MEMORY VERSE:
“Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him” (Acts 12:5).

TEXT: Acts 12:1-25

In this lesson, Herod (Agrippa), the reigning unrighteous king who hated the gospel and its holy principles, decided to persecute the disciples to hinder its further spread. “Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword” (Acts 12:1,2). His murder of James is proof that he did not know God. James became the second person to lose his life for the sake of the gospel after Stephen (Acts 7:54-60). Obviously, wherever the true gospel is preached, the kingdom of darkness is always threatened. But all efforts at reducing its impact, nay, stopping its spread over the ages, have rather resulted in its further propagation. Truly, the gates of hell cannot prevail against the Church of Jesus Christ. Ignorance of this truth makes enemies of the gospel to self-destruct and the church to lose its useful members/ministers, as we shall see in this study.

PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH AND PRAYER FOR PETER

Bible References: Acts 12:1-6; Psalm 2:1; Mark 4:37,38; Exodus 32:32; Genesis 18:23-33; Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; James 5:13,14,16

Persecution is not alien to the Christian faith. The Lord Jesus Christ revealed that believers “…shall be hated of all men for [His] name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22). He was hated without cause, rejected, crucified and put to death. Believers’ persecution may come in various forms like being reviled, physical assault or death. Peter’s courage to continue to preach the gospel even after the cruel death of James is worth emulating. Believers then must be courageous to continue to preach the gospel no matter their challenges. This is in view of the promise of Christ’s continued presence and reward (Matthew 28:20; 16:25).

This does not mean that the church should watch while unbelievers continue to kill its members one after another, as Herod intended. “And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also…” (Acts 12:3). Jews who practise Judaism claim that they know God but they were happy when a disciple of Christ was killed. It is clear that they did not know the Lord since they harboured hatred and murderous thoughts, sought to kill and practised sin (1 John 3:15; John 8:37,44; Romans 1:28-32).

It is abominable to kill a fellow human being to please self or others, or to do so for ritual or money-making purposes. Herod wanted to continue to kill to please the Jews and win their support. Therefore, he imprisoned Peter also. People who live to please others displease God and lose favour with Him. We are to please God rather than fellow human beings (Acts 5:29).

“Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison” (verses 5,6).

Herod securely kept Peter under constant watch of sixteen soldiers grouped into four, yet he slept soundly in spite of all the troubles. Once timid, Peter’s life had been transformed by his encounter with Christ and the Spirit’s power. Believers need the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to weather the storms of life. This same attitude is similar to that of Paul and Silas who “sang praises unto God” in prison.

One wonders how Peter, on the verge of execution, was able to sleep so soundly. He was calm during trial as Christ, his Master slept during a storm (Mark 4:37,38). We need to trust the Lord in times of trials instead of worrying and being anxious.

The response of the church to Peter’s imprisonment resonates the attitude believers should have when faced with challenges. Instead of lamenting, members of the early church engaged in intercessory prayers for divine intervention on behalf of Peter. Abraham prayed for the preservation of Lot (Genesis 18:23-33); Moses for the Israelites and for Miriam’s forgiveness and healing (Exodus 17:11-14; 32:11-14,31-34; Deuteronomy 9:18-29; Numbers 12:13); Samuel called on God for Israel’s deliverance from oppression of the Philistines; Paul interceded for the salvation of religious Israelites and the saints’ spiritual growth (Romans 10:1-3; Ephesians 1:15-23); and Epaphras pleaded for the saints’ perfection (Colossians 4:12). Interestingly, their prayers were all answered.

Intercessory prayer is borne out of selfless and sacrificial love, care and concern for the physical, moral and spiritual well-being of others. Christ, the greatest Intercessor prayed the Father to forgive those who crucified Him. The preservation of our spiritual relationship with God to the end is the subject of His unceasing intercession after His ascension (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25).

There is awesome power in corporate prayers. With it, a believer can chase a thousand, “and two put ten thousand to flight” (Deuteronomy 32:30). With the promise of answer to prayer (Jeremiah 33:3; Zechariah 13:9), believers must be united and focused in prayers to be able to receive answers from God.

