The Persecution and Miraculous Escape in Acts 12

1. Lesson 20 Acts, Chapter 12

2. Time Frame (Acts 12) • Chapter begins around the same time as the end of Chapter 11 (note verse 1, “Now about that time…” • We related in chapter 11 a famine in Judea, in A.D. 45, that correlates with the prophesied famine of verses 27-30. • Herod Agrippa I died in A.D. 44 (reference Lesson 3, A N.T. Chronology) • Location of Chapter 12 is Jerusalem, and Caesarea (vs. 19).

3. Caesarea was at this time the usual residence of the Roman governor of Judea, and consequently a garrison of troops was regularly found there. Herod Agrippa I died in A.D. 44 while residing in Caesarea (Acts 12:23) * Caesarea * Jerusalem

4. Herod Aggripa’s Violence Toward the Church (1-4) 1 • Information about Herod Agrippa I • This text is the only time this Herod is referred to in the pages of the N.T. • Grandson of Herod the Great (Father Aristobulus), and a brother of Herodias (who asked for John the Baptist’s head). • While a child, Herod the Great murdered his father, and Agrippa was sent to Rome • Was thrown into prison by Tiberius in Rome until 37 A.D. Freed by Caligula was granted Kingship in Judea by Caligula.

5. Herod Aggripa’s Violence Toward the Church (1-4) 2 • Information about Herod Agrippa I (cont.) • When Claudius became Roman emperor, Agrippa added all of Judea and Samaria, and was named a sovereign King, independent of any provincial Roman governor. (though subject still to Rome) • As King, Agrippa I ingratiated himself to the Jews by presenting himself as devout • Possible that his desire to please the Jews was what led him to begin persecuting Christians

6. Herod Aggripa’s Violence Toward the Church (1-4) 3 • Herod began persecuting Christians • Time frame, around 41-44 A.D.,the last three years of Herod’s life, during his consolidated rule in Judea. • Harassed “some from the church.” Same phrase as used in 4:3 (Peter and John) and 5:18 (the apostles), translated there “laid hands on.” • The apostle James was killed by Herod (2) • Note: Execution by sword was considered the most humiliating forms of capital punishment.

7. Herod Aggripa’s Violence Toward the Church (1-4) 4 • Herod began persecuting Christians • Little is known of James’ life. However, he “begin dead, yet speaks…” • Herod’s motives in the persecution were mainly political (3) • Peter was arrested during the Passover celebration (3) • Peter was imprisoned, with the purpose of presenting him to the people (presumably for trial and execution) following Passover (4)

8. Peter Freed from Prison (5-19) 1 • Peter kept in Prison (5) • The church prayed on his behalf • Note: “constant” or “fervent” prayer offered by the church in Jerusalem • Note the nature of Peter’s bonds (6) • Bound with two chains between two soldiers • Further guard upon the doors of the prison • Yet, Peter with God’s help escaped from the Prison (7-10)

9. Peter Freed From Prison (5-19) 2 • Peter’s Escape (7-10) • Visited by an angel (Light shone in the cell) (7) • Angel woke Peter (“struck Peter on the side”) (7) • Chains fell from his hands (miraculous) (7) • Angel led him from the prison, past the guards (8-10) • Peter was not aware if this were real, or a vision (9) • Gate to the city opened miraculously (10) • After entering the city, the angel left Peter (10)

10. Peter Freed From Prison (5-19) 3 • Peter at the House of Mary (11-17) • It was not until the angel left that Peter realized the escape was real (12) • Peter went to the house of Mary, where the Christians had gathered to pray (12) • The young lady, Rhoda, informed the Christians of Peter’s presence (13-16). Their astonishment shows this was a notable accomplishment • Peter told the gathering of his escape (17)

11. Peter Freed From Prison (5-19) 4 • The Aftermath of Peter’s Escape (18-19) • Soldiers were astonished. Obvious that God had intervened (note verse 10, as Peter and the angel had passed by the posts undetected). • Herod executed the guards for allowing Peter to escape (19). • Herod traveled to Caesarea, and stayed there. (Note: It was at Caesarea where Herod was struck with worms, and died).

12. Herod’s Violent Death (20-24) 1 • Josephus’ Account • Agrippa went to Caesarea, and had games performed in honor of Claudius. • Agrippa saw an owl perched over his head, which he interpreted as being a sign he would die within five days. • He was smitten with violent pains, scolding his friends for flattering him, and accepted his imminent death. • He experienced heart and abdominal pains, and died in five days.

13. Herod’s Violent Death (20-24) 2 • Tyre and Sidon sued for peace (20) • We don’t know the cause of the trouble. • The cities were dependent upon the area of Galilee for food to live on (20) • The people clamored at the King’s address, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” (22) • The flattery was accepted by Herod, and he did not “give glory to God” (23). It was for this reason an angel of God struck him with worms, and he died. (23).

14. Herod’s Violent Death (20-24) 3 • The Word of God (24) • A contrast here “But” • Rather than the persecution of Herod slowing or stopping the growth of the Lord’s church, we are told the Word of God grew and multiplied. • This a reference to continual conversions.

15. Barnabas and Saul Return to Antioch (25) 1 • After delivering the gift from Antioch to the brethren in Judea (cf. 11:27-30), Barnabas and Saul returned to Antioch. • John Mark accompanied them back to Antioch.