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 Acts 12



It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that wicked men are emboldened by praise. They feed on it. Sadly, the public pours it on. Every evil act seems to be applauded, turning a pebble into a cascading boulder of malicious schemes. Not much seems to change. King Herod Agrippa is the evil schemer of this story. He’s an early example of nepotism at its worst—a multi-generational silver Spooner.  A grifter of grifters.

Sadly, we have such schemers in our time, inside the Church and out. Herod Agrippa had an excellent scheme cooked up. He would “take care” of Peter as he did the apostle James, John’s beloved brother. What an evil, wicked man. He had the trap set. A show trial was planned after all the pretentious, pretend Passover rituals were completed. First, the religious show, then the wicked deeds. Sound familiar? Little did Agrippa know that he’d soon be on trial by the Judge of Judges, the King of Kings. He’d be caught in his trap of lies and crushed by pride, injustice, fake religiosity, and evil schemes. Good. Good riddance.  

God reveals in this passage His might and Providence and His willingness to show His character as a Rescuer for His people. But He also highlights for us the character of the Acts Church. In the Acts Church, God’s people gathered explicitly for prayer. And we see prayer indeed, earnest, desperate dependence on God. Let’s follow that in the Church today!

The wicked have plans. God has other plans. God’s plans govern. But notice that God’s people have to do our part. That’s always God’s way. He expects us to press on and to work hard in this short earthly life. If He didn’t, there would be no need for the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10), where each of us believers in Jesus Christ receives what is due us for the things done in this life: “For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.” Yes, it’s accurate in this passage that God’s angel steps in, but only for a miraculous moment. You’ll see that God quickly puts the responsibility back on Peter and the Church. Peter doesn’t hesitate. He shares the good news with those at John Mark’s prayer gathering then he goes to a safe location. He escaped, thank God.

This Scripture shows us Jesus’ great love for Peter. And for all of us, His people. God goes to extremes to rescue his people. The greatest extreme is the Cross of Jesus Christ. The rescue of all rescues. In this case, he used an angel with superpowers. The angel spoke. He moved material things (handcuffs and gates) and smacked Peter to wake him up. And he somehow froze all the guards—pretty neat stuff. I love how the angel appeared out of nowhere with bright light. Where have we seen that before? He kept the guards asleep. He magically removed Peter’s chains and led Peter out of prison. I wonder how often this happens today. Yes, I believe it does. God never changes. The Commander of Heaven’s Armies can use any power in His great arsenal whenever He chooses.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for how you rescue your beloved children in enemy-occupied territory. Please show your power today! Here in Lynchburg. Here in Virginia. In the USA and Canada, and throughout the world. We know you reveal your power. And we know you lovingly answer our earnest prayers.

Sometimes it takes a while for believers to come to their senses (v. 11) - I’m speaking for myself—a slow learner. Wake up! Realize how God has provided for you and rescued you from this evil world.

Notice how escaping from a wicked prison can be easier than getting into a prayer meeting at a Christian home! I’m being cheeky. But only partly. Make sure you open your meetings up and make them accessible to anyone, any age, who loves Jesus and wants to grow in him. And notice too that Rhoda knew Peter by his voice. Not only do we need to know Lord Jesus’ voice (we hear him as He speaks to us through His Word), but we need to know God’s people so well that we can recognize them by their voices. That’s how close we need to be. Closer than family: brothers in Christ.

Lord God, thank you for your perfect timing. Thank you for providing everything we need today. Please bless those who seek you today, Lord Jesus. Please show your power today and help us to be full of gratitude and thanks to You.  Amen.

Our baby, Abraham, is 20 today!  Happy Birthday, Abraham!!!  Love Dad

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