College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Acts 12:1-24
5.
AT JERUSALEM. Acts 12:1-24.
a.
Persecution of Herod. James beheaded. Peter imprisoned. Acts 12:1-5.
Now about that time Herod the king put forth his hands to afflict certain of the church.
And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. And those were the days of unleavened bread.
And when he had taken him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him; intending after the Passover to bring him forth to the people.
Peter therefore was kept in the prison: but prayer was made earnestly of the church unto God for him.
Acts 12:1-2 Luke leaves the narrative of the two on their way to Jerusalem to travel ahead of them in his account to prepare our minds for the condition they were to face when they arrived. It was the year 44 A.D. and Herod Agrippa I had just been given his position as king over several provinces. (The history of the Herods as well as the emperors is of real interest and help to our study of this book). The king had the difficult task of ruling as a Roman and pleasing the Jews. The Christians or the church could very effectively serve the purpose of Herod; he could mistreat them and please the Jews and still give no offense to the Roman authorities. His plan of persecution was to put forth his hands to afflict certain of the church. It would appear that his plan was to strike at the leaders. James, brother of John, was the first victim. There is no trial recorded; a mere statement that James was slain with the sword.
Acts 12:3-5 As we have said, Herod was carrying out this persecution purely for selfish ends, i.e. to seek the favor of the Jews. Since Herod was a part Jewish such actions would suggest to the Jews that he truly was in sympathy with their beliefs. The death of James was heralded as a victory for the cause of Judaism.
When word of this reached the ears of Herod he immediately went a step further and imprisoned Peter. But alas, no swift execution could take place for the days of unleavened bread had started. If he were to please the Jews he must lay aside the work of slaughter that they might observe the Passover Feast. There were seven days following the eating of the Passover called the days of unleavened bread. In these days the spirit of the Passover was still present and they were made a vital part of the feast. (cf. Exodus 12:1-20).
Peter was made especially secure in the king's prison. Herod had doubtless heard of Peter's previous experience in being released from prison; this time he would not escape. To insure this he was delivered to four quaternions of soldiers that they might act as his guards. Four men made up a quaternion.
While these sixteen soldiers set about their task of guarding Peter there were others who were looking to a higher and greater power than Herod the king, for Peter's release. Prayer was made earnestly of the church unto God for him. This prayer meeting, as we shall observe later, was held in the home of Mary the mother of John Mark. The manner in which the soldiers guarded Peter is described in the sixth verse. It would seem that the four quaternions divided the hours up into four watches of three hours apiece every twelve hours. Thus Peter was chained between two men; half of the quaternion and the other two stood guard at the prison gates.
370.
Why leave the two on the road and take up the narrative of the events in Jerusalem?
371.
What was the date of the death of James?
372.
How could the Christians serve the purpose of Herod?
373.
Give a brief account of the life and rulership of Herod Agrippa I, (It will be necessary to use a Biblical encyclopedia for this answer.)
374.
Why could not Peter be put to death as quickly as James?
b.
The miraculous release. Acts 12:6-11.
And when Herod was about to bring him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and guards before the door kept the prison.
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the cell: and he smote Peter on the side, and awoke him, saying, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And he did so. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
And he went out, and followed; and he knew not that it was true which was done by the angel, but thought he saw a vision.
And when they were past the first and the second guard, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth into the city; which opened to them of its own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and straightway the angel departed from him.
And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a truth, that the Lord hath sent forth his angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
Acts 12:6-8 The seventh day of unleavened bread had come and gone and on the morrow Herod was to bring Peter and mock and slay him before the Jews. Peter was not anxious about the outcome of his imprisonment. His mind and heart were at rest in his Saviour. A few hours before he was scheduled to appear before a murderous assassin he was fast asleep in his cell. So sound asleep was the apostle that neither the appearance of the angel nor the light that shone into his cell awakened him.
375.
How did Herod make special provisions in the imprisonment of Peter?
Evidently the two guards were also fast asleep or else their eyes were holden. It was necessary for the angel to strike Peter to awaken him. When Peter finally opened his eyes he was greeted by his heavenly visitor with the words Rise up quickly. He immediately arose from his sitting position; as he did, the shackles that had bound him to his guards clattered to the floor.
Peter was following the instructions of the angel with no comment, like one in a trance. We shall see later that he thought it was all a vision. Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. The outer garment or cloak had been laid aside and Peter had removed his sandals to give him greater comfort for the night (what a manifestation of commitment to the will of God.) Peter followed the instruction of the angel. The final words of the angel were Cast thy garment about thee and follow me. The first portion of this statement is given to emphasize the second. Peter had already dressed, now the angel says in essence draw your clothes about you to prepare for departure and come follow me.
