Why Did God Allow The Disciples To Be Martyred?

Across the span of Church history, Christians have been subjected to persecution and, in some cases, met their demise through martyrdom due to their unwavering commitment to their faith. These courageous believers willingly made the ultimate sacrifice, offering their lives as a testimony to the profound experiences they had witnessed, heard, and wholeheartedly embraced.

The Martyrdom of the Early Disciples
In Ethiopia, Matthew’s life was cut short by a sword, while Mark suffered a cruel fate in Alexandria, being dragged by horses until his untimely death. Luke, known for his compelling preaching, met his end through hanging in Greece. Peter, feeling unworthy to die like Jesus, was crucified upside down. James the Less was thrown from the Temple pinnacle and, when he survived, was beaten to death. James the brother of Jesus was beheaded in Jerusalem, and Bartholomew was flayed to death in Armenia. Andrew was crucified on an X-shaped cross in Greece after enduring severe whippings. Thomas was stabbed with a spear in India, and Jude was killed with arrows for refusing to deny his faith.

Matthias, chosen to replace Judas Iscariot, was stoned and beheaded. Barnabas was stoned to death in Salonica. Paul, after enduring imprisonment and writing numerous epistles, was ultimately beheaded by Emperor Nero in Rome. John, on the other hand, miraculously survived being boiled in oil and was later sent to the prison island of Patmos, where he authored the Book of Revelation. Eventually, John peacefully passed away in his old age.

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These are just a few accounts from the historical tradition of the martyrdoms suffered by the apostles. Each apostle faced unique circumstances and challenges, but they remained steadfast in their commitment to Christ, even to the point of death. Their sacrifice and unwavering faith continue to inspire and impact Christians throughout history.

Why Did God Allow The Disciples To Be Martyred
The question of why God allowed most of the Disciples to be martyred is a complex and multifaceted one. While we cannot know the mind of God with certainty, there are several possible reasons and perspectives to consider.

To understand the reason for Christian martyrdom, we must understand that Jesus emerged in the New Testament with a totally unearthly and transformative message. He encouraged people to redirect their focus away from material possessions and temporal concerns. Instead, He urged them to prioritize the Kingdom of Heaven and the accumulation of treasures that would endure beyond this earthly life. Jesus taught that showing kindness and love even to one’s enemies could have a profound impact, softening hearts and leading to positive change.

This approach was completely different from that of the Old Testament where God selected the Israelites to serve as His earthly representatives. He established a covenant with them, promising to bless and protect them if they obeyed His commandments. Essentially, if they followed God’s ways and lived by His holy and righteous standards, they would become a great nation, showcasing God’s might to the surrounding nations.

However, as history unfolded, it became evident that the Israelites repeatedly failed to uphold their end of the covenant. Despite God’s warnings of repercussions for disobedience, they continually strayed from His ways. Consequently, God had no choice but to fulfill His end of the agreement by allowing curses and hardships to befall the Israelites. Throughout this cycle, though, there were faithful prophets who remained committed to God, relying on Him for their daily provision.

This recurring pattern demonstrated a profound insight into human nature: when people experience material prosperity and safety, they tend to drift away from their dependence on God. The allure of wealth and comfort often leads individuals to neglect their spiritual relationship with Him.

The Gospel of the Kingdom
Now with the Gospel of the kingdom, the shift has moved to eternal existence rather than just a temporal one. Jesus cautioned that following Him and believing in His message would not guarantee a trouble-free existence here on earth. He warned that His disciples would face opposition and hatred because of their association with Him. Satan would actively work to undermine their faith and lead them astray. Jesus emphasized the importance of remaining steadfast in faith until the very end, promising an extraordinary eternal life with God as the ultimate reward.

In essence, Jesus highlighted that God’s primary concern is not our temporary physical well-being in this fleeting life but our eternal existence with Him. He emphasized that the challenges and hardships we encounter can often shape us more profoundly than times of ease and comfort.

The unwavering faith demonstrated by the apostles and disciples, even in the face of persecution and death, serves as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of God. Their steadfastness amid adversity draws people to salvation and a life aligned with God’s purposes.

1. Martyrdom As A Powerful Testimony
Firstly, martyrdom served as a powerful testimony to the truth and significance of the apostles’ message. By willingly giving up their lives for their faith, the disciples demonstrated the depth of their conviction and the transformative power of the Gospel. Their martyrdoms stood as a powerful witness to the early Christian community and beyond, inspiring others to embrace and persevere in their faith.

