Lesson 16:Peter Freed from Prison, the Death of Herod & Transition to Paul (12:1-25)

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study

A. The church continued to spread, in spite of and as a result of persecution (11:19-21).

B. Barnabas & Saul worked together in Antioch for a year before their journeys (11:22-26).

C. The disciples of Christ were first called Christians in Antioch of Syria (11:26).

D. Agabus prophesied a great famine, during which the church helped each other (11:27-30).

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Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study

E. Herod Agrippa (The First) exercised terrible violence against the church (12:1-4).1. This Herod = grandson of Herod the Great (Matt. 2:1-12)

a) Nephew of Herod Antipas (beheaded John the Baptist)b) Father of Herod Antipas II ( “almost persuaded” by Paul)

2. Herod Agrippa beheaded the apostle James, the first apostle martyred for Christ (12:2).

3. Herod also seized Peter, with the intent to kill him for the Jews also (12:3-4).1. Josephus: Herod was very ambitious to please the people (cf. 12:3)2. Herod delayed the killing b/c it was the time of Passover (12:3-4)3. Days of Unleavened Bread = 7 days following Passover (Ex. 23:15)4. Herod delivered Peter to 16 soldiers (4 squads of 4)5. The word at the end of verse 4 is “Passover,” not “Easter” (KJV).

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Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study

F. The Lord freed Peter from prison, causing a stir in the church and with Herod (12:5-19).1. Peter was constantly guarded & church constantly prayed (12:5)2. Night before execution, Peter miraculously freed from heavily-

guarded prison (12:6-11).3. The church had gathered at Mary’s house to pray; that’s where

Peter went (12:12-17).4. The church seemed to lack faith in their prayers, not believing

Peter was there (12:14-17).a) Peter walked them thru how the Lord had delivered him (12:17)b) James, Jesus’ half-bro, becoming a real leader (12:17; 15:13)

5. Herod put the guards to death for losing their prisoner (S.O.P. for Rome, cf. 16:27).

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D. Christians need to have prayer meetings and then trust in the power of prayer (12:5-17).1. Christians in Acts 12 were gathered in the late night/early

morning to pray together.2. “Have confidence toward God,” for “whatever we ask we

receive” (1 Jn. 3:21-22).3. “The confidence we have in Him…if we ask anything acc. to

His will…” (1 Jn. 5:14-15).4. “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting” (Jas. 1:6-8; Heb.

11:6; Mark 11:22-24).

II. Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study

G. Herod’s arrogant pride led to his gruesome death (20-23)1. Herod delighted himself in adulation from citizens and some were

anxious to give it.2. Receiving praise due unto deity, “The voice of a god,” he did not refuse

it (12:22-23).3. Scripture gives the reason Herod was killed, “He did not give glory to

God” (12:23).4. Josephus said that Herod got a pain in his stomach and suffered for 5

days (age 54). H. In spite of Herod’s attempts, the cause of Jesus continued to

grow (12:24).1. Two imperfects (continued to grow & continued to multiply) show

steady progress.2. It seems that the more the disciples were persecuted, the faster the

church grew.

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Lesson 16 Handout:Life, Ministry & Epistles of Paul• A Brief Outline:

I. The Apostle Paul’s Early Life and TrainingII. The Apostle Paul’s Religious ZealIII. The Apostle Paul’s Conversion to Christ & Early LaborsIV. The Apostle Paul’s Missionary JourneysV. The Apostle Paul’s Arrest, Imprisonments & TrialsVI. The Apostle Paul’s Final Years (according to tradition)

VII. The Apostle Paul’s Epistles to Congregations and IndividualsVIII. Summary of Paul’s Life in His Own Words

• Chart: Chronology of the Life of the Apostle Paul• Chart: Paul’s Missionary Journeys• Maps: Paul’s Missionary Journeys