As a result of the persecution by Herod, the Christian church was scattered abroad. When the number of believers in Antioch increased, Barnabas was sent to preach there. As the church increased, Barnabas went to find Saul in Tarsus, to join him there. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

During this time King Herod began to persecute the Christians in Judea. He first killed the apostle James and when he saw that this pleased the Jews, he also arrested Peter. He had planned to kill Peter after Easter, but upon the fervent prayer of the Church, the Lord delivered Peter in a miraculous way. How often do we pray with- out ceasing, by faith, believing that with God all things are possible.