesus is coming back with both.
We can't ignore these scriptures.
Jude 1:14-15, And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his SAINTS,
To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
1 Thessalonians 3:13To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his SAINTS. .
Where do they fit?
Here's another argument I've heard but I'm not sure it's correct but on the surface it's interesting.
The word Angel is used in diverse ways in scripture.
Example.
And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. Acts 12:14-15.
Blessings
There is no definitive historical evidence in Scripture showing that all 12 apostles of Christ traveled throughout the entire known world to preach the gospel. However, church tradition, early writings, and some historical sources provide accounts-though often inconsistent or unverifiable-of where individual apostles may have gone after Pentecost.
Here's a breakdown:
Biblical Record
In the book of Acts, only a few apostles are mentioned in detail after Pentecost:
Peter: Preaches in Jerusalem, visits Samaria, and goes to Joppa and Caesarea ( Acts 8-10).
John: Accompanies Peter ( Acts 3, 8).
James (the brother of John): Martyred early ( Acts 12:2).
Paul (not one of the 12) becomes the main focus from Acts 13 onward.
There is no biblical record showing that the other apostles (e.g., Bartholomew, Simon the Zealot, Thaddeus) traveled widely or took missionary journeys outside of Judea.
Church Tradition & Historical Accounts
Some later Christian writings and traditions claim broader travels:
Thomas: Said to have gone to India (supported by strong local tradition among the St. Thomas Christians).
Andrew: Believed to have preached in Scythia, around the Black Sea (modern Ukraine and Georgia).
Bartholomew: Said to have gone to Armenia or India.
James (son of Zebedee): Martyred early, but later traditions say his remains went to Spain (Santiago de Compostela).
Matthew: Possibly went to Ethiopia or Persia.
However, these traditions are not in the Bible and vary in historical credibility. Many were recorded centuries later and are difficult to verify.
Paul's Unique Role
Only Paul is consistently shown in Scripture as traveling extensively-through Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome, with plans to go to Spain ( Romans 15:24). He calls himself "the apostle of the Gentiles" ( Romans 11:13), and his journeys are recorded in great detail in Acts 13-28.
This is intriguing indeed considering how bold Paul already was as to a prayer He would ask others to give on his behalf. Paul's prayers were ever for the church who He prayed for day and night; in the case of 2 Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night (was said by Paul to Timothy).
Ephesians 3:14-21 14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
This beautiful prayer certainly shows Paul's wishes for the Ephesian church; which makes the situation in Revelation 2:1-7 even more pitiful. They had forgotten their first love.
And of course as I am sure I pointed out before we have prayers for Peter's escape from prison ( Acts 12:5-17) and Paul's miraculous escape also Acts 16:25-34 when prayer and praise of Paul and Silas was followed by the gates opening. This would lead at least the jailor and his family to faith in the Lord.
We see the Word Easter in Acts 12:4 in our King James Bible, however, this word is not used in the Greek text. I am not sure why the translators used the word Easter but it is the word PASKA for Passover.
Ashtaroth was a pagan festival where we get our term Easter from. Their celebration of life was the bunny and the Easter egg.
Hope this helps!
Acts 12:10 - When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.
The term "own accord" in Greek is the word automatically. It just opened! And they went out, and passed on through one street; and immediately the angel departed from him.
Acts 12:20 - And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country.
And Herod was highly displeased. It's made up of a couple of Greek words. THUMOS for passion, and MACHOMAI to fight. Literally he was fighting mad. Highly displeased almost sounds like a gentleman's term. But Herod was fighting mad with them of Tyre and Sidon:
Why he was upset with them we really don't know. Tyre and Sidon are right on the coast up from Jerusalem and Judea. And up the coast in Tyre and Sidon, even David the king, he sent food to them, and they exchanged supplies. For some reason, they made Herod angry, and he cut off their food supply. He was fighting mad at these people!
Acts 12:21 - And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.
And upon a set day Herod, and it is kind of interesting that Herod would agree with this and say "Okay, okay, but stay in town because we are going to have a special day to honor Herod."
So, upon a set day Herod, arrayed (or clothed) in royal apparel, sat upon his throne. That's not the word THRONOS. That's the word BEMA. It's on his judgment seat! And made an oration, or a speech unto them.
