Acts 12: Herod Persecutes the Church

Read Acts Chapter 12

I. Introduction: Acts 12  tells about the early Christian church facing persecution, the miraculous escape of Peter from prison, and the death of King Herod. This chapter reminds believers of God’s power and sovereignty, and His ability to be our helper in the midst of trials and tribulations. We all have struggles, we all have troubles and it is good to know there is an all powerful God on the throne in heaven that is on our side, if we have put our trust and confidence in Him.

II. Herod’s Persecution of the Church (Acts 12:1-5)
King Herod began to persecute the church, killing James and arresting Peter. The church prayed earnestly for Peter’s release. These verses reminds us that God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble, as we can read in Psalm 46:1.

III. Peter’s Miraculous Escape from Prison (Acts 12:6-19)
An angel of the Lord freed Peter from prison, leading him past the guards and out to freedom. Peter went to the house of Mary, where the church was praying, and they were amazed at his escape. These verses teach that God is able to deliver us from seemingly impossible situations, as the Bible tells us Jeremiah 32:27. With men, there are impossibilities, but with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).

IV. The Death of Herod (Acts 12:20-24)
Herod, in his pride, did not give glory to God and was struck down by an angel. He died, but the word of God continued to spread. These verses remind the believers that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, as written in Proverbs 3:34, 1 Peter 5:5-6, and in James 4:6-7.

V. Conclusion: Acts 12 is a dynamic testimony of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness to His people. Despite persecution, imprisonment, and the threat of death, God’s power prevails over all the impossibilities of life. The church’s prayers were answered, Peter was miraculously freed, and the gospel continued to spread. As believers, we can take heart in knowing that God is always in control and will see us through any trial we face, no matter what situation or circumstance we find ourselves in.