Acts 12

Steadfast In Spite of Persecution

Acts 12

I. The Execution of James

A. The Executioner – King Herod Agrippa I, (1a)

12     Now about that time (referring here to the cumulative events he has described from Acts 2:42–12:24 as Herod died about 2 years prior to the famine) Herod (Herod Agrippa I, who reigned from a.d. 37 to a.d. 44 and was the grandson of Herod the Great) the king.

B. The Motivation – “to harass the church”, (1b)

(to strengthen his relationship with the orthodox Jews, Herod) stretched out his hand to harass (to harm or do evil to, to ill–treat, plague, injure) some (plural) from the church (of Christ.  James is the only one mentioned out of the “some”).

C. The Victim – the Apostle “James the brother of John”, (2)

 2 Then (during this time) he (apprehended and) killed (the first of the 12 disciples) James the brother of John with the sword. (probably by beheading)

II.The Attempted Execution of Peter

A. The Kings Attempt, (3, 4)

  1. The Executioner – King Herod Agrippa I, (3)

3 And because he (Herod)

2. The Motivation – to please “the Jews”, (3)

saw that it (the arrest and martyrdom of James) pleased the Jews (who were steeped in Judaism),

3 The Victim – “Peter”, (3)

 he proceeded further to seize (the Apostle) Peter also.  Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread (the weekly feast following Passover when Jerusalem would be filled with pilgrims).

4. The Process – he’s arrested, imprisoned and guarded (4)

 4 So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison (then not being the time to deal with Peter—quite possibly the Fortress of Antonia), and delivered him to four squads of soldiers (16 soldiers altogether) to keep him (guard him with their life—the equivalent to that of a modern maximum-security prisoner),5. The Intention – to execute him “after Passover”, (4)

intending to bring him before the people (the residents of Jerusalem—for their pleasure) after Passover (when the pilgrims are leaving).

B. The Angels Intervention, (5-11)

  1. The Place of Intervention – “in prison”, (5)

5 Peter was therefore kept in prison (awaiting Herod’s and the Judaizers pleasure),

2. The Prompting for Intervention, (5)

 but (the church fought back with a spiritual battle against the demonic powers in) constant prayer (24/7) was offered to God for him by the church (they were praying without ceasing confronted the principalities and powers with the presence, power and will of God).

The great tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer. —F. B. Meyer[1]

I fear John Knox’s prayers more than an army of ten thousand men. I had rather stand against the cannons of the wicked than against the prayers of the righteous. —Mary, Queen of Scotland[2] 

There is a price to pay for that notoriety.  The prayers of a righteous person not only avails much, but is attacked much as well.

3. The Obstacles of Intervention – chains and 16 guards, (6)

 6 And when Herod was about to bring him (Peter) out (the morning following the Passover), that night Peter (in spite of the danger, guards, prison and conditions) was sleeping, bound with two chains (one on each wrist) between two soldiers (to whom Peter was probably chained to); and the guards (standing) before the door were keeping (keeping an eye on, watching over) the prison.

David’s confidence was in the Lord as well when he was in hiding from his son Absalom, Psalm 3:5 – I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me.

The Roman custom was to bind the prisoner to the soldier who had charge of him by means of a chain, which joined the prisoner’s right wrist to the left wrist of the soldier. For greater security the prisoner was sometimes chained to two soldiers, one on each side of him. This was the case with Peter, and with Paul in Acts 21:33.[3] [Acts 21:33 – Then the commander came near and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and he asked who he was and what he had done.]

4. The Means of Intervention, “an angel of the Lord”, (7)

 7 Now behold (all of the sudden, without warning), an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and (because Peter was sleeping so soundly)

5. The Process of Intervention, (7-9)

he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” (Don’t hesitate or resist) And his chains fell off his hands (as he obeyed). 8 Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself (tuck in your robe) and tie on your sandals” (we don’t want you tripping on your laces); and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment (your cloak) and follow me.” 9 So he went out and (obediently) followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real (actually taking place), but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate (a very large and heavy gate in the open court) that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately (just as suddenly and unexpectedly as he appeared) the angel departed from him (obviously having accomplished his mission).

