In Acts 12:1-25, Luke—the author of Acts—shares an important story about a prideful king, a sleeping preacher, and a praying church. Three incredible lessons emerge as we examine this passage: first, God expects His people to look to Him for help in difficult times. We see the church (once again in Acts) praying, instead of pouting, as trouble comes upon them. Secondly, God sustains His people with peace in the midst of trials. Peter—now for the third time in Acts—is in prison...and he’s sleeping! Only a heart resting in God’s grace and sovereignty can catch some “z’s” behind bars. Finally, God will humble man’s foolish pride and cause His word to go to the nations. King Herod is humbled (and eaten by worms) for his boasting and arrogance. God’s word steams on ahead as we’re now poised for Paul’s missionary journeys from Antioch.
