Acts 12:2
And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
Original Language Analysis
ἀνεῖλεν
he killed
G337
ἀνεῖλεν
he killed
Strong's:
G337
Word #:
1 of 7
to take up, i.e., adopt; by implication, to take away (violently), i.e., abolish, murder
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφὸν
the brother
G80
ἀδελφὸν
the brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
5 of 7
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
Cross References
Hebrews 11:37They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;Matthew 20:23And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.Mark 10:38But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?Mark 10:35And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.
Historical Context
James's execution circa AD 42-43 by beheading (Roman method for citizens) shows Herod's brutality. James was the first of the Twelve to die, though tradition holds all except John were eventually martyred. His death didn't hinder the gospel but demonstrated faithful witness unto death.
Questions for Reflection
- How does martyrdom for Christ demonstrate the authenticity of faith?
- What does God's allowing James's death while later delivering Peter teach about sovereignty?
- How should the certainty of suffering and possible martyrdom affect our commitment to Christ?
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Analysis & Commentary
Herod 'killed James the brother of John with the sword.' James (son of Zebedee, one of Jesus' inner circle) became the first apostolic martyr. His execution fulfilled Jesus' prophecy that James would drink His cup of suffering (Mark 10:39). The brevity of Luke's account contrasts with extensive detail given to Stephen - martyrdom was becoming common, not exceptional. Reformed theology affirms God's sovereignty even in martyrdom - the timing and manner of believers' deaths are in God's hands. James's death served God's purposes though humanly tragic.