2. Martyrdom As A Means of Glorifying God
Secondly, martyrdom can be seen as a means of glorifying God. The apostles’ deaths, while tragic, were an opportunity for them to exemplify their ultimate allegiance to God and His kingdom. Their sacrifices were seen as acts of obedience and devotion, and their martyrdoms served to bring honor and glory to God’s name.

3. Martyrdom As A True Commitment To Jesus
Additionally, the apostles’ martyrdoms helped establish the early Christian community and solidify its identity. The persecution and martyrdoms faced by the apostles and early Christians served to strengthen the resolve and commitment of the community. It created a shared sense of purpose and a willingness to endure hardship for the sake of their faith.

4. Martyrdom As The Result of A Fallen World
Furthermore, the apostles’ martyrdoms can be understood within the broader context of God’s sovereignty and the fallen state of the world. God allows humans to have free will, and this includes the capacity to persecute and harm others. While God does not directly cause suffering and persecution, He can work through these circumstances to accomplish His greater purposes.

5. Martyrdom As The Result of A Retaliating Enemy
Let’s look at the story of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, as an example. Stephen was chosen as one of the first deacons in the early church. Right away, he started doing amazing things among the people, thanks to the Holy Spirit’s power. However, when God’s work is happening and the message of the gospel is spreading, opposition often arises from DARK FORCES trying to stop it. In Stephen’s case, the devil used some men to argue with him about his teachings. But Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, was able to counter their arguments. Instead of accepting what Stephen said, these men falsely accused him and killed him.

6. Martyrdom As The Cost of Discipleship
In the teachings of Jesus, he made it clear that martyrdom could be the cost of discipleship. He emphasized the necessity of taking up one’s cross and following him, even if it meant facing persecution and even death. Jesus warned his disciples that they would be hated by the world because of their association with him. However, he reassured them that those who would lose their lives for his sake would find true life in him. Jesus taught that loyalty to him and his message was paramount and that the eternal reward outweighed any temporal suffering. Through his words, he challenged his followers to count the cost and remain faithful, even in the face of martyrdom.

7. Martyrdom As The Evidence of Truth
Ultimately, the early disciples were willing to give up their lives because they had firsthand experiences of seeing Jesus Christ resurrected. It wasn’t just a belief based on someone else’s words or ideas; they actually witnessed and encountered the risen Jesus. Imagine if I were to die as a martyr, proclaiming that I saw Jesus die and come back to life with my own eyes. That would be a completely different standard of belief. It wouldn’t be a belief passed down to me, but something I personally witnessed.

Now, when we consider the early disciples’ strong belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we’re left with three possible explanations.
First, we could say that they willingly to be martyred for a lie, knowing it was a lie.
Second, we could argue that they were delusional or mentally unstable.
Third, we could acknowledge that what they believed was true: Jesus truly rose from the dead.
These are the three options we have to explain the conviction and willingness to die demonstrated by the early disciples. In my opinion, the third option is most viable.

God’s Primary Concern
It is essential to bear in mind that God’s primary concern lies with our eternal existence in His presence rather than our temporary earthly life. While our time on Earth is brief, God’s focus is on our eternal destiny and the state of our souls. The brevity of our physical existence should not overshadow the significance of our spiritual journey and our relationship with God. It is through faith and a deep connection with Him that we can find true purpose, fulfillment, and eternal life. Therefore, let us prioritize our spiritual well-being and strive to align our lives with God’s will, knowing that our eternal existence with Him surpasses any earthly concerns or martyrdoms that we may encounter.

Do We Have A Soul And Also, A Spirit?

In the Bible, the words “soul” and “spirit” are sometimes used interchangeably, which can make it confusing to know exactly what they mean. However, if we were to observe closely, we can see that they might have different meanings. In this article, we will explore how “soul” and “spirit” are used in the Bible and what they might mean. By doing this, we can get a clearer picture of what the Bible says about what makes us who we are. Here are the two primary views:

Dichotomous View: Quite a few theologians take a dichotomous view, which suggests that human beings consist of two parts: body and soul/spirit. They use the terms “soul” and “spirit” interchangeably to talk about the non-physical part of a person, apart from the body. Here are a few key verses they commonly referenced:

Genesis 2:7: “Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being.” This verse is seen as indicating the creation of humans as a union of physical matter (the body) and the divine breath of life (the soul). Since there is no mention of the spirit, then this soul mentioned here must also be the spirit of man too.

Matthew 10:28: “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” This verse is often interpreted as a distinction between the body, which can be killed, and the soul, which is seen as immortal and survives beyond physical death. Once again, there is no mention of the human spirit and so it is assumed that soul and spirit are the same entity.

