Acts 12: Some Final Thoughts on James' Death

Before I close this out, I would recommend reading the first three posts on James’ death: one, two, and three.

The thing to remember about the book of Acts is where Luke places Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus is enthroned in heaven and the Holy Spirit is in the earth—that is , omnipotent and omnipresent. James is executed with Christ on the throne.

We also know that Jesus charged his disciples with fruitfulness.\:

All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Let’s personalize this to James:

All authority has been given to me. So, go James, and make more disciples. Baptize them. Teach them to observe all I have commanded you. I am always with you, James.

What about this command to go, be fruitful and multiply? If Jesus gives the command to James, gives him a mission, and a specific purpose, doesn’t Jesus also get to say when the mission is accomplished, when James’ specific purpose has been satisfied, such that James is accorded the honor of having obeyed.

Jesus either has the authority to determine that someone’s mission is done or he doesn’t have all authority. Jesus either has all authority or he only has some authority. As hard as the death of James is, it is a hard lesson for all of us, we have to wrestle this sovereignty of Christ Jesus out for our selves—he either has all authority over our lives or some. Over James’ life, Jesus had all. What about each one of us?