Discuss Acts 12 Page 2

This prophetic psalm shows Judas Iscariot and all the evil to befall him and his descendants.

Note the first couple verses where prayer and a general attitude of love was shown (Christ until the end had him as a "trusted friend" ( Psalm 41:9). The curses on the wicked indeed can affect generations in the future (v. 10). Satan himself; in fact entered Judas after the sop was offered and at that point Jesus told him to do what he had planned quickly. When we look at verse 6; we are also reminded of the nation of Israel as a whole ( John 5:43). They will accept Antichrist with Satan at his "right hand" as Revelation states. Verse 18 speaks of another verse about Judas mentioned in Acts 1:18 and detailed in the Gospel of Matthew when he fell off the rope he hung himself with. We are also reminded of the situation of Acts 12:23 with Herod; and other verses where similar ailments took away the wicked.

From verse 20 on; we of course can apply similar logic with David's situation as the Son of David; namely Christ Himself. Verse 28 seems to refer to the Resurrection of the wicked (when they rise); as every knee shall bow; every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of the Father in Philippians 2:10-11; but also in Isaiah and many other books of scripture as well.

We must look to Deuteronomy to understand that God still blesses the "thousands" that call on His name; despite generational banishment and curses for the disobedience and sin actions of ancestors ( Deut. 5:9-10). This chapter though shows how someone can be called AND chosen; albeit with the foreknowledge that they would be of the Devil from the beginning. This was of course to fulfill prophecy; but also God uses the enemy to buffet servants such as Job and Paul to accomplish His purposes. Let us not ascribe to such behavior ourselves! Surely we do not understand all His ways; nor forsee how all things for those who LOVE Him turn out for the good ( Romans 8:28).

The concept here appears to be doing things to be seen of men. The word "reward" can be taken as the consequences of our actions; heaped up ( Psalm 91:8). This is; according to that passage so bad that we will only see it from afar. We reap what we sow; whether to the flesh or the Spirit ( Galatians 6:7-9). What is considered honorable among me is an abomination to God ( Luke 16:15-16). Our prayers are to be in secret; so that we can be seen in Matthew 6:6 that our reward is from God Himself.

This brings up the issue of just when prayer should be corporate and when it should be private. This fits in; of course with the "good deeds" that we do to help others (let not your left hand know what your right hand doeth) Matthew 6:3-4. The whole concept here is not to draw attention to how "righteous" we are through an outer display. That gets into another verse where it states in Matthew 5:34 as well as in the book of James that we are to swear by no name; but simply say yes or no. Clearly; this needs to be taken in context; as covenants such as marriage still are in effect and other such vows. Again; the focus is to be on not being hypocrites who wish to be praised but to glorify God. Verses that indicate we are to bear one another's burdens; confess sins to one another and that in Acts where Peter was being prayed for and the prison cell opened ( Acts 12:5) surely shows how appropriate prayers are given in corporate settings. Many testimonies; however indicate how some old lady was praying for a person when in open rebellion for many years and how they changed. "The effectual prayers of a righteous man availeth much" ( James 5:16-18).

Clearly; it isn't worth seeking praise of men during this short life; which is as a vapor; when eternity awaits. Christ Himself saw the "reward" for His sufferings in bringing "many sons to glory" ( Heb. 2:10; Eph. 1:18). In the end; sin doesn't pay; and all glory goes to God. Agape-RIch P

Easter, a name for the celebration of Ishtar, the Assyrian and Babylonian goddess of fertility and sex. After Constantine decided to Christianize the Empire, Easter was changed to represent Jesus. But at its roots, Easter (which is how you pronounce Ishtar) is all about celebrating fertility and sex.

Ishtar(ProperNoun) A goddess of fertility, love, sex and war. In the Babylonian pantheon, she was the divine personification of the planet Venus. Assyrian and Babylonian counterpart to the Sumerian Inanna and to the cognate northwest Semitic goddess Astarte. Pagan goddess

"Eostre".

But in English-speaking countries, and in Germany, Easter takes its name from a pagan goddess from Anglo-Saxon England who was described in a book by the eighth-century English monk Bede. "Eostre was a goddess of spring or renewal and that's why her feast is attached to the vernal equinox."