Tyre and Sidon, everybody that was in town could come. But he wanted to make this pronouncement on them that he would continue to supply food to them. This was a very big deal!
Acts 12:4 - And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
So, they put him in prison. But notice, and if you are reading from the King James, it says to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. There is no word Easter. It is the word PASKA for Passover.
Many people have had questions over the years because "Easter" is mentioned in the bible. Well, in the English yes, but in the Greek text, no!
Ashtaroth was a pagan festival where we get our term Easter. Their celebration of life was the bunny and the Easter egg.
Acts 12:8 - And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so, he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
And the angel said unto him, Gird yourself, (that is, put your belt on), and bind on your sandals. And so, he did it. And he saith unto him, Cast your garment around you (your outer coat), and follow me.
"And follow me" is in the Imperfect Tense in the Greek. Be continually following me! You would think that the angel was like Peter's mother, like he didn't know how to get dressed!
The emphasis here is that Peter didn't wake up and the angel had to "get him up." The angel had to tell him how to get dressed and what to do.
And the angel says now continuously follow me! No matter where we go, you just keep following me. It won't be for another 30 minutes before Peter realizes and wakes up and goes, "Wow, I thought that was a dream!" There is nothing about Peter that made any of this happen.
Acts 12:9 - And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
And he went out, and followed him; and wist not, (meaning he did not know) that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he was seeing a vision.
Acts 11:24 - For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
For he was a good man. This is the word AGATHOS meaning he was good spiritually. He was a good man and he was full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.
Acts 11:29 - Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, and it's the word prosper. Now the Greek terminology for prosperity is anything beyond necessity. Every man according to as he prospered, determined to send relief unto the brothers which dwelt in Judaea:
Acts 12:2 - And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
The word "killed" is not the normal word for put someone to death. It is the word for beheading. He beheaded James the brother of John with the sword.
Interesting! This is James and John, the sons of Zebedee. James will be the first apostle who has been martyred now.
But I think it is kind of interesting that James and John are brothers, and remember they are the ones that their mother approached Jesus and said can my sons sit one on your left and one on your right-hand side, and Jesus said are you worthy to participate in the baptism that I'm baptized with?
He meant the baptism of persecution and suffering. And they said, "Yes we are." It is interesting that James would die first. He's the first martyr. And his brother John would be the last apostle to die. Very interesting!
As far as Acts 12:4, the accurate word from the Greek is 'pascha', or 'passover', and this word Young's Literal Translation uses. I don't know why the KJB translators opted for Easter. My sense is that since they were quite high ranked in the C of E, 'Easter' would be a more acceptable & appreciated replacement by the masses instead of using 'pascha'. May the Lord bless you in the study of His precious Word.
My last two posts were a general look at accuracy of historical and more recent information as seen through the media and historical accounts. A realistic view of the Bible sees it set apart as having all things necessary for instruction; rebuke; etc as 2 Timothy 3:16 states. We often use other sources such as Foxe's Book of Martyrs to fill in the details; and most of us have the idea that all but one of the original Apostles was martyred. The scripture only mentions James the brother of John killed in Acts 12:2. We can assess from the writings of Paul that he knew his time of departure was at hand; but Acts 28 stops short of his martyrdom. From Christ's words to Peter in John 21:18 as to his fate of martyrdom as well. Whether John in Revelation was boiled in oil unsuccessfully before his Patmos exile is not as far as I know proven.
Often we CAN read into what is not said in scripture. Jesus was basically left out of anything but a bare bones description of his time before His minstry began after John the Baptist baptised Him. I would imagine he was perfect in being a carpenter and all that it entailed but we just need to understand that He fulfilled the law perfectly in His life and ultimately His death.
When we look at Christ's personal prayer life in particular; we see that He knew the importance of withdrawing before certain events and praying all night at times; as He did before picking the Disciples; as well as fasting and prayer which He likely did both practices before upbraiding those who didn't remain proactive in general to be spiritually strong at the casting out of the demon in Matthew 17:21. We don't see ANY indication that any of the Apostles or Disciples prayed before the Resurrection. It doesn't prove it didn't happen but certainly indicates it was probably very deficient.
