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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 3
The people applauded the act of Herod in causing the death of
James, though some of them complained of the private manner in
which it was accomplished, maintaining that a public execution would
have had the effect to more thoroughly intimidate all believers and
sympathizers. Herod therefore held Peter in custody for the purpose
of gratifying the Jews by the public spectacle of his death. But it was
suggested to the ruler that it would not be safe to bring the veteran
apostle out for execution before all the people who were assembled in
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Jerusalem for the passover. It was feared that his venerable appearance
might excite their pity and respect; they also dreaded lest he should
make one of those powerful appeals which had frequently roused the
people to investigate the life and character of Jesus Christ, and which
they, with all their artifice, were totally unable to controvert. In such a
case, the Jews apprehended that his release would be demanded at the
hands of the king.
Peter’s ardent zeal in vindicating himself, and in advocating the
cause of Christ, had lost to the Jews many of their brethren, and they
stood in great dread of his having an opportunity to lift up his voice
in the presence of all the nations and people that had come to the city
to worship. Therefore the apostle was placed under charge of sixteen
soldiers, who alternated in guarding him day and night. But it was in
vain that the puny arm of man was lifted against the Lord. He, by the
ting forth of his might, was about to stay the precious blood which
the Jews would have been emboldened to shed, had not divine power
interposed.
While the execution of Peter was being delayed, upon various
pretexts, until after the passover, the church of Christ had time for
deep searching of heart, and earnest prayer. Strong petitions, tears, and
fasting were mingled together. They prayed without ceasing for Peter;
they felt that he could not be spared from the Christian work; and they
felt that they had arrived at a point, where, without the special help of
God, the church of Christ would become extinct.
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Meanwhile worshipers of every nation sought the temple which
had been dedicated to the service of God, and which remained, to
all appearance, the same as when the shekinah had glorified it, with
the exception of additional embellishment. But God was no longer
to be found in that palace of loveliness, glittering with gold and pre-