Passover is the Christian equivalent to the pagan Holiday of Easter. The word "Easter" (or its equivalents) appear in the Bible only once in Acts 12:4. This passage refers to Herod killing John, the brother of James. Peter was to be next, so Peter was put in prison until after the pagan holiday of Easter (for Jews & Christians, the Passover). That's the night the Angel of the Lord broke Peter out of prison!

The holiday commonly known as Easter, in spite of obvious differences, derives from the Jewish festivity the Torah calls "Pesach", also known as "Passover", an eight days-long celebration of the ancient Israelites liberation from Egyptian bondage and their subsequent exodus.

Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week, a seven-day span that culminates the day before Easter Sunday.

Mishael: Google all these names. There's many cultures and religions vying for the same day. For Christians, we should observe Passover; as Jesus did. Explain it to the kids. Most just want a basket of candy. Make a pan of Kraft Fudge. Recipe back of jar.

(Not duplicate-other post deleted for edits)

The Apostle Paul ( Romans 1:1), who was originally named Saul ( Acts 7:58) of Tarsus ( Acts 22:3), but eventually became known as Paul ( Acts 13:9), dictated the letter to Tertius ( Romans 16:22). The account of most of what is known about his life story was written about by Luke in the Book of Acts. Acts 7:58-60, Acts 8:1-4, Acts 9:1-31, Acts 11:25-30, Acts 12:24-25, Acts 13 to Acts 28.

The Apostle Paul is recognized as the author of most of the Epistles (Apostolic letters) in the New Testament, which include Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians. Ephesians. Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon. Some also consider him the author of Hebrews, but the authorship of that book is not known for sure.

Peter also speaks about Paul in 2 Peter 3:15-16.

i love your scripsher and this app

Hello,

1. Yes I believe in some ways our faith may be considered more complicated because they being with Jesus " physically " John 3:12, John 14:11, yet scripture says : 2 Chronicles 20:20, we have so many accumulated testimonies, prophecy fulfilled, the written WORD of GOD from many generations past in many ways we have all that to help build upon our faith. Then we have personal experiences & witness of miraculous events in our present days & years. I believe it's powerful to see the biblical text, New & Old Tstm & imagine the future with the stacked testimonies & understanding time accumulates more information. When the days of tribulation come the stacked accounts with all scripture will be that much bigger. GOD is amazing. I realized the other day the wealth of faith building information at our reach. I told a young man, "Yes, these days are difficult but we have so much to draw from". & GOD in HIS infinite wisdom gives each generation what they need. Romans 10:17, John 20:29,

2. Luke 23:43, I guess it applies to today to yes prove "nothing is impossible with GOD" Luke 1:37, & possibly to encourage us that it's not too late to repent, in dying moment.

Next. (?) Interesting observation. Matthew 4:12, Matthew 23:37, GOD gives people many chances to do good. Mark 6:20, Mark 6:19-31, read though, Mark 6:32-46, did Jesus even take time to mourn? It seems HE went to take a moment, yet compassion moved HIM to minister.

At 1st read I had thought you asked about Peter & Paul comparison of Peter released & Paul was not, also same "(charges) Acts 12:5-17, Acts 21:30-40, - Acts 22, - Acts 23, - Acts 24, - Acts 25, - Acts 26, - Acts 27,-, Acts 28,

My emotion would want to say "all chains are evil" however Mark 5:3-20, Jude 1:6, 2 Peter 2:4,

GOD uses all for good , Psalms 105:17-25, Romans 8:28-30, while Paul was in prison he wrote letters that became an important part of our HOLY Bible today.

3. James 1:5-8,

Hope this helps

Recently, I was pondering in my mind with the LORD about this account & I knew there would be a discussion about this. For some of us it's easier to fight, much more difficult to submit to circumstances beyond our control; especially when it's unjust. I relate with Peter. I was thinking how Peter had come to the realization the Jesus was the CHRIST, MESSIAH. Jesus had just said : Luke 22:27-30.

Is there much more knowledge we're supposed to get from this?

Luke 22:36, Luke 22:38, 2 swords enough? Do you think Jesus was being literal or testing them? Do you feel the act of aggregation saved the Disciples? John 18:8-9, ( I've thought that) but look at: John 18:10. "Then._." it seems to be after Jesus had already set their pardon.

