Acts 12

Protection

12. PROTECTION—

The strong Christian accepts persecution and punishment gladly. The weak Christian resents this and sometimes falls away from God because he cannot stand persecution. No one can be a successful Christian without suffering for the Lord. Note the words of Paul—. Note also the words of Jesus—.

King Herod has a long lineage of evil. His grandfather was the Herod who killed all the boy babies in Bethlehem.

I. THE PERSECUTION—vv. 1–5 This is about 15 years after Jesus

A. Death—vv. 1–2. Herod kills James, the brother of John.

These are the sons of Thunder, Boanerges, this name given by

B. Desire—v. 3. James’ death pleased the people. Now Herod seeks to kill Peter. This happened during the Jewish Passover, when all the Jews were in town for the feast.

C. Detained—v. 4. Peter was placed under the guard of sixteen soldiers.

D. Dedication—v. 5. The dedicated Christians prayed fervently for Peter. They were concerned since they were his friends!

II. THE POWER—vv. 6–11

A. Rest—v. 6. Note he was sleeping. Knowing that he would face death the next day didn’t seem to bother him.

1Peter and 2 Peter: Writes Cast all your cares upon the Lord

Persecution happens in many forms. Read Story of Moriah Peters

B. Release—vv. 7–11. An angel stood by Peter. His chains dropped. It seemed like a dream to Peter. Note: “The Lord has sent His angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jews were hoping to do to me” (LNT). When Peter was freed, the soldiers were not awakened.

Persecution happens in many forms. Read Story of Moriah Peters

III. THE PROTECTION—vv. 12–17

A. Disbelief—vv. 12–15. Peter visits the people who were praying.

Amber has agreed to take on being prayer Leader.

Rhoda answered the door. She tells those who were gathered that it was Peter. The people couldn’t believe it. Often God answers our prayers and we can’t believe it.

What has God done for us that we did not believe He could

B. Deliverance—vv. 16–17. After the people got over their shock, Peter explains how the Lord delivered him from prison. Peter then leaves.

God freed Peter, but James was killed and John was beheaded. Some people God delivers; others he permits to suffer and die. All the disciples with the exception of John faced death by the non-Christians. Paul had scars upon his body for the sake of the gospel—. Do you love Christ enough to die for Him? If a person cannot live for God, then they could never die for Him.

Pentz, C. M. (1978). Sermon Outlines from Acts (p. 37). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

IV. THE PROBLEM—vv. 18–19

A. Dilemma—v. 18. Everyone was surprised that Peter was gone. The doors were still locked. The sixteen soldiers didn’t know what had happened to Peter.

B. Death—v. 19. The king was so angry that he sentenced the soldiers to death. Later Herod leaves for Caesarea.

The King had a law at that time that if his orders were not carried out, whoever was responsible for the failure, would experience the consequence.

V. THE PUNISHMENT—vv. 20–25

A. Deity—vv. 20–22. The people worshiped Herod as if he was a god. It is dangerous to worship man. We may have a high respect and honor for a person. However, be very careful, because God wants our worship.

The New International Version Chapter 34

14 Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.

B. Death—v. 23. Instantly Herod was struck dead, because he did not praise God. He killed James and also sought to kill Peter. God strikes him dead!

Herod was killed inside out due to his actions. God heals inside out due to our actions.

C. Divine—vv. 24–25. God’s work continued to grow. You cannot hold back God’s work from going forward.

Pentz, C. M. (1975). Outlines from Mark and Acts (p. 47). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.