The Bible clearly does NOT put people but God on display. Even mourning for Moses had to end ( Joshua 1:2).
However, we can be assured that our SAVIOR KING will make things right in HIS god time.
May we continue to praise and glorify HIM in all we do; as we continue to read HIS word and do it in obedience and complete trust in HIM.
Merry Christmas everyone and may the LORD GOD shine HIS face on all of HIS saints.
December 23, 2023
VI. THE AUTHOR:
The writer of James is introduced to us in Verse 1. The Greek word for James is the Hebrew name for Jacob. There are four prominent people in the New Testament by the name of James. The first one is James, who with his brother John, are known as the sons of Zebedee. They are presented to us in Mark 1:19.
This James was put to death by Herod Agrippa as recorded in Acts 12:2. So he is not the writer of this letter. Secondly, there is James the son of Alphaeus. He is presented to us in Mark 3:18 as one of the disciples. We don't have any more information about James the son of Alphaeus.
The third one is presented to us in Luke 6:16 where we are told about Judas the son of James. This Judas in not Judas Iscariot. Since this James is the father of one of the disciples mentioned in Luke 6:16, he would have been too old or even dead by the time James was written therefore he cannot be the author.
Fourthly, James that is given to us in the New Testament and by tradition as well as scripture itself, it is presented to us as the writer of this letter. The tradition from Jerome, Augustine, and other writers says James the writer of the Letter of James is the half-brother of Jesus.
In Mathew 13:55, it tells us that Mary and Joseph, after the birth of Jesus Christ, gave birth to other children. There are four brothers mentioned along with sisters. James is listed first so he must have been the oldest.
John 7:5 tells us that during Jesus' earthly ministry, His earthly brothers were taunting Him and did not believe in Him.
I Corinthians 15:5 tells us that after Jesus died and rose from the dead, He appeared to James His brother, as well as the other disciples and His family, and they became believers in Jesus Christ as the Savior and Messiah.
Ronald this "simple one" is not so simple if we look deeper into it.
( Acts 12:3-4) v3 Tells us "he proceeded further to take Peter also (Then were the days of unleavened bread).
A look at ( Leviticus 23:5-6) v5 "In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD'S passover". v6 "And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread".
The 14th day is passover, THEN the 15th day starts the feast of unleavened bread for 7 days.
( Acts 12:3) "Then were the days of unleavened bread" this would have been the day ((AFTER)) passover when the feast of unleavened bread begins.
( Acts 12:4) "And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people".
In this verse Easter is still to come, so it came AFTER the feast of unleavened bread at that time, he's keeping him till after Easter. Passover is the day BEFORE the feast of unleavened bread begins.
Do you see this is not a mistake in translation? There are no mistakes in the KJB!
( John 14:23) The word (words) is #3056; it means something said ((including the thought)), Divine Expression (i.e. Christ) doctrine. (If a man love me, ((he will keep my words)) and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him) If we keep His Words then the Holy Spirit will lead us into All truth.
(Including the thought) How did He do this? In ( 2 Pet 1:19-21)
( Rev 1:3) "and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things ((which are written therein))". IT IS WRITTEN!
( Rev 22:7) "blessed is he that keepeth the (sayings) of the prophecy ((of this book))". WRITTEN IN A BOOK!
The word (sayings) is the same meaning as the word (words) above. Which says (including the thought) of Christ.
The KJB is the True Word of God.
Thank you for your reply Ronald.
God Bless you.
I agree with you the KJV is the best translation into English, but from one language to another at best, there will be errors. We must rely on the Holy Spirit to show us the meaning of what we read and study.
A simple one, it is like in Acts 12:4 James was killed, and Peter was put in prison and was probably going to be killed after Passover, but they used the word Easter for the Greek word Passover, which means Passover.
In context, it is clear it should be Passover, even if they were thinking the Romans and Greeks probably celebrated Easter they would not end at the same time. This is a wrong translation, but it is clear the meaning whether it says Easter or Passover.
God has preserved His word for us today and the Holy Spirit is sent to help us understand it as it is the exact words God inspired the writer to write.
