Acts 12

Acts 12 details the persecution of the early church by Herod Agrippa I, including the arrest of Peter and his miraculous escape from prison, as well as the death of Herod. This chapter highlights the theme of divine intervention and the unstoppable nature of God's mission, despite human opposition.

Acts 12:1-5 (NKJV)
Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover.

Herod Agrippa, aiming to gain favor with the Jewish populace, escalates his persecution of the Christian community by executing James and arresting Peter. The timing during the Days of Unleavened Bread is significant, as it suggests a period when Jerusalem was crowded, enhancing the impact of his actions. Herod plans to make a public spectacle of Peter after Passover, demonstrating his political maneuvering.

Acts 12:6 (NKJV)
And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison.

On the eve of his intended trial, Peter is found sleeping peacefully, chained and guarded in what seems an escape-proof situation. This setup underscores his calm trust in God amidst dire circumstances, highlighting the stark contrast between human plans and divine oversight.

Acts 12:7-10 (NKJV)
Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, "Arise quickly!" And his chains fell off his hands. Then the angel said to him, "Gird yourself and tie on your sandals"; and so he did. And he said to him, "Put on your garment and follow me." So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.

Peter's miraculous escape, facilitated by an angel, illustrates a dramatic divine intervention. The falling chains, the unguarded path, and the self-opening gate all symbolize the power of God to liberate and protect His people. Peter's initial disbelief, thinking he was seeing a vision, reflects the extraordinary nature of his deliverance.

Acts 12:11 (NKJV)
And when Peter had come to himself, he said, "Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people."

Once free, Peter realizes the reality of his situation and recognizes the divine hand in his escape. His acknowledgment of being saved from both Herod's clutches and the Jewish people's expectations underscores the divine overruling of human intentions.

Acts 12:12-17 (NKJV)
So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer. When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. But they said to her, "You are beside yourself!" Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, "It is his angel." Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. But motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, "Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren." And he departed and went to another place.

Arriving at Mary's house, where believers were praying for him, Peter's appearance causes disbelief and astonishment, reflecting the early Christians' struggle to accept miraculous answers to prayer. Peter’s directive to inform James and others, followed by his departure to a safe location, shows a measured response to his freedom, balancing joy with caution.

Acts 12:18-19 (NKJV)
Then, as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter. But Herod had him searched for and did not find him; he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there.

The confusion and subsequent execution of the guards demonstrate the severity of Roman military discipline and Herod’s frustration. His move from Judea to Caesarea may indicate a strategic retreat, managing the political repercussions of the escape.

Acts 12:20-23 (NKJV)
Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus, the king's chamberlain, their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food by the king's country. And on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. And the people kept shouting, "The voice of a god and not of a man!" Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died.

Herod's violent death follows his acceptance of divine accolades, serving as a divine judgment for his arrogance and persecution of Christians. This event starkly contrasts with the deliverance of Peter, illustrating the ultimate sovereignty of God over human rulers.

Acts 12:24-25 (NKJV)
But the word of God grew and multiplied. And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark.

Despite the intense persecution faced by the church, the gospel continued to flourish and spread, demonstrating the power and resilience of God's word. Barnabas and Saul, having completed their service in Jerusalem, return with John Mark, setting the stage for further missionary activities that would expand the reach of Christianity even more broadly.