1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth [his] hands to vex certain of the church.
2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
4 And when he had apprehended him, he put [him] in prison, and delivered [him] to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.
7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon [him], and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from [his] hands.
8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.
11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and [from] all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
12 And when he had considered [the thing], he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.
13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.
14 And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.
16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened [the door], and saw him, they were astonished.
17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.
18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that [they] should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and [there] abode.
20 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s [country].
21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.
22 And the people gave a shout, [saying, It is] the voice of a god, and not of a man.
23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.
25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled [their] ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
Overview of Acts Chapter 12
Acts Chapter 12 presents a significant narrative that highlights the early church’s struggles, the power of prayer, and divine intervention. The chapter focuses on the persecution of the apostles, particularly Peter, and showcases the miraculous rescue from prison, emphasizing themes of faith, divine sovereignty, and the consequences of opposing God.
Key Events in Acts 12
- Persecution of the Church
- King Herod Agrippa I begins to persecute the church.
- James, the brother of John, is executed by sword.
- Herod arrests Peter during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, intending to bring him to trial after the Passover.
- Peter’s Imprisonment
- Peter is placed in prison, guarded by four squads of soldiers.
- The church fervently prays for Peter’s release.
- Miraculous Escape
- An angel of the Lord appears in the prison, causing a light to shine.
- The angel wakes Peter and instructs him to follow.
- Peter’s chains fall off, and he walks out of the prison, passing by the guards.
- Peter realizes that this is not a vision but a real event.
- Return to the Believers
- Peter goes to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many are gathered in prayer.
- Rhoda, a servant girl, recognizes Peter’s voice but is initially too astonished to open the door.
- When they finally let him in, the believers are amazed at his escape.
- Herod’s Demise
- Herod, after failing to find Peter, becomes angry and punishes the guards.
- Later, during a public address, Herod is praised as a god and does not give glory to God.
- As a result, an angel of the Lord strikes him down, and he dies, eaten by worms.
- Growth of the Church
- Despite persecution, the word of God continues to spread and flourish.
Theological Themes
- Divine Sovereignty
The chapter illustrates God’s control over human affairs, especially in the face of persecution. The miraculous escape of Peter serves as a testament to God’s power and willingness to intervene on behalf of His people.
- The Power of Prayer
The fervent prayers of the church for Peter’s safety highlight the importance and effectiveness of communal prayer in times of crisis.
- Judgment Against Pride
Herod’s downfall serves as a warning against pride and the refusal to acknowledge God’s authority, illustrating the consequences of opposing God’s will.
- Perseverance of the Church
Despite persecution and challenges, the church continues to grow, demonstrating resilience and faith in the face of adversity.
Character Analysis
- Peter
Peter’s character reflects faith and obedience, as he follows the angel’s instructions without hesitation, showcasing his trust in God even in dire circumstances.
- Herod Agrippa I
Herod is portrayed as a tyrant whose pride leads to his downfall. His actions serve as a stark contrast to the faithfulness of the early believers.
- The Early Church
The believers exemplify unity and commitment to prayer, demonstrating their reliance on God during times of trouble.
Conclusion
Acts Chapter 12 is a powerful narrative that encapsulates the early church’s trials and triumphs. It emphasizes the importance of prayer, the reality of divine intervention, and the consequences of pride and opposition to God. The chapter serves as an encouragement for believers to remain steadfast in faith, trusting in God’s sovereignty amidst challenges.
