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
(Acts 12:1-4). 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
(Acts 12:5-17). *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 explains the large disturbance among the
soldiers when they could not locate Peter, their prisoner. Herod Agrippa I made
a search for him, but could not find this disciple anywhere. Upon examining the
guards, he ordered their execution, and then departed for the west coast city
of Caesarea Maritima. Now the text 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 (Acts 12:18-23). *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
(Acts 12:24-25). *Application* Multiplication of God’s Word in His church is a
fundamental principle we need to grasp. We should have a growth mentality in our
personal lives as well as the lives of our ministry and church. Spread the
message of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom wherever we go. It will increase; His
Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11).
Verse to Memorize:
Acts 12:5
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