In the Shadow of the Apostles: Herod Harasses the Church at Jerusalem (AM)

Acts 12:1-25

Introduction:

1. After a period of peace, Herod Agrippa I initiated a new persecution.

2. James, the brother of John, became the first apostle to be martyred, and Peter would have been the second had the Lord not intervened.

3. Despite Satan’s best efforts, God’s purposes cannot be thwarted (cf. Job 42:2).

Discussion:

I. Dueling Kings (12:1-5)

A. Herod Agrippa I was of a regal family known to fight against God.

1. His grandfather, Herod the Great, tried to kill baby Jesus (Matthew 2:16).

2. His uncle, Herod Antipas, beheaded John the Baptizer and participated in the sham trial of Jesus (Matthew 14:1-14; Luke 23:8-12).

3. His son, Herod Agrippa II, later tried Paul (Acts 25:13-26:32).

B. Agrippa I killed the apostle James with the sword (12:1-2) and arrested Peter with equally nefarious intentions (12:3-5).

C. He arrogantly tried asserting his authority contrary to the authority of the King of kings (cf. 5:33-40; 7:51; 1 Corinthians 10:22).

II. Divine Deliverance and Retribution (12:6-23)

A. God heard their prayers and delivered Peter by an angel’s hand (12:5-10).

B. Peter and the brethren were astonished by his escape (12:11-17).

C. Herod and the soldiers were likewise astonished by his escape, but there was none to deliver the soldiers (12:18-19).

D. Herod’s arrogance caught up to him in the end (12:20-23).

III. The Unbound Word of God (12:24-25; 2 Timothy 2:9)

A. The word of God grew and multiplied, despite Herod’s attacks (12:24).

B. This is a repeated theme in Acts (6:7; 9:31; 12:24; 16:5; 19:20; 28:31).

C. In Paul’s final letter from a Roman prison, he encouraged Timothy to press on because God’s word is unbound even if His people are. (2 Timothy 2:9).

Conclusion:

1. This chapter highlights the common theme that all efforts to thwart God’s plans are futile (Job 23:13; 42:2; Psalms 2:1-4; Proverbs 19:21.

2. It also highlights the reality that God will humble the proud and elevate the humble (Proverbs 29:23; Isaiah 2:11-12; Matthew 23:12; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).

3. Therefore, we ought to serve God with humility, knowing that in the end He will put all things right and deliver us from every ill we face.

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