Luke 22:40,42, Luke 22:43-46, Matthew 26:36-44, Mark 14:33-39, Zechariah 13:7, ( Mark 14:27 , Matthew 26:56 )

Matthew 16:15-27,

* Mark 14:27, offended? Matthew 26:33-35,

Mark 14:42-50, Luke 22:47-51, John 18:10-11, Matthew 26:50-52, Were they offended because Jesus didn't fight, nor let them? after He had said to get swords? Would we be offended if Jesus healed our enemy, we thought we were defending Him from? Then rebuke them/Peter or us openly? John 18:6, Matthew 26:53,

Luke 22:54, John 18:15, Why did Peter follow? Luke 22:33, Where is our strength? In our flesh & resolve, or GOD & HIS will?

Mark 14:29-31,

Luke 22:55-62,

Matthew 10:17-22, Matthew 10:28-34,

Acts 12:1-12,

Romans 8:34-39,

Ephesians 6:10-18,

Do you think it was much easier to fight? Matthew 26:41, Luke 22:32,

Isaiah 55:8-9,

Hello Helen. If I may first give you a little bit of this particular king's history so you can understand it better.

There are two King Agrippas seen in the Bible, both part of the Herod family, however, six Herods are revealed to us in the New Testament; the Herods were Idumeans/Edomites.

King Herod Agrippa I was a grandson of Herod the Great; he ruled over Judea and Samaria. Agrippa I is the "King Herod" who killed James and imprisoned Peter ( Acts 12:1-3).

The son of Agrippa I was King Herod Agrippa II, & was also known as Julius Marcus Agrippa; he was the brother of Bernice and Drusilla and heard Paul's defence of the gospel in Acts 26. Agrippa II had quite a lot of power in Jewish religious affairs, for he had been given custodianship of the temple and the authority to appoint the high priest. So, the Agrippa you read of in Acts chapter 26, is King Agrippa II. Hope that answers your question.

Acts 12:1-4 says that King Herod killed James and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he had Peter arrested. Acts 12:3 says that Herod took Peter DURING the DAYS OF UNLEAVENED BREAD intending to bring him forth to the people AFTER Easter.

According to the Old Testament, the DAY OF PASSOVER started the FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD. "In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD's passover. 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." ( Leviticus 23:5,6) The Day Of Passover began in the evening on the 14th day of the first month, and the Feast Of Unleavened Bread began on the 15th day of the same month.

Scripture is clear: the days of unleavened bread follow the Passover. "And in the fourteenth day of the first month is the passover of the LORD. And in the fifteenth day of this month is the feast: seven days shall unleavened bread be eaten." Numbers 28:16-17

Acts 12:3 says that Peter was arrested and imprisoned DURING the "days of unleavened bread", which means that the day of Passover had ALREADY occurred.

"Easter" could not have been Passover, because Passover always occurs BEFORE the days of unleavened bread. The Scripture says that the Passover had come and gone. Acts 12:4 says that Herod was "intending after Easter to bring him [Peter] forth to the people." According to Acts 12:1-4, Passover had occurred, but Easter had not yet occurred. Herod was waiting until after Easter had occurred to bring Peter forth to people.

Acts 12:1-4 clearly says that Herod had arrested and killed James during the Feast Of Unleavened Bread, which meant that the Passover had occurred. We know that James was taken and killed by Herod during the days of unleavened bread, and that Herod was planning to kill Peter after Easter, which had not come yet. Bottom line: the KJV translators got it right. Easter's correct, Passover's a mistranslation in ALL modern Bible versions.

Jesse, The crux of my argument is that the translating of the Scripture has been done by the 47 translators of the King James Bible. God's written word is preserved in the KJV. I also contend that today's Greek and Hebrew scholars do not possess the knowledge that the 47 KJV translators possessed when they translated the Greek and Hebrew words into English. Your "scholarship" in the Greek doesn't measure up to the scholarship possessed by any one of the 47 translators. In their time they were the best of the best. I seriously doubt that you would be considered among the best of the best, even by today's standards, in our time. You ask how looking up words in the Greek and Hebrews causes confusion when you have an example right in front of your face. We both gave definitions for sanctification; mine came from looking at the Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language and the English definition; yours came from looking at the Greek word HAGIOS and its definition in Greek. The definition I gave for the sanctification, you're not going to find in the Greek. But your definition, set apart, was the second definition in Webster's. I chose because because Scripture teaches that God does the sanctifying in believers. Another better example of the confusion created by consulting the Greek is the word "Easter" in Acts 12:4 in the KJV. The ignorant argue that it's a mistranslation of the Greek word "pascha" and should it be translated as "passover." The Greek word "pascha" is used for both passover and Easter, so consulting the Greek offers no solution to question: Was Herod was referring to Easter in Acts 12:4 ort the Jewish passover? The answer is revealed in the Scripture. BTW, the KJV translators were right to translate pascha as Easter, and not as passover. Another problem for the smarter-by-half Greek geeks is the word love. The most common words for love in Greek are agape, eros, philia and storge, and philia and agape are the words that appear (cont)