God bless,
RLW
II. KEY RELATIONSHIP:
John Mark was a cousin of Barnabas, and that's given to us in Colossians 4:10. And I'm giving you these scripture texts and this piece of information now because of the travels and interaction with the different believers later, knowing that John Mark is related to Barnabas.
We travel with him now from Jerusalem to Antioch. John Mark has been in Jerusalem all this time. Paul and Barnabas have come to Jerusalem, and they've done some ministry work, and they are about ready to leave to go back up to Antioch. This is Antioch of Syria.
After the persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, many of the apostles stayed in Jerusalem. But many leaders in the church went up to Antioch of Syria right up on the coast. And that's where all the missionary journeys came from. And that's where the Gentiles were hearing the gospel and were being saved. And people were being sent out from Antioch.
So, Paul and Barnabas were finished with their work in Jerusalem, and they were going to go back up to Antioch, a couple hundred miles north, up the coast from Jerusalem. And what is interesting is that Acts 12:25 tells us that when Paul and Barnabas left Jerusalem, Mark left with them. Now you see the connection because he is related to Barnabas, and it was probably some connection there saying, come on son, you can be part of the ministry.
III. THE FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY:
This is given to us in Acts 13:1-3. Remember Paul is there, Barnabas is there, and Mark was there. The Holy Spirit tells the church that God has called out Paul and Barnabas to make the first missionary journey. And so, when they go to leave, they take John Mark with them. Again, probably because the connection with Barnabas. They go straight west and they go across the island of Cyprus.
The Gospel of Mark was written for the Roman mind, Gentiles, but specifically in Rome. Mark's gospel was written from the testimony of Peter. He writes to present Jesus as the Suffering Servant. Matthew was the Savior Messiah, Mark the Suffering Servant. Mark ends with the ascension.
I. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
In Acts 12:12, we are introduced to Mark. He's in Jerusalem. In fact, we are told that his name is John Mark. Most people in the scriptures that we're close to, that are presented in detail, they have two names. One is a Jewish name, and one is a surname, or a Roman name. John is his Jewish name. It is Yochanan. And Marcus is his Roman name. His name is John Mark.
His mother's name was Mary. And she evidently was a rich widow because in Acts Chapter 12, when Peter was released from prison and they were having a prayer meeting, and remember when he knocked on the door, or the gate, and one of female servants came and looked out and said, "It's Peter!" She ran back in and said, "Hey, Peter is at the door." They said impossible because he is in prison, so let's pray for him. She said, no its Peter, come here, come here!
We know she was rich because the house had a gate and the house had servants. Only rich people had these things back then. So, this woman was rich, and her name is presented as Mary, the mother of John Mark. It is believed that all away from Acts Chapter 2 through Chapter 12, the Christians met in the home of Mary, John Mark's mother. Many even believe it was the upper room in her home where the disciples met when the Holy Spirit came. So, we are first introduced to him in Acts Chapter 12 Verse 12.
These are but a tiny sampling of what God declares about His WORD, the BIBLE.
Psalms 78:1 Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the WORDS of my mouth.
Psalms 119:151,152 Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are TRUTH. Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the WORDS that I speak unto you, they are SPIRIT, and they are LIFE.
Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every WORD that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my WORDS shall not pass away.
Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my WORDS in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Luke 1:1,2 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the WORD;
Luke 11:28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the WORD of God, and keep it.
John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the WORDS of eternal life.
Acts 19:20 So mightily grew the WORD of God and prevailed.
Acts 12:24 But the WORD of God grew and multiplied.
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the WORD of God.
Prayer (continued) I have seen a couple times how the Lord was able to be glorified in difficult marriage situations. One case involved a client where I used to be employed who was going through a divorce apparently from a very abusive man who wasn't seeking it but because of the pressure from her estranged husbnad was going through the proceedings. She asked to pray with me about it and I asked for God's will to be done. Eventually within a couple years the man passed from this earth unexpectantly. This lady demonstrated unconditional love toward this man despite what had been a long history of threatenings and troubles. Admittedly she seemed to have some issues of her own; but nonetheless it seems the prayer was answered according to His will.
