Bible Reading
Acts 12:1–24 (ESV) —
> About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword, and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.
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> Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him.
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> When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.” When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. Recognizing Peter’s voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.” Then he departed and went to another place.
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> Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.
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> Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food. On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last. But the word of God increased and multiplied.
Observation Questions
- What actions did Herod Agrippa take to gain public approval, and how did the crowd respond?
- Describe the steps the angel took to rescue Peter from prison. What did Peter have to do himself during the escape?
- How did the church respond to Peter’s imprisonment, and what was their reaction when Peter showed up at the door?
- What happened to Herod Agrippa at the end of the story, and why?
Interpretation Questions
- What does Herod’s willingness to persecute and kill for applause reveal about the dangers of living for human approval?
- In Peter’s escape, what does the interplay between God’s miraculous intervention and Peter’s own actions teach us about how God works in our lives?
- The church was praying for Peter’s release but was shocked when their prayers were answered. What does this say about the relationship between faith, prayer, and God’s faithfulness?
- The story contrasts Herod’s pursuit of applause with the spread of God’s word. What does this teach about what truly lasts and what is fleeting?
Application Questions
- Herod was driven by the need for applause and approval from others. Are there areas in your life where you find yourself seeking the approval of people more than God? What are some practical steps you could take to shift your focus?
- The sermon said, “God breaks the chains, but we must choose to step into freedom.” Is there a situation in your life where you feel stuck, even though God has already opened a door for you? What would it look like for you to “get up and walk out” in faith?
- The church prayed fervently for Peter, but when the answer came, they were surprised. Have you ever prayed for something and then been shocked when God answered? How can you cultivate a heart that expects God to move, even when it seems unlikely?
- The sermon highlighted that “what gets applauded gets repeated.” In your family, workplace, or community, what kinds of behaviors do you tend to celebrate? How could you be more intentional about applauding what is good, just, and peace-making?
- Jesus calls us to live for the applause of heaven, not the crowd. What are some specific ways you can seek God’s approval this week, especially in situations where it might cost you popularity or comfort?
- The story includes both miraculous deliverance (Peter) and suffering (James and Stephen). How do you hold onto hope and faith whether God answers your prayers with a miracle or allows you to walk through hardship?
- The sermon mentioned breaking cycles of violence and dysfunction by celebrating acts of justice, mercy, and peace. Is there someone in your life or community you could encourage or “applaud” for doing what is right? How might that help shape a better culture around you?