PETER’S DELIVERANCE THROUGH AN ANGEL

Bible References: Acts 12:7-19; Isaiah 65:24; Hebrews 11:6; Isaiah 43:2-4; Acts 16:25-35; Daniel 6:3-23; Hebrews 1:7,14

In response to the church’s intercessory prayers, the Lord sent an angel to rescue Peter.

“And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands” (verse 7).

The way Peter was delivered amidst tight security put in place by King Herod proves that no one can stand in God’s way or contend with Him. It also proves the futility of carnal weapons (2 Corinthians 10:4). The angel led Peter, who thought he saw a vision, out of prison. However, when Peter came to himself, he affirmed,

“Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews” (verse 11).

God will always deliver His people in times of trouble. He delivered Daniel through an angel from the mouth of lions. He will not forsake you.

When Peter got to the house where believers gathered to pray for him, Rhoda saw him and reported to the brethren. However, they did not believe that the Lord had answered them so quickly. Believers have a God who answers prayers without delay. When we intercede for people’s salvation, healing, deliverance, safety, growth in grace, etc., God will answer.

Prayer must also be extended to all believers who are suffering intense persecution in countries dominated by other religions, that God would preserve them from murderous schemes.

Peter’s miraculous release from prison was secured by an angel of God. Angels are ministering spirits sent by God to minister to the need of saints (Hebrews 1:7,14; 13:2). There are many records of angelic intervention in both the Old and New Testaments. The angel of God went before the camp of Israel (Exodus 14:19); an angel shut the mouth of lions for Daniel’s deliverance (Daniel 6:22). Angel Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus Christ (Luke 1:26-31).

The promise, “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways” (Psalm 91:11) did not terminate in Bible day. There are myriads of testimonies of deliverances received through angelic beings who appeared in the form of humans.

HEROD’S PRIDE AND DIVINE JUDGMENT

Bible References: Acts 12:20-25; Isaiah 42:8; Jeremiah 13:16; 9:23,24; Proverbs 16:18; Daniel 4:3-33; 5:25-31; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:6

Peter’s miraculous escape caused embarrassment, first, among the soldiers, then for Herod, who ordered the immediate execution of the soldiers.

“Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death” (verse 18,19).

The Scripture affirms that when the wicked are in rule, the people suffer. God’s great revelation that all earthly rulers and kings need to take to heart is recorded in Proverbs 16:12:
“It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.”

Being precious in His sight, God has committed Himself to preserving His children at all costs.

“Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life” (Isaiah 43:4).

The men who threw the three Hebrew youths into the fiery furnace, conspirators against Daniel, as well as enemies of Mordecai and the Jews in Shushan all lost their lives. Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, etc., all bore the brunt of divine judgment for their wickedness.

Herod had sown to the wind and he was soon to reap the whirlwind. Whatsoever a man sows that shall he reap.

“And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon… And upon a set day Herod… made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout saying, it is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost” (verses 20-23).

He got the full recompense for his wickedness. He died shamefully.

God is love but He is also a consuming fire. As much as He is gracious and merciful, He is fierce in judgment. The glory due unto Him must not be ascribed to any other.

Believers must be humble like Apostle Paul who said, “But by the grace of God I am what I am.” As God expands our ministry, talents, wealth and opportunities, these could bring praises from others. Notwithstanding, we should glorify God and let it be clear in our response to their ovation.

Little did Herod realise that he would be punished for this misdeed. Do not continue in sin because the longsuffering of God is at work. His patience will only last a while. Judgment on the unrepentant is certain and grievous. Repent of sin and receive Jesus as your Saviour and Lord to escape divine punishment.

After Herod’s death, the word of God grew and multiplied. God knows how to deal with those who oppose the truth. One truth that is highlighted by Herod’s judgment is that nothing can be done against the truth of Christ and His word.

Questions for Review

1. Why did Herod kill James and imprison Peter?
2. What can you learn from the attitude and disposition of Peter at this time of trials?
3. Explain the part the church should play when fellow Christians suffer intense persecution.
4. State the conditions for answer to prayers.
5. In what ways can angels minister to believers?
6. Mention the dangers inherent in wickedness and pride.
7. Why should sinners repent immediately?