KING HEROD. _Herod Agrippa._ See note on Matthew 2:1. Herod ruled all of Palestine. Even though he lived a wicked life, he was very strict in following Jewish ritual. He was hostile to Christianity, because he saw it competing with Judaism.... [ Continue Reading ]
JAMES, THE BROTHER OF JOHN. One of the three apostles who had formed the "inner circle" with Jesus. James was _beheaded._ [James the Lord's brother appears in Acts after this (_see also_ Galatians 1:19). He is the one who wrote the book of James.]... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEN HE SAW THAT THIS PLEASED THE JEWS. This was the time for Passover, and a large number of Jews would be in Jerusalem for the Feast. He was looking for honor and popularity from them, and probably did not think too much about pleasing God.... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT THE PEOPLE OF THE CHURCH. The _church_ is PEOPLE, and they joined together in prayer, asking God to help Peter in this problem. Prayer is much more powerful than we sometimes think. Compare James 5:16-18; Revelation 8:3-4; Romans 8:26.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE NIGHT BEFORE. Putting a man to death on Passover week, would have been a _defiling_ of those holy days. PETER WAS SLEEPING BETWEEN TWO GUARDS. He was chained to each of them, while the other two stood guard. This was the Roman way to maintain security.... [ Continue Reading ]
SUDDENLY AN ANGEL OF THE LORD. This is God's answer to the prayer of his people. Notice Peter has time to get dressed.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THOUGHT HE WAS SEEING A VISION. That is, he thought he was dreaming. THE GATE OPENED FOR THEM BY ITSELF. The outer gate of the prison. NOW I KNOW. After the angel leaves him outside on the street, he decides it is real.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE WENT TO THE HOME OF MARY. She is the mother of John Mark [who is the cousin of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10).] Many people had gathered there and were praying for the release of Peter.... [ Continue Reading ]
A SERVANT GIRL NAMED RHODA. This was at night, and they were Christians. The one at the door could be either friend or enemy, as far as they knew. SHE RECOGNIZED PETER'S VOICE. She is so happy she runs back without opening the door! IT IS HIS ANGEL. The Jews believed everyone had a personal angel to... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEN MORNING CAME. The soldiers guarding Peter were probably asleep [at least the two chained to him], and did not find him missing until they woke up. HEROD GAVE ORDERS TO SEARCH FOR HIM. Herod is angry, he has the guards questioned, and orders them to be put to death. AND SPENT SOME TIME IN CAESAR... [ Continue Reading ]
HEROD WAS VERY ANGRY. We do not know why. FIRST THEY WON BLASTUS. The people from Tyre and Sidon probably bribed this man, who was in charge of the palace, and so able to influence Herod.... [ Continue Reading ]
ON A CHOSEN DAY. This implies it was some special occasion. Josephus the Jewish historian tells about all this.... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT A GOD. This is the second day of the Games. Herod is dressed in robes of silver cloth, and he stands so the sun will flash and sparkle from his robes. It may be that he announced peace with Tyre and Sidon, and the group from there led the crowd in shouting that he was a god.... [ Continue Reading ]
STRUCK HEROD DOWN. _Josephus_ says he lived five days in great agony. This agrees with what Luke tells us.... [ Continue Reading ]
CONTINUED TO SPREAD. The excitement of all that was happening helped to make people listen. Note how the word of God continued to spread so rapidly among people who were no more spiritual than people are today.... [ Continue Reading ]
FINISHED THEIR MISSION. Acts 11:30 tells what this mission was. TAKING JOHN MARK WITH THEM. He will go with Paul and Barnabas on their next tour of missions.... [ Continue Reading ]