Is it true that in every instance, “soul” and “spirit” mean the same thing in the Bible? Is it accurate to think that both words refer to the same inner, spiritual part of a person that God has made? It’s important to know that these ideas come from different ways of understanding the Bible. Here is another view:

Trichotomous View: According to this perspective, human beings have three distinct components: body, soul, and spirit. This belief aligns with the idea that just as God exists as a Trinity, we, as humans, are also made up of three interconnected parts.

Why I Held A Trichotomous View?
As a student of the Bible and a pastor, I have come to embrace a trichotomous view of human nature. I strongly believe that there is a threefold composition of body, soul, and spirit. Let me share why I hold this view and present some biblical verses that support a holistic understanding of human beings.

Animals Are Dichotomous
First and foremost, let me explain that all intelligent animals are dichotomous in nature. This means that even though animals have a limited form of soul, it still encompasses intellect, emotion, and will. And we know that these three aspects of a soul are intellect, emotion, and will.

While the Bible does not explicitly address the nature of animal souls in great detail, some passages suggest animals possess certain cognitive and emotional capacities. In our own experience with our pets, we can see not just the soulish expression in them but each pet has a different character. What the animals do not have is the spirit or the breath of God that was given to Adam and Eve. Therefore, animals are dichotomous and not trichotomous in nature.

I am one of those believers who find comfort in the idea that God’s love extends to all of His creation, including animals. How would Jesus come back on a white stallion if there were no animals in heaven? I really believe that there is a place for them in heaven. I even had a dream that all my former pets came running to meet me in heaven. My perspective is based on the deep belief that God values and cares for His entire creation and that His plan for redemption extends beyond humanity.

I am not the only minister who believes that our pets would be in heaven. Billy Graham, the famous evangelist, also held the belief that our pets would be in heaven with us. While he did not provide an extensive theological explanation for this belief, Graham often expressed his belief in the goodness and love of God, and he saw the presence of animals as a reflection of God’s creative and caring nature.

The Body, Soul, and Spirit: A Balanced Foundation
I believe that we have to recognize that human beings consist of three parts – body, soul, and spirit – instead of two parts like that of the animal. Each part plays a role in our overall well-being and spiritual growth. Just like a three-legged stool needs all its legs to stay steady, we too benefit from nurturing and understanding all aspects of who we are. Our body, soul, and spirit are like the components of a finely tuned orchestra, working in harmony to create beautiful music.

Our physical body is like the instrumentalists, each playing a unique role in producing the physical sensations and experiences that shape our existence.

Our soul is the conductor, guiding the thoughts, emotions, and personality traits that give depth and expression to our being.

Our spirit is the music itself, the intangible essence that flows through us, infusing our lives with purpose, inspiration, and meaning.

When these three elements are in sync, they create a symphony of balance and well-being, resonating through every aspect of our lives. That is why we need to look at ourselves and have some understanding of why we are trichotomous.

Biblical Verses Supporting A Trichotomous View:
1 Thessalonians 5:23 – “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole SPIRIT and SOUL and BODY be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This verse highlights the interconnectedness of spirit, soul, and body, emphasizing their significance in the process of sanctification. It, while not explicitly explaining the relationship between spirit, soul, and body, does mention them as distinct components.

Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” This verse suggests a distinction between the soul and the spirit so much so that they can be “divided”.

1 Corinthians 2:14-15 – “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.” This verse implies that a natural person is only having a body and a soul but his spirit man is dead. He cannot discern the spiritual things of God.

Nurturing Every Aspect of Our Being
When we embrace the idea that we consist of body, soul, and spirit, it reminds us to take care of each part. Our BODY has physical needs, so we should look after it. Our SOUL includes our emotions, thoughts, and choices, so it is important to pay attention to them and help them grow healthily. Our SPIRIT is the part that connects us to God, so we should focus on building a strong relationship with Him. By understanding and valuing these different parts of ourselves, we can work towards being healthy and spiritually mature.

The Dance of Soul and Spirit: Working Together
Although the soul and spirit are distinct, they work together to shape our lives. Our soul expresses our emotions and desires, while our spirit connects us with God and His transformative power. They are intertwined and inseparable, playing a vital role in understanding ourselves and our relationship with God. This harmonious interplay of the soul and spirit in shaping our holistic human experience can be observed in various aspects of our lives. Here are a few examples:

