the Bible – the book
II. THE NEW TESTAMENT DOCUMENTS
G. The Outcome of the Authors lives
In this section, we will examine the outcome of the lives of those who proclaimed the gospel message to see if that might indicate their motives were other than what was discussed in the last topic. In judging the trustworthiness of the written account we now possess, one must determine if the writers stood to receive any significant personal gain in this life as a result of their teaching and preaching.
In other words, did they position themselves to move into a place of power and prestige? Did they end up with great wealth and personal possessions because of their ministry? Was there anything to indicates that they were operating with anything other than a love for God and their fellow man?
STEPHEN THE FIRST KNOWN CHRISTIAN MARTYR: Acts 6&7
The story of Stephen is found in the sixth and seventh chapters of the book of Acts. Stephen was hated because his presentation of the facts surrounding Jesus life could not be refuted. He was brought before the Jewish leaders who ordered him stoned to death based on the false testimony of others. Stephen’s last dying words were a prayer that God would forgive those who were killing him. The reader is encouraged to read the entire story and consider the example of Stephen. Clearly Stephen stood to gain nothing for his proclamation of the truth and was motivated to give his life out of a love for God and for others.
“And when they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him, and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. {59} And they went on stoning Stephen as he called upon the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” {60} And falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” And having said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:58-60)
JAMES THE SECOND KNOWN CHRISTIAN MARTYR: Acts 12:1-19
James the brother of the Apostle John was murdered by Herod for his own personal political gain. Herod knew the Jews hated the new Christian sect and wanted to appease them by killing James and having the Apostle Peter arrested with the same intent. In the case of Peter God miraculously delivered him from the grips of death so that Peter might continue to preach the gospel. Knowing the danger involved Peter did not shrink back from continuing to proclaim the truth about Jesus. Here is what happened to James.
“Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church, in order to mistreat them. {2} And he had James the brother of John put to death with a sword. {3} And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. Now it was during the days of Unleavened Bread.” (Acts 12:1-3)
THE APOSTLE PAUL
It is interesting to note that Paul who so vigorously persecuted the early church was himself after his conversion the object of repeated and persistent persecution and hardship. Consider just one example from scripture where Paul details some of the persecution and hardship he endured. Paul in comparing himself to others said:
“Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as if insane) I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. {24} Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. {25} Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. {26} I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; {27} I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.” (2 Corinthians 11:23-27)
Only after reading the book of Acts can one fully appreciate all that the Apostle Paul, and the other Apostles, endured in faithfully carrying out their responsibility to proclaim the gospel. All are encouraged to do that and see firsthand all that took place in those early days of the church.
When we consider the lives of those who proclaimed the gospel we become aware that this message was delivered at great personal expense. There is no reasonable explanation for this fact other than the realization that these men were driven by the deepest personal conviction that what they proclaimed was true and vitally important, along with being motivated by the highest levels of love for God and their fellow man.