Deborah in the book of Judges. Ruth in the book of Ruth. Rehab in the Joshua chapters 2 and 3.Hannah in I Samuel chapters 1 and 2. Abigail in I Samuel chapter 25. Michal(not so good example) in II Samuel chapter 6. Jezebel(wicked) I Kings chapters 19-22, and II Kings chapter 9.New Test. Mary(mother of Jesus), Mary with the alabaster box Matt. 26, Mark 14, John 12. Small list of women ministered to Jesus found in Luke chapter 8. The adulterous woman in John 8. Acts 1:13-14(list of women). Dorcus Acts 9:36-42. Rhoda and some women Acts 12:11-16. Lois and Eunice 2 Timoty 1:1-6. Hoped this helps! God Bless!

2 Peter 1 (Comment following)

4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

5 And beside this, giving all diligence, ADD to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance- patience; and to patience-godliness;

7 And to godliness -brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness -charity [the Jesus kind of Love]

8 For if these things BE IN YOU, and abound, they make you that.... ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9 But he that LACKS these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall NEVER FALL,

11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.

13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, TO STIR YOU UP by putting you in remembrance;

Comment by Mishael: The hardest lessons I've had to learn is Patience and Tolerance. I skipped past it for many years willfully. But then came time to put away childish ways and grow up.

We ADD to our faith__ by learning to be more like Christ. I try and fail (times) 1000 attempts.

Finally, sitting in a pool of frustrated tears: I ask the Holy Spirit (The Helper), to help me learn these add-to lessons. Finally, when I'm about to step into impatience and intolerance, I get this tug, in my spirit. A caution. I learned...to heed the Holy Spirits tugs. He's here for us!

It's painful for us and everybody around us; while we are learning. Learn.

why does god allow pain and suffering

To add to your point even more, you'll notice those who are celebrating Easter, are actually the ones killing the Christians

Acts 12:4

1"Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church."

2"And he killed James the brother of John with the sword."

3"And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)"

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."

Good note Jesse. As it is sad to hear. We must be vigilant to spot false prophets/teachers.

Just as I would like to elaborate on the word Easter. As you may know. The word "Easter" is only used one time in the Bible in Acts 12:4. From the same Greek word that denotes "passover" 28 times in the NT. The word Easter actually comes from a pagan goddess named "Eostre". Inserted by the Chaldean/RC church.

Learning this I myself don't use the word "Easter" anymore.

Hopefully this information may help spread the truth.

God Bless.

Pagan Roots in Some Holidays

Easter was originally the celebration of Ishtar, the Assyrian and Babylonian goddess of fertility and sex. After Constantine decided to Christianize the Empire, Easter was changed to represent Jesus. But at its roots, Easter (which is how you pronounce Ishtar) is all about celebrating fertility and sex.

Ishtar(ProperNoun) A goddess of fertility, love, sex and war. In the Babylonian pantheon, she was the divine personification of the planet Venus. Assyrian and Babylonian counterpart to the Sumerian Inanna and to the cognate northwest Semitic goddess Astarte.

Pagan goddess of Easter

"Eostre"

But in English-speaking countries, and in Germany, Easter takes its name from a pagan goddess from Anglo-Saxon England who was described in a book by the eighth-century English monk Bede. "Eostre was a goddess of spring or renewal and that's why her feast is attached to the vernal equinox."

Passover is the Christian Holiday we Worship. Has nothing to do with the pagan Holiday of Easter.

The word "Easter" (or its equivalents) appear in the Bible only once in Acts 12:4. This passage refers to Herod killing John, the brother of James. Peter was to be next, so Peter was put in prison until after the pagan holiday of Easter (for Jews & Christians, the Passover). That's the night the Angel of the Lord broke Peter out of prison! Hallelujah!