  • An angel enters the cell
  • The glory of God fills the cell
  • Commands are being made in the cell
  • Chains are rattling to the floor in the cell
  • Peter dresses in the cell
  • The cell door is opened
  • Other chamber doors are opened and closed
  • The huge main gate door is opened and closed
  • The angel and Peter walk unconcealed out
  • And no one sees or hears a thing!

APPLICATION:

  • God overturns with ease the best laid plans of man.
  • God guides His children even when they are clueless as to what to do or what is going on.
  • God is not bound by even the laws of nature.
  • God delivers some, but not all.  James was martyred.

Roman law dictated that if any guard allowed a prisoner to escape, he would have to take the place of the prisoner, even if the prisoner was going to be executed.

6. The Realization of Intervention, (11)

11 And when Peter had come to himself (when he realized it was not all a dream but real), he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand (power and authority) of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people (as the orthodox Jewish population expected Peter to be executed).”

Hebrews 1:14 – Are they (angels) not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?

  • Psalm 91
  • John 21:21, 22
  • C. The Churches Reception, (12-17)
  • 1. The Place of Reception – “the house of Mary”, (12)

12 So, when he had considered this (God’s deliverance and that he was still a wanted man), he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark (who would later go on his first missionary journey with his cousin Barnabas and Paul),

2. The Activity at the Reception – “praying”, (12)

 where (not a few but) many were gathered together praying (praying on Peter’s behalf—when one part of the body suffers, the whole body suffers [1 Corinthians 12:26 – If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.])

It appears that Mary was a woman with some wealth as she was able to have so many in her home as most homes were very small.  Verse 13 tells us that she had servants as well.  Verse 12 also at least hints that Mary’s house was a welcome and popular place for believers and ministry.  Assumedly, Peter knew that her home would be the best place to get the news of his freedom out to the believing community. It is also apparent that Peter well acquainted with this family as he knew everyone’s name, even the servant girl, Rhoda.  Rhoda herself knew Peter well enough to recognize him by voice alone.

3. The Arrival at the Reception – “Peter knocked at the door”, (13)

And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate (at the inner courtyard),

4. The Reception at the Reception – “the house of Mary”, (13)

a (servant) girl named Rhoda came to answer.

a. One of “Gladness”, (14)

14 When she recognized Peter’s voice (as she couldn’t see Peter being cautious and not opening the gate), because of her gladness (surprise and tremendous joy) she (still) did not open the gate, but ran in (the house where everyone was praying) and announced that Peter (himself) stood before the gate.

b. One of Disbelief, (15)

15 But they said to her, “You are beside yourself!” (You’re out of your mind! You’re crazy!  You’ve slipped a couple of gears!) Yet she kept insisting (over and over again) that it was so (she wouldn’t back down). So they said (finally believing she saw or heard something), “It is his (guardian) angel.” (They were willing to believe an angel would appear before they would believe Peter would.  They were willing to believe that God would do something they were not even praying for rather than believe He would answer their prayers.  A little servant girl was the only one willing to believe in a sovereign God.)

c. One of Astonishment, (16)

16 Now (while the prayer warriors are denying the power of prayer) Peter continued knocking (if this wasn’t so serious, it would be hilarious); and when they (finally) opened the door (looking for an angel) and saw him (Peter), they (collectively and at once) were astonished (“astonished” here means “to be out of one’s mind,” to be “beside oneself”.  Their unbelief and anxiety instantly disappeared when they saw Peter and they were filled with exuberant joy and gratitude.)

It will be utter joy when we see Jesus.

5. The Testimony at the Reception – Peter told them how their prayers were answered, (17)

  17 But (Peter, understanding their joy, but at the same time knowing the danger he was still in began) motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, (and after they settled down) he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison (he shared with them the whole experience).

6.The Instructions at the Reception – “tell these things to James”, (17)

 And (then) he said, “Go, tell these things to James (not James, the son of Zebedee that Herod just martyred, but James, Jesus’ half-brother, the head of the Jerusalem church now) and to the brethren (the other saints that are still left in Jerusalem).”

7. The Conclusion of the Reception – Peter “departed”, (17)

 And he departed (after telling of his experience and giving them instructions) and went to another place. (Peter certainly knew that anyone who was found with him was a marked man.  Apart from a brief appearance in Acts 15, this is the last we see of Peter – There are some who claim that Peter went to Rome at this time and became the first Pope which has no merit.  We simply don’t know where Peter went or what he did.)

