Herod Troubles the Church Acts 12:1-25

As we move into chapter 12 of Acts, particularly verse 1, we are introduced to Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great, who ruled at the birth of Jesus.  The family of Herod was ruthless, a family at enmity against God.  Persecution that had been mainly against the church stemmed from the religious rulers, the Sadducees in particular; however, now we discover that it moved to the realm of government.  Herod vexed the church in a brutal way to gain favor no doubt with certain influential groups.  The evidence of his cruel action against the church is seen in that James, the apostle, was killed (v. 2).  God, in His Sovereignty, will miraculously preserve the life of Peter, but James is slain (v. 3).

With the execution of James pleasing the Jews, Herod apprehended and incarcerated Peter on the feast of Unleavened Bread (Pentecost).  Herod made sure that Peter’s imprisonment was secure, for Peter was guarded by four squads of four soldiers each (v. 4).  While Peter was in prison, the church was earnestly in prayer! (v. 5).  Sleeping between two soldiers, Peter was confidently trusting in the Lord as he was sound asleep the night before his trial.  He did not fear for his life because Christ had uttered that Peter would live to an old age (v. 6; St. John 21:8).

In verses 7-10, Peter was aided in his escape by an angel.  This was the second time an angel helped Peter escape (Acts 5:17-20).  God was indeed bringing about the escape of His child, Peter!  In verse 11, Peter was assured that the Lord delivered him from Herod.  The church that met at John Mark’s mother’s home was astonished to hear of Peter’s release, although the church had prayed for his release (vv. 12-17).     Peter’s escape prompted the ruthless Herod to order the execution of the prison guards (vv. 18-19).  After executing all of the guards who guarded Peter, Herod goes to Caesarea.

In verses 20-23, we are introduced to the fact that the Lord judged Herod with death because he was willing to let people deify him after Herod delivered a speech.  In conclusion, in spite of opposition and persecution, the Lord continued to prosper the work of His church (Acts 2:47; 6:7; 9:31; 12:24; 16:5; 19:20; 28:30-31).  After taking the gift to the Jerusalem church, John Mark goes back to Antioch with Barnabas and Saul.

The gospel has gone into Judea and Samaria (chapters 8-12).  Beginning with chapter 13, we will see the movement of the gospel to the uttermost part of the earth (chapters 13-28).

May God Bless!