Today’s passage: Acts 12:1-19
Helpful thoughts:
- This “Herod” was Herod Agrippa I. He didn’t have a great relationship with Rome which would have given him a greater reason to seek favor with the Jewish leaders over which he reigned. Persecuting the Christians was proving effective.
- Peter was detained by a rotation of sixteen soldiers. Four would guard him at a time, where two would be chained to Peter and two would guard the door.
- Jews believed that each person had a guardian angel who could take on their physical form. This isn’t in the Bible, it was simply a traditionally held belief.
- The James who died in verse 2 was the Apostle John’s brother (The disciple from the Gospels). The James who needed to hear the news of Peter’s escape from prison was the leader/pastor of the church in Jerusalem who was Jesus’ half-brother. He is the James who wrote the book of James in the New Testament.
Questions to consider:
- What do you think the believers at Mary’s house were probably praying if they didn’t believe Peter was actually at the front door? If God wants to give us more than we ask, is He limited by our prayers? (Ephesians 3:20)
- Peter would eventually die a martyr’s death. His death would greatly honor the Lord. Why didn’t Peter die on this occasion? (Psalm 139:16, Philippians 1:19-26)
- With Heaven and perfect fellowship with God ahead of us, why does God still have us here in this world? (If you are here, it’s because God has a purpose for you!) What would He have you to do today? How can you live for Christ in obedience to God’s Word today?