From Scripture we know that during Jesus’ ministry

  • James did not believe in him (John 7:5);
  • that after his resurrection, Jesus appeared to James (I Cor. 15:7);
  • and that subsequent to Jesus’ ascension, James was present in the upper room (1:14).
  • Already in these early years, James had become an influential leader in the Jerusalem church
  • and was regarded as an apostle even though he was not one of the Twelve (compare Gal. 1:19).
  • With Peter and John, James was counted one of the “pillars” of the church (Gal. 2:9).
  • He was a man blessed with natural leadership ability,
    • for he took an active role in presiding over the Jerusalem Council (15:13–21).
    • And at the conclusion of his third missionary journey, Paul went to Jerusalem and reported to James “all the things God had done among the Gentiles” (21:19).
  • We surmise that during Peter’s imprisonment, James had gone into hiding and therefore had to receive Peter’s message indirectly.
  • Nevertheless, by implication Peter appointed James to be his successor.[4]

Many good scholars believe that Peter is passing on the baton of leadership to James here.  I’m sure it was not a very coveted position considering the circumstances those before him found themselves in.

We learn here that leadership is not for the timid, immature or undisciplined.  In Christianity, it’s not even as much a sought after position as it is a recognized and appointed position, as Peter now appoints it to James.

With the appointment comes:

  • The weight of responsibility and accountability to the Lord
  • The afflictions of the devil and his demons
  • The attacks from friendly fire as well as enemy fire
  • The burdens for the lost and the afflicted
  • The pressures concerning the guidance and growth of the church

Accepting a leadership position in the church puts you on the frontlines of the battle – everyday, all day long.

This leadership was no prize that James won, it was a weight he was asked to carry.  A task that any godly leader worth his or her salt, gladly accepts until completion or death, knowing that whomever the Lord calls, He also equips.  Knowing that the cause of Christ is worth any price and that it trumps anything you or I may desire for our lives.

If you are confronted by leaders concerning foreseen leadership qualities in you, don’t run, deny or ignore those confronting you.  Seriously consider their counsel, enter into some serious prayer about it, and be willing to engage in the Christian battle on a new level.

III. The Fury of the Failed Execution, (18-23)

A. The Fury Towards the Guards, (18, 19)

18 Then (after Peters escape from prison, appearance at Mary’s house and disappearance into hiding or relocation), as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter (What do you think you would be thinking if you were one of these soldiers?  Everyone was talking about it, some were frantic about it, it was the news and crisis of the day). 19 But (the clincher came) when Herod had searched (all over Jerusalem) for him (after hearing the report) and not found him (either, then), he examined the guards (ordered that they give him personally their account) and (afterward, taking his fury out on them) commanded that they should be put to death (executed—Can you imagine?!  Hopefully Peter talked to some of them and they repented of their sin.  It’s important for us to take advantage of our opportunities!  It may be the only opportunity we have with someone.)

And (having been trumped by the God of the Jews at Jerusalem) he went down from Judea to Caesarea (by the sea—the headquarters of the Romans ruling in Israel), and stayed there, (rather than face disgrace in Jerusalem).

Rom 8:31 says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

What do you think that verse does and doesn’t mean?

  • Do not fear what man can do to you… (Luke 12:5)
  • Jesus said to Pilate, you have no power but that which is given you…(John 19:10, 11)
  • Our days are numbered…(Job 7:1; 14:5)
  • God uses ALL things for good…(Romans 2:28)
  • B. The Fury Towards Herod, (20-23)

In Jerusalem as we saw, Herod Agrippa experienced God’s power and authority.  In Caesarea he will experience God’s holiness and judgment.

Who else in the Scriptures didn’t learn from God’s power and authority and suffered God’s holiness and judgment?

  • Pharaoh—10 plagues
  • Nebuchadnezzar—miracles through Daniel and friends
  • Judas Iscariot—witnessed Jesus’ signs and wonders as well as the Pharisees

20 Now (several months after Peter’s rescue from prison) Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon (for reasons of which we are not told); but (this was Herod’s attitude towards them when) they came to him with one accord (probably knowing it was a dangerous thing to have Herod mad at you), and having made Blastus the king’s personal aide their friend (possibly with bribes), they asked for peace (a reconciling of their differences), because their country was supplied with food by the king’s country (Herod had placed economic sanctions against Tyre and Sidon in his anger).