Acts 12:9-11 As we have said, Peter moved as one in a dream for although he was now following the angel he could not believe it was real. Probably the first and second guards spoken of in verse ten were half of the quaternion that was on guard at the time of the deliverance. The fact that they were enabled to pass by these men without detection bespeaks of some providential intervention. There was yet one barrier between Peter and the streets of Jerusalem, the iron gate which opened into the prison. Upon approaching this gate it began to move of its own accord and opened to permit the two to step out into the street. The angel stayed with Peter until they had passed on through one street (probably referring to a walk of a few blocks distance) until they reached the street on which Mary the mother of John Mark lived.
When the angel left him Peter came to himself. Upon looking about him he could truly lift his face to God and say from his heart Now I know of a truth, that the Lord hath sent forth His angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. While the angel was with him it seemed too good to be true; but now he could rejoice in an unmistakable reality. The phrase the people of the Jews refers to the Sanhedrin or rulers who here are called the people.
376.
Where was the prayer meeting for Peter held?
377.
What did the angel do to awaken Peter?
378.
How is the faith and humility of Peter shown in his imprisonment?
379.
What were the three statements of the angel?
380.
What was the first thought of Peter as to this incident?
381.
Who are the first and second guards spoken of in verse ten?
382.
How could Peter and the angel so easily pass these soldiers?
383.
Why did the angel stay with Peter until they had passed on through one street?
384.
Memorize that wonderful statement of praise and thanks found in Acts 12:11.
c.
At the house of Mary. Acts 12:12-17.
And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together and were praying.
And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a maid came to answer, named Rhoda.
And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for joy, but ran in, and told that Peter stood before the gate.
And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she confidently affirmed that it was even so. And they said, It is his angel.
But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened, they saw him, and were amazed.
But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him forth out of the prison. And he said, Tell these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went to another place.
Acts 12:12-15 What would Peter do now that he was released? This was the thought of his mind as he stood in the darkness of the narrow streets of Jerusalem. He considered his actions well, as we shall discover in the ensuing events. He made his way to the house of Mary the mother of John Mark. Whether Peter knew or not that a prayer meeting for him was here being conducted we do not know.
It might be well to say a word about the manner of construction of the houses of that day. A proper understanding of Acts 12:13-16 is dependent upon this knowledge. There was erected a high fence or barricade some few yards out from the house. This entirely surrounded the home. In this fence there was built a large gate. This was opened for use at times during the day; it was closed and locked at night. In this gate there was built a small door just large enough for the entrance of one person. It was at this small door in the gate that Peter knocked. The young maid named Rhoda who came to answer the knock heard Peter call out; she had probably heard that same voice many times in prayer and preaching and knew it was Peter. She was so full of ecstasy at the thought and sudden realization that she did not even open the gate but immediately turned and ran into the presence of the others bursting with the news that Peter was standing at the gate. We are struck with the strange unbelief of these early Christians, praying for the release of Peter and then when their prayers are answered they are unwilling to accept it. But to pause a moment in reflection will cause us to confess that we, too, have often prayed in the same type of unbelief. Perhaps it was not so much a surprise at the answer to their prayer but rather at the form the answer assumed.
385.
Describe in your own words the construction of the houses in that day and how it relates to the entrance of Peter into the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark.
They offered two explanations for the startling message of the maid: (1) You are mad. She paid no heed to this but only more resolutely stood her ground; (2) It is his angel. That angels are associated with the lives of the saints can be observed from Hebrews 1:14. To this association the disciples alluded in their words to Rhoda.
Acts 12:16-17 All doubt as to who was right was removed when there came echoing into the room the loud knocks and cries of the apostle himself. Imagine the absolute dismay and astonishment that must have filled the hearts of those assembled. They went out to greet him. Before any of them could say a word, Peter motioned for quietness and quickly told them what had happened. He requested that those present tell James and the other brethren of Jerusalem. Then without saying where he was going he departed. The wisdom in not telling where he was going can be immediately seen in view of the fact that soldiers would doubtless be inquiring on the morrow and the disciples could say with all truthfulness that they knew not where he had gone. That James was singled out to be told of the news seems to indicate something of his position of leadership. The account of the 15th chapter and Galatians 1:17-18 bears this thought out.
386.
What was strange about the prayer meeting of these Christians?
387.
What two explanations did the disciples give for Rhoda's strange words? Explain the second.
388.
How were they convinced?
389.
Show the wisdom in the words of Peter upon this occasion.
390.
Why tell James?
d.
The death of the soldiers. Acts 12:18-19 a.
Now as soon as it was day there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the guards, and commanded that they should be put to death.
TYRE.
About eighty-five miles north of Joppa and about thirty miles from Nazareth, Tyre stood originally on the mainland. It was strongly fortified and resisted the siege of Nebuchadnezzar for thirteen years. At a later period the city was built on a small island about half a mile from the shore. On the land side it was protected by a wall 150 ft. high. This new city was taken by Alexander the Great, after a siege of seven months.
