Unsafe

Pete Kersker - Jun 22, 2026

Disciples (students) of Jesus quickly grew in numbers, from three thousand to five thousand and beyond. The growth started in Jerusalem and then spread out to Judea and Samaria when Stephen was put to death for the faith and persecution broke out. It grew even more when the Lord showed Simon Peter and the rest of the believers that Gentiles (non Jews) were invited into Christ's church.

It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword (Acts 12:1-2 NIV).

All through this time, the enemy tried to stop this numerical growth. Internally, dissentions threatened to divide Jesus' disciples (students) with lies, fear, and self-righteous indignation. Externally, physical safety was threatened first by the Jewish leaders and then by the Romans who were politically and militarily in charge.

When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover (Acts 12:3-4 NIV).

This last group, the Roman leaders, increased the danger significantly. They had the army. They had the money. They had the court systems and the authority to put people to death. They were also making decisions based on what would please the crowds. Jesus, you may recall, was put to death by the Romans because the crowds shouted "Crucify him!".

So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him (Acts 12:5 NIV).

Would you have become a Christian if it made things more unsafe for you? Why (not)?
Would you have stayed a Christian back then, when things became unsafe? Why (not)?