21 So on a set day (According to the Jewish historian Josephus the occasion was a feast in honor of Herod’s [benefactor],the Roman Emperor Claudius[5]) Herod, arrayed (all decked out) in royal apparel, sat on his throne (at the amphitheater that his grandpa, Herod the Great, built) and gave an oration (speech) to them.

Josephus describes the scene: “[Herod] put on a garment made wholly of silver, and of a contexture truly wonderful, and came into the theatre early in the morning; at which time the silver of his garment being illuminated by the fresh reflection of the sun’s rays upon it, shone out after a surprising manner” (Antiquities XIX, vii, 2).[6]

 22 And the people (during the course of Herod’s speech) kept (repeatedly) shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” 23 Then immediately (while this worship of man was taking place) an angel of the Lord (the True and Most High God), struck (afflicted) him, (Herod) because he did not give glory to God, (by stopping and correcting the people, but allowed himself to be deified by the people, encouraging and receiving their worship.  Who in the Scriptures didn’t? * Joseph * Daniel * Paul * Barnabas). And (beginning at that moment) he was eaten by worms and died (five days later Josephus says.  Herod never respected God’s power and authority and was justly confronted with God’s holiness and justice).

Calvin remarks that Herod’s body reeked because of decay, so that he was nothing more than a living carcass. Other sources describe the excruciating death of being consumed by worms; one account refers to Antiochus Epiphanes,…: “And so the ungodly man’s body swarmed with worms, and while he was still living in anguish and pain, his flesh rotted away, and because of his stench the whole army felt revulsion at his decay” (II Macc. 9:9, RSV).

Josephus supplies the information that Herod died after five days in pain, “in the fifty-fourth year of his life and the seventh of his reign.” That is, Herod died in a.d. 44.[7]

None are so empty as those who are full of themselves.

Benjamin Whichcote[8]

I wonder what the folks from Tyre and Sidon thought about this.  Did they learn anything from this?

IV. The Fruit of the Persecution, (24, 25)

A. The Word of God and the Saints Thrives, (24)

24 But (in contrast to the world and its pride and ambitions) the word of God (the truth) grew (in the hearts and minds of people) and multiplied (produced more disciples of the truth.  Hopefully, that description included the folks from Tyre and Sidon).

After Herod’s death, the Roman emperor appointed a governor to rule the land of the Jews. The Christians once again enjoyed freedom from persecution. As a result, the church continued to increase [spiritually and] numerically. Luke implies that the messengers of the gospel went everywhere with the Good News. Wherever these ministers proclaimed the message of salvation, there the church was strengthened in the faith and supported by numerous additional believers.[9]

B. The Testimony of the Lord Shines, (25)

25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem (to give a report) when they had fulfilled their ministry (at Antioch), and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark, (Barabbas’ cousin who must have been showing good leadership and service potential).

Can you imagine the report they gave!!

  • All the wonderful things going on at the church in Antioch
  • The offering for the poor and famine afflicted from Antioch
  • The thriving church
    • People saved
    • People being discipled
    • People entering into active service

[1] Barton, B. B., & Osborne, G. R. (1999). Acts. Life application Bible commentary (205). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House.

[2] Barton, B. B., & Osborne, G. R. (1999). Acts. Life application Bible commentary (206). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House.

[3] Freeman, J. M., & Chadwick, H. J. (1998). Manners & customs of the Bible (Rev. ed.].) (526). North Brunswick, NJ: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

[4] Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953-2001). Vol. 17: New Testament commentary : Exposition of the Acts of the Apostles. New Testament Commentary (442). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

[5] MacArthur, J. (1994). Acts (326). Chicago: Moody Press.

[6] MacArthur, J. (1994). Acts (326). Chicago: Moody Press.

[7] Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953-2001). Vol. 17: New Testament commentary : Exposition of the Acts of the Apostles. New Testament Commentary (446–447). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

[8] Barton, B. B., & Osborne, G. R. (1999). Acts. Life application Bible commentary (211). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House.

[9] Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953-2001). Vol. 17: New Testament commentary : Exposition of the Acts of the Apostles. New Testament Commentary (447). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.