Happy Martyrs and Sacrifice Day!

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Happy Martyrs and Sacrifice Day!

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, December 29, 2025 (Donate)

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18, ESV)

Today is the fourth day of Christmas. The purpose of this holiday is to remember the Christians who have been exiled, murdered, and persecuted for their faith. In a sense it is like our modern “Memorial Day” and “Veteran’s Day” all wrapped up together, but for the “soldiers” of Christ.

As Christ marches forward in victory many have been killed along the way. We think back to the early days of the church and persecution that occurred then. Stephen, was martyred in the book of Acts (e.g., Acts 7:59).

Many Christians, like Paul and Peter, were beaten, stoned, imprisoned and/or killed for their faith. The apostles of Christ were largely put to death in horrible ways. Then there were the purges of Emperor Nero and persecution by Emperor Domitian.

Paul and Silas imprisoned in Acts 16:19-24; Image requested by Bodie Hodge (ChatGPT)

Until the Edict of Toleration (AD 311) and Edict of Milan (AD 313), Christians severely suffered. But it didn’t stop it. For 1000 years, Christians have been attacked and put to death for their faith. Consider the famous book that documents massive numbers of martyrs through the centuries: Foxes Book of Martyrs.

During the Reformation, many Christians were killed, one needs to simply consider the history of the Huguenots (French Protestants). And even today, Christians are slaughtered in Nigeria and arrested and silenced in the United Kingdom for their faith. In the USA, Christians are dragged into court for following their religion (e.g., Jack, the baker, Phillips). Even I’ve been persecuted in various ways.

This is time a to pray for the leaders of the local church, whether pastoral, elders, deacons, or even for those in parachurch ministries, missions organizations, and evangelists. You may never know the extent of persecution they receive behind the scenes.

In the past, many used to give gifts as a tradition to the pastoral leaders on Martyrs and Sacrifice Day as way of encouraging them to stand firm and be bold for Christ in the midst of all the trials and tribulation that they face. But also do not forget to pray for those who do the persecuting—pray that they repent and received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (Matthew 5:44, ESV)

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Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist since 1998 helping out in various churches and running an apologetics website. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children. 

 

Happy Ember Day!

Please prayerfully consider end-of-year giving to Biblical Authority Ministries as way helping me preach the gospel and defend the authority of the Bible in today’s secularized culture. Please take some to time to donate here:

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A sinner saved by grace, Bodie Hodge

 

Happy Ember Day!

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, December 28, 2025 (Donate)

Today, the third day of Christmas is Ember Day, also called Holy Innocents Day. Unlike many holidays in this Christmas season, this one is more somber.

This holiday is in remembrance of the baby boys massacred by King Herod and his soldiers in Bethlehem as well as the surrounding region. In Herod’s rage to protect his throne, he murdered hosts of ch1ldren right in front of their families. Other family members may have even died trying to protect their ch1ldren and siblings.

Herod's orders being carried out in Bethlehem; Image requested by Bodie Hodge (ChatGPT)

In all this, Herod was trying to protect his royal line, which was only his by the grace of Rome. Contrary to Herod’s hopes, God, in His infinite power did not permit any of Herod’s sons to become king. Instead, Rome broke his kingdom apart (into four divisions) and three of his sons had power over these places—but no royal kingship was granted. One area and city (Decapolis) was under direct Roman authority.

On Ember Day, we not only remember these innocents, but are to be in prayer for orphans and ch1ldren who struggle in today’s culture.

Sadly, like Herod, there is still a terrible massacre going on that target’s ch1ldren. It is abort1on where millions of pre-born ch1ldren are killed globally. This dwarfs the small event that Herod did but both are done in the name of evil. Furthermore, in today’s culture many ch1ldren are given hormone blockers and mut1lated in the name of “trans”, which is wreaking havoc on the youth in many Western Nations.

Again, Holy Innocents Day is a time to remember and pray—pray that our society will return to its godly roots and these horrible atrocities done in the name of evil will come to an end.

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Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist since 1998 helping out in various churches and running an apologetics website. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children. 

 

Happy Apostles Day!

Please prayerfully consider end-of-year giving to Biblical Authority Ministries as way helping me preach the gospel and defend the authority of the Bible in today’s secularized culture. Please take some to time to donate here:

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A sinner saved by grace, Bodie Hodge

Happy Apostles Day!

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, December 27, 2025 (Donate)

Today is Apostles Day (also called St. John’s Day). It is the second day of Christmas or December 27^th. Today, we remember the Apostles of Christ and their work to spread the Gospel and the Holy Spirit’s use of them as the responsible authoritative party to write and approve the New Testament Scriptures.

Peter and John peering into an empty grave of Christ at a discontinued exhibit at the Creation Museum; Photo by Bodie Hodge

The value of the apostles should not be overlooked and their contribution is foundational next to the chief cornerstone—Jesus Christ. Consider this importance in Revelation:

Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. (Revelation 21:14, NKJV)

The initial twelve Apostles were the initial disciples, minus the betrayer—Judas Iscariot. And then Matthias who replaced him (Acts 1:26). There were other Apostles elevated and listed in Scripture, all with equal authority. The most famous of these were Paul (also called Saul). But there was also Barnabas and the Lord’s brother (James).

