The Apostles were able to raise the dead and heal the sick and even bodily transport instantly to other cities. Did you ever wonder how they could be martyred with that kind of power at their fingertips? Why would they not escape their enemy?

I asked Father this question. His answer was “Because they chose to. They knew their death willingly at the hand of their enemy was the only thing that would speak individually of Love to their enemy’s heart.

I can’t prove this to you, and in my research, I only found one item that might substantiate it.   In Rome, there is a church called the “Church of Quo Vadis.”   Quo Vadis means “Where are you going?”  And it comes from a meeting Peter had with Jesus as he was going away from Rome and escaping martyrdom.  Peter sees Jesus going toward Rome and asks “where are you going?”  Jesus answers, “to Rome to be crucified for the second time.”  Peter realizes that Jesus is referring to Peter’s destiny and he turns around. His companions pleaded with him not to go back and die. But he smiled and went. Some believe he purposed in his heart to die at that time, during that situation because it spoke the loudest to the most people.

John was the only one who chose a different path completely. His enemy couldn’t kill him no matter how they tried, so they sent him to the Isle of Patmos in exile. Some believe he never died. And some believe he was not actually restrained by the remote island at all.

The Apostles knew the power that lived within them and I believe the incredible tales were concealed and watered down in an effort to keep the power of God from being known. I also believe you and I carry that same power. It lives inside us, and the only thing keeping it from that same level of display is our maturity in Him.

However, this is where our future lies. This is where we are going. This time we won’t choose martyrdom. That was already done. We will choose to bring Heaven to Earth and His spirit will be poured out on all mankind. Every tear will be dried and we won’t need the sun to light our day. Our Savior will rule and reign and all mankind will be united in Love.

You may see what I see or you may see something altogether different.  This isn’t a topic for contention or disagreement but rather for contemplation.  Eventually, you will make a decision.  It will become your Faith.  This is what I have come to believe.