The second situation involved an alcoholic husband who last summer was back into rehab after a relapse. It appears that he wasn't violent toward his wife; but nonetheless she requested prayer at the time. He also died shortly after with the damage to his liver. Her joyful countenance throughout these struggles that also involved other family members and grandchildren was a great demonstration of faith in difficult circumstances.
Sadly there are cases where tragic events happen even for those who we pray for regularly. There is no doubt; however that prayer affects things; most notably in scripture when prayer was given all night for Peter in jail in Acts 12:5-17. Of course that worked for Paul and Silas during their midnight prayer and praise as well in Acts 16. My point is that we may or may not know the results of those who we don't know or aren't present with physically; but we are like minded with those who are suffering for His Name's sake.
Of course in order to give thanksgiving for all things we need to have a TRUST in God that He works out all things for the good for those who LOVE HIM. ( Romans 8:28). That holds true to our death in whatever form He chooses.
Agape
Romans 15:30-31
"Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;"
Ephesians 6:19-20
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."
Colossians 4:2-3
"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds"
1 Thessalonians 5:25
"Brethren, pray for us (Paul says)."
Acts 12:5
"Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him."
And many many more. If Perer and Paul needed prayers from others how necessary it is for us to pray for each other?
James 5:16
"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
GBU
Galatians 1:4-5 Amen. Galatians 1:3.
Does Satan have the authority to take away life? I believe that only God gives & takes away life. In Satan's domain (i.e. outside the Church to which a sinning believer might be sent), pain & destruction may well be the physical demise of the believer, to the end that his "spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus".
Re: "untimely death". I mean that a life was shortened because of God's action against sin. We see this in many instances in the OT & NT, & especially that we have already mentioned Ananias & Sapphira ( Acts 5); 1 Corinthians 11:27-30; Acts 12:21-23.
Re: Hebrews 10:26,27 & we can add, Hebrews 6:4-6 as well; these verses have been discussed previously by bro Jesse & myself & too long to deal with here.
Re: Acts 21:20. All I can see from this limited detail, is that the Church (the Jewish component), hadn't properly dealt with the separation of the Law & the liberty they ought to have enjoyed in Christ. Much like today, when those coming out of other religions or cults, might take a long time to understand & resolve matters that have been indoctrinated deep into their minds. The fact that the Jerusalem council seemed to understand & accept this matter didn't warrant them to address it. However, Paul always did & was taken to task for doing so.
I hope I've addressed the points you raised, brother. I know we will see these things differently, but I hope you can also see how I understand it: the Lord knows His children & they have been brought into His family by His indwelling Spirit. Does God make an error in doing so? Or, are His children secure in Him & when they err, His correction done in love, will always bring us back into fellowship. If it doesn't do so, then, speaking personally, I would have to question my salvation, that it was merely a mental or emotional assent given, without a true change in heart & spirit. And that's the only way I can understand some of these difficult, apparently contentious, Scriptures. Every blessing.
Acts 12 again shows process of time, note Acts 12:25, Acts 14:21-28, again Acts 15, note Acts 15:33,36, Acts 27, Acts 28:11,
Acts 18:11,18, Acts 19:10,22, Acts 20:3, Acts 24:27, Acts 28:30
Hopefully these are helpful
Acts 3, Peter & John continues into Acts 4,
The Apostles: Acts 5, Acts 6, specifically says the 12 , including the newly appointed. From Acts 1:26, Acts 9:27, Acts 11,
Philip: Acts 8,
Peter: Acts 9:32-42, Acts 10:5-48, Acts 11, Acts 12:3-7, Acts 12,
Barnabas: Acts 11:22-30,
James: Acts 12:1-2,
Mark, John, Barnabas, Acts 12:25,
That is just some of what the Apostles did after Pentecost. Please read through the Book of Acts, & rest of New Testament books for even more.
Hopefully these are all helpful
2Chronicles 7:14, 1Peter 3:12, humble ourselves, turn from evil, 1Timothy 2:8, James 5:10-12,
Even when things look impossible keep praying: Isaiah 38:1-9, Matthew 9:29, Matthew 17:14-21, Matthew 7:7-8, Luke 11:9-13, Acts 12:5-18, James 5:13-20
Never give up
Psalms 37, 1Thessalonians 5:17, James 5:16,