Faithful in the Face of Opposition — Acts 12:1–4
Oct 28, 2026 6
Following Jesus does not mean we will avoid opposition. Acts 12 shows us what it means to remain faithful in the face of opposition.
Acts 12:1–4
[1] About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. [2] He killed James the brother of John with the sword, [3] and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. [4] And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. (ESV)
In Acts 11, the gospel broke out in Antioch. Now, Herod Agrippa I turns against the church in Jerusalem. His opposition is fierce. Herod came from a particularly violent family. The family tree drips with blood. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. Stephen was the first Christian martyr (see Acts 6-8 devotion); now James becomes the first martyr among the apostles.
The death of James must have been grievous for the church. And Herod sees that it pleases the people, so he also arrests Peter. Four squads of soldiers guard him. It’s a lot of power for one man. Take down the leaders, and hopefully you stop the Christian movement.
But Christianity is about Christ. Jesus really lived, he really died, he really rose. The apostles were witnesses of his resurrection. They weren’t passing on a philosophy or an idea; these events happened in time and history. They testified to what they had seen, even at the cost of their lives.
No one willingly dies for a lie. The apostles sealed their testimony with their blood. Their courageous witness should give us greater confidence that Jesus really rose from the dead, and the courage to stand firm when opposition comes. Jesus is alive now and at work.
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
The Good News is…
Herod’s sword could end James’s earthly life, but it could not overturn Jesus’ victory. The apostles’ courageous witness, even to the point of death, gives us confidence that Jesus really rose. Through his death for our sin and resurrection, everyone who trusts in him is forgiven and given eternal life. That is why we can stand firm when opposition comes: our life and future are secure in the risen Jesus.
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Reflection
Where might you face opposition for following Jesus? Ask God to help you stand firm, trusting that Jesus is alive and at work.
Rev. Dave Miers
President, Good News Unlimited