Pastor John Wright

Acts 12 begins a new section in the story of the church. Whereas expansion had occurred after God had given relief from persecution, it begins again -- now with a different agent than before. The agent of persecution is Herod, the son of King Herod. What is interesting is that technically speaking, Herod had no authority in Jerusalem. He had wanted to be made king, but the Romans would name him.

It is interesting to ask what it is that makes this Christians so dangerous to the authorities.

Vv. 1-5: Herod Antipas seems to be the major figure in this passage. We know some about him from other sources. He thought that he would be named "King of the Jews". When the Romans refused to so name him, he made frequent trips to Jerusalem, especially during Passover, to impress the people with his presence and hopefully, raise popular demand that he replace the Roman governors to exercise direct authority over Jerusalem. Notice the difference between his actions with James, the brother of John, and Peter. Why would he do this during Passover? What sort of problems would he have had with James? Why would that "execution" lead to the arrest of Peter to please the Temple authorities in Jerusalem? It is interesting to contrast the actions of the two groups who made claims on Peter's body. What did Herod do? What did the church do? Discuss the differences in the presuppositions of who is in control of Peter and how it affects their treatment of him.

Vv. 6-11: The deliverance

v. 6: When does this event take place? What is Peter's physical position? You could either act this out or draw it so people might see what the scene really is and the full account of what happens.

Vv. 7-8: To whom does the angel appear? Anyone else? What happens? How does Peter wake up? What is remarkable about this whole setting? What is really going on here? Again, acting it out might be helpful!

v. 9-10: Distinguish between Peter's consciousness and what is happening. Why does he not understand what is going on? When does the angel leave him? Would anyone else have known that the angel had left? What is the purpose of the angel?

v. 11: When does Peter recognize what has happened? Why? What spurs him to this realization?

What would be the reaction of those whom he had walked out of and past? Herod? Who is the contest here between? What would be the consequences of this for Herod in light of his attempt to make himself an attractive candidate for king?

What does this say about the workings of God? Obviously this is an extraordinary occurence, but have you had anything happen in any similar way? How does one tell that it is God and not something that you ate the night before?

Peace to you!!