Of course, Jesus Christ is The Apostle of God who was crucified in Jerusalem. Unlike all others, He resurrected and we await the general resurrection and judgment of the living and the dead (1 Peter 4:5). The Apostles of Jesus are listed below (and an infographic below).

Table 1: Apostles of Jesus: References and Death Traditions

Apostle	Bible Reference Identifying as Apostle	Death (Biblical or Early Church Tradition)	Primary Historical Source(s)
Peter	Matthew 10:2; Acts 1:13	Crucified upside down in Rome under Nero (tradition).	Origen; Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History
Andrew	Matthew 10:2	Crucified on an X-shaped cross in Patras, Greece.	Acts of Andrew; early church tradition
James (son of Zebedee)	Matthew 10:2; Acts 1:13	Beheaded by order of Herod Agrippa I.	Acts 12:2
John	Matthew 10:2; Acts 1:13	Died of old age in Ephesus after exile on Patmos.	Irenaeus; Eusebius
Philip	Matthew 10:3	Martyred by crucifixion or hanging in Hierapolis.	Polycrates of Ephesus
Bartholomew (Nathanael)	Matthew 10:3; John 1:45–49	Flayed alive and beheaded according to tradition.	Eusebius; Armenian tradition
Matthew (Levi)	Matthew 10:3; Matthew 9:9	Killed by sword or spear while ministering.	Early church traditions
Thomas	Matthew 10:3; John 20:24	Speared to death in India.	Acts of Thomas
James (son of Alphaeus)	Matthew 10:3	Stoned or beaten to death.	Hegesippus; Eusebius
Thaddaeus (Jude/Lebbaeus)	Matthew 10:3; Jude 1	Killed with clubs or arrows in Persia.	Early Syriac tradition
Simon the Zealot	Matthew 10:4	Martyred, possibly sawn in two or crucified.	Later church tradition
Matthias	Acts 1:26	Stoned and then beheaded according to tradition.	Nicephorus; early church writers
Paul	Acts 14:14; Galatians 1:1	Beheaded in Rome under Nero.	Clement of Rome; Eusebius
Barnabas	Acts 14:14	Stoned to death in Cyprus.	Acts of Barnabas
James (the Lord’s brother)	Galatians 1:19	Thrown from the Temple and beaten to death.	Josephus; Hegesippus

 

John, being the disciple that Jesus loved enough to take care of His mother upon His death on the Cross (John 19:26-27) is often especially honored on this day. He, unlike the others, died a natural death. Though, he was persecuted and put into tribulation for his faith like the others. His persecution was just not to the point of death.

I hope this second day of Christmas is a blessed one.

Infographic requested by Bodie Hodge (ChatGPT)

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Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist since 1998 helping out in various churches and running an apologetics website. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children. 

 

Happy Boxing Day!

Please prayerfully consider end-of-year giving to Biblical Authority Ministries as way helping me preach the gospel and defend the authority of the Bible in today’s secularized culture. Please take some to time to donate here:

Biblical Authority Ministries: Contact, Speaking, and Donations

A sinner saved by grace, Bodie Hodge

Happy Boxing Day!

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, December 26, 2025 (Donate)

Today is the first of the Twelve Days of Christmas (AKA Twelfthtide). Boxing Day kicks off the twelve consecutive holidays that follow Christmas Day.

The last six days of the year and the first six days of the new year are the Twelve Days of Christmas. The final day is Epiphany or Feast of Epiphany on January 6^th. It was an ancient holiday honoring the visit of the wise men and this day concludes the Twelfthtide. Two of these twelve days are still popular holidays called New Years Eve and New Years Day.

Boxing Day

Boxing Day, also called St. Stephens Day, is still a popular holiday in places like England, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. But nations in Africa (e.g., Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, etc.) also have it. Many Caribbean Islands nations (Jamacia, Bahamas, Bermuda, etc.) celebrate it as well.

Image requested by Bodie Hodge (ChatGPT)

Ireland and Estonia also celebrate it but use the specific name St. Stephens Day, which is another common title for Boxing Day. Some simply call it The Day of Goodwill. This is because Boxing Day is about boxing up things for goodwill in honor of St. Stephen (in the Bible) who was the first martyr in the New Testament who literally gave his life in testimony of Jesus Christ.

So donating things as part of our goodwill to the less fortunate is a reflection of that sacrifice. Of course, Christ sacrificed Himself to pay and eternal and infinite debt for our sin that we could not pay before a perfect, infinite and holy God. This part of the Christmas season is like a form of almsgiving. So, the holiday focuses on charity and generosity (in hosts of ways) and giving to workers and the poor.

I hope you have a blessed Boxing Day.

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Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist since 1998 helping out in various churches and running an apologetics website. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.