Hiram, King of Tyre, was closely connected in business affairs, both with David and Solomon. The destruction of Tyre was in fulfillment of prophecy. Ezekiel the twenty-sixth chapter foretells in detail the destruction of the city by Alexander the Great. The present city of Tyre is not on the location of the ancient city. Jesus visited Tyre. (Matthew 15:21) Paul spent seven days here. Acts 21:3-7. A thriving congregation of Christians was established here in the early days of the church. We do not know who established this church. Every Christian in that first day of the church felt his responsibility to the lost world about him. If Christians today would go everywhere preaching the Word then there would be congregations of believers everywhere.
Acts 12:18-19 a We can add nothing in this account to the graphic words of Luke: Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter? All sixteen soldiers were involved in this incident and many and varied must have been the comments of these men, The guards knew that the inevitable request would be forthcoming. Sure enough it came: Bring forth e prisoner. But he was not to be found. Where he went was a perfect mystery. If there were no prisoner to stand before Herod then the guards would stand in his place. This they did and after an examination in which they could only plead complete ignorance of the circumstances, they were led off to their death. Such treatment of those that displeased him was usual for Herod Agrippa I.
e.
Herod's speech and death at Caesarea. Acts 12:19 b - Acts 12:23,
And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and tarried there.
Now he was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: and they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was fed from the king's country.
And upon a set day Herod arrayed himself in royal apparel, and sat on the throne, and made an oration unto them.
And the people shouted, saying, The voice of a god, and not of a man.
And immediately an angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
But the word of God grew and multiplied.
Acts 12:19 b - Acts 12:20 Maybe the humiliating experience with Peter caused Herod to leave the place of his embarrassment to find satisfaction for his deflated ego, in exerting his authority in Caesarea. Whatever were the motives back of his move, we find him in Caesarea. After a short time in the city he called for a trial of certain persons from the cities of Tyre and Sidon. For one reason or another they had incurred the wrath of Herod. It would not do, however, to seek to establish their position for they were greatly dependent upon the country over which the king ruled for their food. All they wanted was peace. These of the two cities of Phoenicia had a plan where-by they could gain the favor and leniency of Herod. They had secured the friendship of the king's chamberlain or personal servant.
391.
What do you imagine were the words of the soldiers when they discovered the disappearance of Peter?
392.
Should the guards have been put to death? Why were they?
393.
What occasioned the trip of Herod to Caesarea?
Acts 12:21-24 The day for the trial arrived and it was to be no common affair. Herod arrayed himself in his most gorgeous of royal apparel. He pompishly took his place upon the judgment seat. Josephus states that the judgment seat or throne was located in the open air and that Herod was dressed in a dazzling silver robe that reflected the light of the sun. The king had prepared an oration to impress the people with his position and authority. As he spoke, if tradition is to be depended upon, the sun reflecting as it was from his silver cloak, there was given to him an appearance almost supernatural, This accounted for the cry of the people the voice of a god, and not of a man.
It is to be remembered that Herod was partly Jewish. From contemporary history we learn that he was thoroughly acquainted with the laws and customs of the Jews. From this we might say the hand of God was laid upon him because he acted directly against his own knowledge when he accepted the worship of those of Caesarea.
Josephus says that. Herod was seized with violent pains in the bowels, and that he lingered in great torture for five days.
In spite of all these acts of violence and opposition the word found a place in more and more hearts, and each day saw a multiplying of the members of the body of Christ.
394.
Why did the peoples of Tyre and Sidon have Blastus for their friend?
395.
Tell of the traditional account of Herod's oration to those of Tyre and Sidon at Caesarea.
396.
Why could we say that Herod acted contrary to his own conscience in accepting the worship of the people?
397.
What is the meaning of eaten of worms?
6.
BACK TO ANTIOCH. Acts 12:25.
And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministration, taking with them John whose surname was Mark.
A review of the events of Chapter Twelve:
When Barnabas and Saul arrived in Jerusalem to give their offering to those of Judea they found:
1.
James had been beheaded. Acts 12:1-2.
2.
That Peter was imprisoned. They were present at his divine release. Acts 12:3-17.
3.
They no doubt heard of the death of the soldiers. Acts 12:18-19 a.
4.
They probably also heard of the divine vengeance wrought on Herod. Acts 12:12 - Acts 12:19 b - Acts 12:23.
5.
They must have rejoiced with the others in the increase of the word. Acts 12:24.
398.
Give from memory the five points in the outline of the twelfth chapter.
Acts 12:25 Now of two servants of Christ return to Antioch following the distribution of their bounty; taking the young man John Mark as their attendant. Acts 12:25.