Vv. 12-17: What does Peter do immediately upon realization of his release, that he is not in a dream? What does this tell you about his network of support? What is already going on there? Why? What time would it be? What does this tell you about the church? To understand the architecture, think of a house with a gated courtyard to the street. Peter is outside in the street; Rhoda comes from the inner house through the courtyard to the gate. Why is this a funny scene? What is ironic about the church's response to Rhoda's news after Peter had been led to safety by an angel? (v. 15). Who answers when Peter keeps knocking? Why? Why would Peter motion to them to keep silent? What is Peter's fear? Why would he want this told to others? Why would he go to another place after reporting in? Does Peter flaunt his freedom? Does he seek arrest? Why not?

vv. 18-19a: Why is there a commotion among the guards? Why would Herod search after him? What is so important about Peter? What has Peter's escape revealed about Herod? How does he try to regain his authority? What other options did Herod have?

v. 19b: Why would Peter go to Caesarea and stay there? With whom would he stay?

It might be good to compare the work of the church to the work of Herod as a model for us. Who "owns" Peter's body? Why does Herod want to claim it? Who "owns" your body? Who claims ownership? What happens if that claim is denied? It might even be good to discuss the immigration bill that is stuck now in the Senate but already passed by the Senate to understand these dynamics still alive today. How does this passage suggest that we as the church react?