1. Worship and Devotion:
   When we engage in acts of worship and devotion, both the soul and spirit are involved. The soul expresses its emotions, desires, and affections toward God, such as love, gratitude, and awe. The spirit, on the other hand, connects with the Holy Spirit, enabling us to experience a deep sense of communion with God, transforming our worship into a spiritual encounter.
2. Moral Decision-making:
   The soul, with its capacity for reason and moral discernment, plays a vital role in making ethical choices. It considers values, principles, and the consequences of our actions. The spirit, however, seeks guidance from the Holy Spirit, who illuminates our understanding and aligns our decisions with God’s will. Together, the soul’s rationality and the spirit’s spiritual discernment contribute to making morally sound choices.
3. Personal Transformation:
   The soul and spirit work together in the process of personal transformation and spiritual growth. The soul engages in self-reflection, self-examination, and the willingness to change. It acknowledges its shortcomings and seeks growth and maturity. The spirit, in communion with the Holy Spirit, empowers and enables this transformation, bringing about lasting change in our character, attitudes, and behaviors.
4. Prayer and Meditation:
   During times of prayer and meditation, the soul and spirit engage in a beautiful harmony. The soul pours out its desires, concerns, and requests to God, expressing vulnerability and openness. The spirit, aligned with the Holy Spirit, deepens our connection with God, allowing us to experience His presence, receive guidance, and gain spiritual insights. This synergy of the soul and spirit in prayer and meditation leads to spiritual renewal, peace, and a deeper intimacy with God.
5. Pursuit of Truth and Wisdom:
   The soul’s pursuit of knowledge, truth, and wisdom is enhanced by the spirit’s receptivity to divine wisdom. The soul engages in intellectual exploration, critical thinking, and learning. The spirit, in communion with the Holy Spirit, helps us discern truth, expands our understanding, and grants us spiritual insights beyond human comprehension. This collaboration between the soul’s intellectual capacity and the spirit’s spiritual discernment enriches our pursuit of truth and wisdom.

It is important to note that these examples illustrate the interplay between the soul and spirit, but they can manifest differently in individuals based on their unique personalities, experiences, and spiritual journeys. The harmonious cooperation of the soul and spirit contributes to our holistic human experience, fostering spiritual growth, deepening our relationship with God, and enhancing our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Conclusion
Embracing the trichotomous view prompts us to nurture each component of our being. We can care for our bodies through healthy habits, nourishment, and physical exercise. Cultivating emotional well-being, self-awareness, and healthy relationships supports the growth of our souls. Developing our spirituality through prayer, meditation, and a relationship with God enriches our spirits and fosters a sense of interconnectedness with the divine.

Here is a message about how the spirit of man responds to the voice of God
The Voice of God – A Sermon by Rev Albert Kang

Do you know the voice of God? Why did Jesus say that His sheep would know His voice? How to know that the voice is really from God? What are the three aspects of God’s voice? Is the Bible the voice of God? How does the Holy Spirit speak to you?

Some Questions About Jacob Wrestling With God

As in most of my blog posts, I write to answer questions posted by Church members or friends. Recently, a sister raised some intriguing questions about the story of Jacob wrestling with God in Genesis 32:22-32. She wanted to know why the Bible addresses God first as a man, and then as an angel. She also wanted to know why God had to leave at daybreak.

Let’s explore the reasons behind the different descriptions of God and why He had to leave at daybreak:

God as a Man: In the story, it says that Jacob wrestled with “a man” at first. But as the story goes on, it becomes clear that the person Jacob was wrestling with was actually God Himself. This means that God took on a human form so that Jacob could interact with Him. This appearance of God as a man is called a theophany. It’s a way for God to show Himself to humans in a way they can understand, even though God is beyond human comprehension. By taking on a human form, God made it possible for Jacob to have an encounter with Him, even though humans have limitations in understanding and perceiving the divine presence.

Throughout the Bible, there are various instances where God appears in human form or is described using human characteristics. As mentioned earlier, these manifestations serve as a means for God to interact with humanity in a way that accommodates our limited understanding.

The Appearance to Abraham: In the story, Abraham had three visitors come to him. He spoke to one of them and called him “my Lord.” This encounter is special because it is believed that Abraham experienced God’s theophany, which means God revealing Himself in a human form. In this case, one of the visitors represents God Himself. Abraham even had a conversation with this visitor about the punishment that was going to happen to Sodom and Gomorrah. So, this encounter shows that God appeared to Abraham in a way that he could understand and talk to Him directly.

The Appearance to Moses and the Elders: In Exodus 24:9-11, Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel had a vision of God. During this vision, they saw something amazing. They described a paved work of sapphire stone beneath God’s feet. This means that they saw a beautiful, shiny surface that looked like it was made of blue sapphire gemstones. It must have been a breathtaking sight.

Additionally, they described God’s appearance as resembling a clear, blue sky. This means that the way God looked was like a perfect, cloudless sky. It gives an image of vastness, purity, and brilliance.