Mishael

Pagan named Holidays vs Christian

Easter was originally the celebration of Ishtar, the Assyrian and Babylonian goddess of fertility and sex. After Constantine decided to Christianize the Empire, Easter was changed to represent Jesus. But at its roots, Easter (which is how you pronounce Ishtar) is all about celebrating fertility and sex.

Ishtar(ProperNoun) A goddess of fertility, love, sex and war. In the Babylonian pantheon, she was the divine personification of the planet Venus. Assyrian and Babylonian counterpart to the Sumerian Inanna and to the cognate northwest Semitic goddess Astarte.

Pagan goddess of Easter

"Eostre"

But in English-speaking countries, and in Germany, Easter takes its name from a pagan goddess from Anglo-Saxon England who was described in a book by the eighth-century English monk Bede. "Eostre was a goddess of spring or renewal and that's why her feast is attached to the vernal equinox."

Passover is the Christian equivalent to the pagan Holiday of Easter.

The word "Easter" (or its equivalents) appear in the Bible only once in Acts 12:4. This passage refers to Herod killing John, the brother of James. Peter was to be next, so Peter was put in prison until after the pagan holiday of Easter (for Jews & Christians, the Passover). That's the night the Angel of the Lord broke Peter out of prison! Hallelujah!

As Christians living in the last days before Jesus's Return, let us not be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

When my son was young, we did not observe Halloween period. We went to school Harvest celebration: fish pond, cake walks, etc. I gave him 20.00 to spend on Brachs candy, NOT Halloween candy. Best I could do. He had fun.

Passover/Easter we went to church. I bought reg. Big candy bars & we hid them all over the house. We'd find candy bars through JULY, and just laugh and arm wrestle for it. He knew Pink Energizer Bunny was a toy and Jesus went to the cross for our sins. Best I could do...

Mishael

In Matthew 2:19 King Herod dies. But in Acts 12:23 it states that King Herod died. Is this the same King Herod or two different King Herods?

Acts 12:4 The KJV is awesome at distinguishing between things. Easter was the pagan holiday that Herod observed (Herod build many pagan cities) and Passover was observed by God fearing Jews ( Exodus 12).

Greetings, Wayne,

"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." Act 12:4

The King James scholars translated the Greek word, pascha, as Easter in this one instance and Passover in 28 other places in the New Testament.

Whether this is a mistranslation or not I know not. It makes not a bit of difference in this context. The meaning is exactly identical using either word. I would not loose any sleep over it.

In Acts 12: Is the word Easter a mistranslation...?

Wesley's Notes: 2 Thessalonians 2:9

>2:7 He will surely be revealed; for the mystery: The deep, secret power of iniquity, just OPPOSITE to the power of godliness, already worketh. It began with the love of honour, and the desire of power; and is completed in the ENTIRE SUBVERSION of the gospel of Christ. This mystery of iniquity is not wholly confined to the Rome-ish church, but extends itself to others also. It seems to consist of, Human interpretation ADDED TO THE WRITTEN WORD OF GOD.

*Pause here and read Revelation 22:18-21

Mere outside performances put in the room of faith and love (works). The two last branches (Jews, Gentiles) are the direct consequences of the former; namely, the adding to the word of God. Already at work In the church. Only he that restraineth - That is, the potentate who successively has Rome in his power.

2:8 And then, when every prince and power that restrains is taken away (the Holy Spirit), will that wicked one (Antichrist) be revealed. Whom the Lord will soon consume with the spirit of his mouth - His immediate power. And destroy - With the very first appearance of Jesus in his glory.

2:10 Because they received not the LOVE of the truth; Therefore God suffered them to fall into that STRONG DELUSION.

2:11 Therefore God shall send them ; That is, judicially permit to come upon them, strong delusion.

>People's Bible Notes Commentary:

Whose coming. That of the Wicked power (Antichrist) Is after the working of Satan. That is, it will deceive men as Satan does. Lying wonders. False miracles.

Mishael: Believers in Jesus Christ MUST compare what you are being exposed to; taught. Must look up any scriptures given and see if it matches what the Bible says.

Don't be easily deceived and led astray with a lot of fancy preaching. listen to FM antenna on your radio. Same deal: verify the message. Get yourself fed on the Bible every day!

Inspect the Fruit. Trust in the Holy Spirits confirmation or His caution.

