Acts Chapter 12.

Acts Chapter 12.

This chapter relates the first official rejection of the Gospel and the attempt to suppress it by political power.  It shows the thoroughness with which the Gospel was rejected at Jerusalem.  The Jews gladly used the political power to destroy the influence of the apostles.  The Jewish king sets out to smash the power of the apostles and is confident that, in doing so, the Jews shall be pleased.  It was an attempt by ruthless suppression to destroy the leaders of the Church.  The king, Herod Agrippa, reigned from 41 to 44 AD.  See B-D. 523.

           

It was the policy of Herod Agrippa to please the Jewish people.  His action in persecuting the Church-leaders formed a climax to the continued impenitence of the Jews.  The king is sure he will enhance his prestige and popularity by persecuting the apostles.  But the king cannot destroy the power of the Risen Lord, who works through his apostles.  The increasing opposition of the Jews, only gave incentive to the mission to the Gentiles.  It would become increasingly clear to all evangelists with vision, that the one course left open was the evangelization of the Gentiles, but they may not have shared the same enthusiastic spirit for the Gentile mission as did Paul and Barnabas.

           

This chapter sets forth the circumstances that led to Peter's disappearance - the man who, until then, had been the chief man in the Church.

           

The Persecution.  12:1-6.   That the king's corrupt and cruel use of power should please the Jews, exposed their moral depravity.  The union of religion and political power is always conducive to persecution.  "A state church or religion" is religious tyranny.

           

Peter's miraculous escape.  12:6-17.   Prayer against politics, power and prison.  The disciples prayed earnestly, but they did not really believe their prayers would be answered.  God proved more generous than their most earnest praying.

           

The Persecuter dies.  12:18-23.   Herod returned from Jerusalem to his capital at Caesarea. B-D. 174.  He wished to become popular with the Jews, but not from true piety before God.  Herod's acceptance of Divine honours from the people disclosed the true state of his heart.  The instance also showed up the moral blindness of the Jews.  Their eagerness to avail themselves of political power to stamp out the Gospel involved them in ascribing divine honours to a man.

           

This disgraceful death of Herod fitted his sin and blasphemy.  "This kind of death is frequently mentioned in ancient writers, especially as having been endured by people who were considered to have richly deserved it." - Bruce.

           

Progress report.  12:24.   Luke frequently introduces a summary of progress.

           

The Word grew.  This was manifested in the expansion of the Church.  Men could not stay the advance of the Word of God.  This triumphant growth and multiplying of the Word stands in contrast to the miserable end of the king with his power which he cruelly used for self-aggrandisement.

           

The task and Mission Completed.  12:25.   See chapter 11:29-30.

           

Personalities of the Chapter.

Mary, the mother of John Mark.   Was this a sister's prayer meeting?

Rhoda.  Her name means rose.  B-D. 1096.

The Two James'.   James, the brother of John.  He was one of the Twelve. 12:2. B-D. 597.  He was the son of Zebedee.  James, the brother of the Lord. 12:17.  See B-D. 597. (3rd James of article).  He had become a recognized leader, and from this time onward, the chief man in the Church at Jerusalem.