This vision allowed Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the seventy elders to have a glimpse of God’s majestic presence and glory. It was a remarkable and awe-inspiring experience that helped them understand and connect with God in a deeper way.

It’s essential to note that these appearances or manifestations of God in human-like form were specific instances in which God accommodated human limitations to interact with His creation. They served as significant encounters that conveyed divine messages, instructions, or blessings to individuals or the nation of Israel.

God as an Angel: After the wrestling match, Jacob realizes that he has actually wrestled with God Himself. He understands that the encounter was a special moment when he came face to face with the divine. To mark this significant event, Jacob names the place Peniel. He says, “I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been saved.”

In the Bible, the term “angel” can sometimes refer to a messenger from God or someone who represents God. But in this story, the word “angel” is used to highlight that the being Jacob wrestled with was not just an ordinary angel, but actually God in a special form or manifestation. It emphasizes the divine nature of the one he encountered.

So, Jacob’s recognition that he wrestled with God and his use of the term “angel” in this context underline the extraordinary nature of the encounter and the divine presence he experienced.

The Angel of the Lord: In several Old Testament passages, you will read about an individual referred to as the “Angel of the Lord” appears, often interacting with humans. This figure is sometimes distinct from God and yet also identified as God Himself. We can safely say that this individual may be the Second Person of the Holy Godhead – and that it is a Christophany. That is to say that Christ appears and interacts with the different individuals in the Old Testament before He is born as a child in the New Testament. In the story of Moses and the burning bush, the Angel of the Lord appears as a burning bush and speaks for God. That is the burning bush speaks in human language. This way, Moses can experience God’s presence in a way that makes sense to him as a human. The Bible also tells us that the Angel of the Lord appeared to Hagar in a different story and to Joshua in yet another story.

When God appears in human form, it shows that He wants to connect with us in a way we can understand. He knows that we have limits in understanding Him, so He makes Himself tangible and approachable. This shows that God wants a relationship with us and is willing to bridge the gap between His divine nature and our human nature. Through these experiences, we can come to know God better and have a deeper connection with Him.

The Incarnation of Jesus Christ: The most profound example of God taking on human form is the person of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the Son of God who became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). Jesus’ life, teachings, and ministry exemplify God’s desire to intimately connect with humanity, experiencing our joys, sorrows, and struggles firsthand.

Departure at Daybreak: The passage states that as daybreak approached, the divine being urged Jacob to let him go, but Jacob requested a blessing before doing so. The reason for the departure at daybreak is not explicitly stated in the text. However, we can consider a few possible reasons based on the context and symbolism present in the narrative:

Symbolic Transition: Daybreak often symbolizes a new beginning or a transition from darkness to light. The departure of the Angel at daybreak may represent the completion of the encounter and a new phase in Jacob’s life. It signifies that the wrestling match had served its purpose in bringing about a transformation in Jacob.

Jacob’s Persistence: During the wrestling match, Jacob showed that he was determined and didn’t give up easily. As the sun was about to rise, the Angel asked Jacob to let him go, but Jacob insisted on receiving a blessing before he would release him. Jacob’s determination might have influenced the Angel’s decision to leave at that moment.

Human Limitations: It’s important to remember that humans have limitations when it comes to encountering God. In the story, the Angel had to leave when daybreak came because Jacob’s human body couldn’t handle the divine presence for an extended period. Jacob’s physical strength and endurance had their limits, so the wrestling match had to come to an end.

Personal And Private Encounter: By asking Jacob to release him before daybreak, the Angel ensured that their encounter remained private and intimate. It suggests that the events that took place during the wrestling match were meant to be a personal and profound experience specifically for Jacob. The Angel wanted to keep it between themselves without any other spectators or witnesses. This notion highlights the significance and sacredness of the encounter. It emphasizes that this was a moment between Jacob and the divine, a transformative experience that was meant for Jacob alone. By keeping it private, the Angel ensured that the depth and impact of the encounter were preserved and not diluted by the presence of others.

Divine Plan: God’s plans and timing are sometimes beyond what we can understand. The Angel leaving at daybreak might have been a part of God’s special plan for Jacob, leading him to a particular path or purpose. It could have been intentional to make sure that Jacob had the life-changing experience he needed while fitting into God’s bigger plan for his life.

It’s good to remember that stories in the Bible often use symbols and imagery to teach important spiritual lessons. The story of Jacob wrestling with God may have some puzzling parts, but it shows that meeting and struggling with God can bring about big changes and blessings in a person’s life. It teaches us that encountering God can be a powerful experience that leads to positive transformations and new beginnings.