A couple of comments to clarify some of the Saints mentioned in this chapter 12 v.2 The James here is James the brother of John, other places called Sons of Thunder, and Mary a few verse later is the mother of John Mark, aka Mary Mark not the mother of our Lord and Savior. In other places John Mark is the nephew of Barnabas.

Janice Lane,

Angels are described in Scripture as having light associated with their appearance or presence; Acts 12:7, 2 Corinthians 11:14, Revelations 18:1.

Again, I stated that Adam and Eve were AS angels of light; because they had not at that point in time sinned yet. They were as pure as a human could be. I never said I read that in Scripture.

I stated that the covering that God put on them MAY have been actual skin. I never said I read that in Scripture either.

Dennis,

Matthew was written by Matthew. Matthew was his Greek name. Matthew means gift of Yahweh. His Jewish name is Levi. And because his name is Levi, that tells us that he is from the tribe of Levi, and he is a priest of all people. Priests come from the tribe of Levi.

In Acts Chapter 12 Verse 12, we are introduced to Mark. He's in Jerusalem. In fact, Acts 12:12 tells us that his name is John Mark. Many people in the scriptures that are presented in detail, they have two names. One is a Jewish name, and one is a sir name, or a Roman name. John is his Jewish name. It is Yochanan. And Marcus is his Roman name. His name is John Mark.

Luke wrote both the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. He is only mentioned three times in the New Testament. Luke is a Greek name, not Jewish. Many believe that he was a Gentile. I also believe that to be true. Luke was the only Gentile to be used to write a book of the Bible. The best evidence of him being a Gentile is in Colossians Chapter 4 Verses 11 through 14.

John was written by the apostle John. He is a different John than John the Baptist who is introduced to us in John Chapter 1 Verse 6. This is the apostle John. John the Baptist, and the apostle John are two different people. John also wrote 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and the book of Revelation.

To Ted Duke on Acts 12:4. Herod placed Peter in chains until after Easter, because Herod had to give homage to the queen of heaven , or rather goddess of fertility during "Easter". With that said, I pray you'll do your research Ted Duke where you'll find the true meaning behind the Easter celebration. It has nothing to do with the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. Those Easter eggs and rabbits are in honor of the goddess of fertility Ted. Much of Christianity has been "hood winked" by practicing Easter with its pagan practices.

Mishael, the trouble with pre tribbers is they do not understand the difference between the wrath of God and judgment.

10 of the 12 apostles died for their faith. Stephen died for his faith. Paul died for his faith.

Millions of Christians, in the last 100 years, died for their faith in communist Russia.

Yet pre tribbers do not feel they would ever have to suffer the same fate?

The wrath of the devil and the wrath of God is not the same, sadly this point is lost on most it seems.

Every time we show plain scriptures of those dying in tribulation in revelation for the faith, it is explained away as apply to the "Jews" during that time.

As if the Lord would never allow his church to suffer.

The Lord protected Noah IN the flood, the three Hebrew children IN the furnace of fire, Daniel IN the lions den. Yet Stephen died for his faith in Christ as did many millions of others, some in Communist Russia under Stalin in the last 100 years. Where was the rapture for them?

Acts 12:1 - Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

Act 12:3 - And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

It is the wicked who kill those who have the testimony of Jesus.

Rev 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Maybe watch TBN and the 700 club less and read the history of Christians under communism in Russia.

God is a very jealous god and expects all to give glory only to him - see Acts 12 vs 23.

Mary was only human - mankind. Several bible scriptures tell of attempts to worship apostles such as Paul and Peter, but all are restrained. In fact, the apostles were horrified at the thought of being worshiped for they knew only God/Jesus Christ should receive the glory. Let us not attempt to do the same.

John Mark was related to the high priest. ( Acts 4:6) John Mark followed Jesus to the high priest's house and was allowed to go in with Jesus into the high priest's house. ( John 18:15) John Mark was wealthy and had a house in Jerusalem where the disciples met ( Acts 12:12) and where Jesus celebrated Passover and that is why John Mark sat at the head of the table next to Jesus. ( John 13:23) John Mark is given the responsibility to take care of Mary. ( John 19:27)

Remember James and John, the sons of Zebedee, are always mentioned together.

I'm trying to find a vetse that shows reverence to mary the mother of jesus. Why we should pray to her for intervention. Why is she the heavenly mother to us all.

Thank you in advance