This has been a very interesting and edifying thread, I just want to add another thought here. Even though we all hope to be one body and one spiritual nation in our Lord He does deal with each and every one of us on a One on one basis. It is all His call, like Jesus said to Peter in regard to the apostle John I believe it is not for us to compare trials and tribulations with each other or to put the apostles on a pedestal because of how the Lord used them. I do not recall anything written on how any of them were brought kicking and screaming to their deaths, they had been spiritually strengthened and prepared for the day of their deaths and all appeared to see it as an honor and not a burden.
John 21
18Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
19This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
20Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?
21Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
22Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
23Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?
24This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.
25And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.
His Peace and Wisdom to you,
Joe