SCRIPTURE: ACTS 12
Bible Verses:
“ Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.” (Acts 12:11)
“After Herod had a thorough search made for him and did not find him, he cross-examined the guards and ordered that they be executed. Then Herod went from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there. He had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon; they now joined together and sought an audience with him. After securing the support of Blastus, a trusted personal servant of the king, they asked for peace, because they depended on the king’s country for their food supply. On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.” (Acts 12:19-24)
PETER MIRACULOUS ESCAPE FROM PRISON (vs. 1-19)
King Herod arrested Peter and put him to prison guarded by 4 squads of 4 soldier each. He intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover. While Peter was kept in prison, the church was earnestly praying for him. The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. The angel struck Peter on the side, woke him up and told him to get up, put on clothes and sandals and follow him. The angel led him out to the city and suddenly left him.
Peter knew it was God who sent the angel to rescue him. He went to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark and knocked at the door. A servant girl named Rhoda went to the door and recognized Peter’s voice. She ran back and exclaimed: “Peter is at the door” (v. 14). They did not believe what she said but Peter kept on knocking. When they opened the door, they saw him and were astonished. Peter narrated to them how the Lord had brought him out of prison. Then he left for another place. The following morning, Herod could not find Peter and ordered the guards executed.
HEROD’S DEATH (vs. 20-25)
Herod and the people of Tyre and Sidon were not in good terms. With the help of Blastus, a trusted private servant of the king, they became friends. An appointed day was set for Herod to deliver a public address to the people. The people shouted: This is the voice of god, not of a man” (v. 22). Because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down and he was eaten by worms and died (v. 23). The word of God continued to increase and spread.
THOUGHTS:
- Peter was kept in prison heavily guarded. But many people gathered to pray for him. God sent an angel t rescue him. Never underestimate the power of prayer.
- When the prayers of the group of believers were answered, Peter knocked on the door. But they did not believe it. When you pray, believe that you will get an answer. And when the answer comes, don’t be surprised. Be thankful!
- God struck Herod with a terrible death because of his pride. God hates the proud and will not allow anyone to take his glory. Beware not to exalt yourself and took the place of God.