When Disaster Strikes- Acts 12

On September 11, 2001, at 8:45 am, people in the Twin Towers had no idea what was about to happen. They were going about their day, no doubt thinking about what they would eat for lunch that day, or looking forward to an upcoming vacation, or stressing out about a project due at work.

At 8:46 am, their world would change. Disaster struck in the form of a Boeing 767 airplane. I am sure we all remember that day disaster struck. I was in high school, and I remember watching the news in disbelief. I worked later that day at McDonalds, and it was all anyone talked about. It seemed surreal.

There are other examples of disasters, some on larger scales like the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Others are more local, such as school shootings. Still others are more personal, the tragic or unexpected death of a loved one. Disasters strike both believers and unbelievers. How do we prepare for disaster as believers?

In a sense, we cannot prepare for them. By their very nature disasters come and involve such traumatic events that we truly cannot prepare for them, at least in a specific way. We can, however, prepare for them generally. As we work our way through this chapter, I want to give us the way we can prepare for disasters generally, which can then be tuned into more specific situations.

As believers in Jesus, we must prepare for disasters personally and ministerially for the glory of God.

I. The Disasters Themselves

What were the disasters in this chapter? There were three, two against believers and one against an unbeliever (a good reminder that both good and evil come to all humanities).

A. The Execution of James, the brother of John- 12:1–2

James is the brother of John, the “sons of thunder, or Zebedee,” who is accorded a special place among the apostles. You typically see Peter, James, and John together, receiving revelation from Jesus that the others do not.

James is only mentioned twice in this present book of Acts (1:13 and 12:1–2). Though a significant individual in the Gospels, his role in the early church was behind the scenes. The key point we need to remember is that this disaster was expected. Jesus tells James he will die a martyr’s death in Mark 10:39.

One of the early church fathers, Clement of Alexandria records that on James’ way to be beheaded the man who brought James to the courts became a Christian. Clement writes, “So they were both taken away together, and on the way he asked James to forgive him. James looked at him for a moment and replied, ‘Peace be with you’ and kissed him. So both were beheaded at the same time.’”

This key apostle has now been murdered. What a stark difference between 12:1–2 and 9:31! There is no doubt this was incredibly discouraging to the church. But there was another disaster striking at the same time.

B. The Imprisonment of Peter- 12:3–5

Herod Agrippa I sees how much the Jewish people love the death of James and proceeds to take Peter, too. Because it was the Passover, he could not kill Peter, so he placed him into custody.

Here is the preeminent leader in the early church, the lead apostle (if we can phrase it like that), now imprisoned facing death. Can you imagine the pain the church was experiencing at this point?

Also, can you imagine Peter’s response? Jesus plainly tells him that he will die a martyr (John 21:18–19). His dear friend was just murdered and now he is facing death. There is one more disaster, though we could probably phrase it differently.

C. The Death of Herod Agrippa I- 12:20–23

We don’t have time to go into all the history of Herod Agrippa I, but a few points need to be raised. This is Herod the Great’s grandson (from the Gospel of Matthew 2:16–20). Interesting, Herod Agrippa also named his only son Herod.

Herod Agrippa’s life is a story from riches to rags to riches. After a series of political maneuverings and pandering, Herod landed in his grandfather’s kingdom. Due to his good relationship with the Emperor Caligula.

While at Jerusalem, Herod Agrippa was a dear friend to the Jewish people, even observing the laws and customs and helping with offerings. Apparently he was very amiable, too, and loved by all in his kingdom.

We’ve noted his murder of James and his attempted murder of Peter, but what happens to Herod? We are not given the details, but for some reason Herod was angry with Tyre and Sidon, two port cities on the coast in the Mediterranean Sea. In the middle of his oration, the people proclaimed him as a god, and Herod did not stop them. God judged him for this great sin, and eventually he died.

The first two disasters were terrible for the church, the third not so much. But it reminds us that disasters happen both to believers and non-believers, and we believers have wonderful opportunities to minister to unbelievers when they face these times.

Our next focus is on preparing for disasters.

II. The Preparations Needed for Disasters

A. A Constant Knowledge of the Spiritual War- 12:1–2; 2 Cor. 10:3–6; Eph. 6:10–12

When I read historical works, there is a distance from the writer and the events taking place. This is normal for historical works, and we should not be surprised to read events as if it were a novel, free from influences of the author or judgments by the author.

Believers are to understand history differently. Sure, it involves individuals and kings, but behind the scenes there is more than meets the eye. There is a spiritual war waging right now, God against the devil, good angels versus evil angels. The events that happen are, at times, at the provocation of demonic forces. Paul tells us that our warfare is not against flesh but against spirit.

On a side note, this is why many pastors and theologians are so passionate against Marxism, communism, etc. They are not just differently ideologies, they are satanic.

B. A Constant State of Earnest Prayer- 12:5, 12

We must couple that awareness of the spiritual war with a constant state of earnest prayer. In Acts 1:14, 2:42, 3:1, 6:4, 10:4, 31, and here in this chapter 12:5 we see the church engaging in prayer.

Matthew Henry, a well-known Bible commentator, provided three directives for our prayers that I want to give you. This will help you remain in a constant state of earnest prayer.

Begin Every Day with God

“Wherever God finds a prayer heart, he will be found a prayer-hearing God.” M. Henry

“In the morning we are most free from company and business, and ordinarily have the best opportunity for solitude.” M. Henry

Spend Every Day with God

“The Christian’s attendance upon God throughout the day is captured in the phrase to wait upon the Lord.” J. Beeke and M. Jones

“Henry’s writings show us that every minute of every day contains ample reasons to look to the Lord.” J. Beeke and M. Jones

Close Every Day with God

Praise God for the many mercies God has given you throughout the day. Be reminded that as you sleep there is a sleep in death before the final resurrection in Jesus Christ.

C. An Expectant Attitude- 12:13–17

When we pray, we should have an expectant attitude. There is a difference between presumption and expectation, one comes from an entitled perspective and the other an eager expectation that God will bring glory to His name as we pray in accordance with His will.

D. A God-Centered View of Life- 12:7,–11, 18–19, 23–25