Acts 12:2
What does Acts 12:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 12:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 12:2 means
Herod’s hostility quickly turns lethal. James, the brother of John and one of Jesus’ closest companions, is executed “with the sword,” indicating official, state-sanctioned death. The first apostolic martyrdom records that even the most honored servants are not spared suffering. God allows this, not because He is absent, but because His purposes include both faithful witness in death and deliverance in life, according to His wisdom. James’s execution also dispels any thought that Christianity advanced by avoiding danger; its leaders faced it first. The verse stands as sober truth: following Christ may cost one’s life, yet the Lord’s kingdom does not falter when His servants die.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he put James, the brother of John, to death with the sword.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and he killed James, the brother of John, with the sword,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And he killed James, the brother of John, With the sword.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and slew James, the brother of John, with the sword.
Context
After introducing Herod’s persecution, the narrative immediately records its cost: James is killed. This heightens tension and prepares the reader for Peter’s arrest in the next verses. The church has already seen growth and joy, but now experiences deep loss. The contrast between James’s death and Peter’s later rescue will not imply favoritism, but God’s differing designs. Recognizing this prepares readers not to expect a single pattern of deliverance. The account will soon show the church praying earnestly for Peter, setting the backdrop for God’s intervention in the face of impending execution.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 4:21
And going on from thence he saw two other brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
- Matthew 20:23
He saith unto them, My cup indeed ye shall drink: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left hand, is not mine to give; but it is for them for whom it hath been prepared of my Father.
- Mark 10:35
And there come near unto him James and John, the sons of Zebedee, saying unto him, Teacher, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall ask of thee.
- Mark 10:38
But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink the cup that I drink? or to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?
- 1 Kings 19:10
And he said, I have been very jealous for Jehovah, the God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword: and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
- 1 Kings 19:1
And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.
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