Acts 12
-Herod the king (Herod Agrippa I) began to lay violent persecuting
hands on the believers in Christ including some of the apostles. James, the
brother of John, was killed in this persecution and when Herod saw that it
pleased the Jews, he had Peter imprisoned during the feast of Unleavened Bread
intending to bring him before the people after the Passover. What must have
been the feelings in Peter at this time? He had to have anticipated the same
fate as his Savior and fellow brother in Christ, James. These must have been
intense days of suffering and other world expectation.
-However, the Bible tell us that the brethren were praying
fervently for him and the Lord delivered him miraculously with His angel. The
reunion was precious and almost unbelievable for those who were gathered in the
house of John Mark’s mother, but Peter had been rescued. God was not finished
with His faithful servant-leader yet and delivered him out of certain death.
*Application* Our God has His timing for all things and will protect when He
has a purpose and a plan for you. Walk in faith, God is sovereign. He will deliver
you from the most strenuous circumstances and conditions when you are accomplishing
His will.
-The narrative jumps to Herod Agrippa’s arrogance amidst
receiving praise. He accepted man’s applause and the honor of being called a
god to the anger and wrath of God Almighty. He was struck down because he did
not give God the glory and worms ate his carcass. *Application* Make sure the
proper credit is received by our Lord for all your success, right? There very well
could be dire consequences for your conceit.
-The word continued to grow and be multiplied. Barnabus and
Saul returned to Antioch from Jerusalem after they completed their mission.
*Application* Multiplication of God’s Word in His church is a fundamental
principle we need to grasp. Have a growth mentality in your personal life as
well as the life of your ministry and church. Spread the message of Jesus
Christ and His Kingdom wherever you go. It will increase; His Word never
returns void (Isaiah 55:11).
Verses to Memorize:
Acts 12:5
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