Study notes

Acts 12

Introducing ActsWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

12:1–5

Jesus had prophesied that his followers would experience persecution and difficulty (Luke 11:49–51). For the first time since his death, Roman authorities acted violently against the church. James, the brother of John, was among the first disciples Jesus called (Mark 1:16–20; Luke 5:1–11). He was one of the first Christians killed because of his faith.
King Herod Agrippa took action to intentionally harm the church (Acts 12:20–23). It is possible that doing this was meant to strengthen his political alignment with the Jewish people. The letter of James, the brother of Jesus, was probably written after this persecution effort to the Christians who were scattered (see 8:1–4; James Book Introduction, “Date of Writing”).

12:1–17 Section

Believers who shared the good news about Jesus in Jerusalem faced danger. They were treated badly and put in jail. Some were put to death. This happened to James the apostle.

King Herod Agrippa I had James arrested and put to death during the Passover Feast. Jesus had also died during that feast. Some of the Jews were happy when James was killed. So Herod arrested Peter and planned to have him killed too. But God sent an angel to set Peter free from prison.

Rhoda was a believer who worked as a servant. She was so happy that Peter was set free. In her joy she forgot to let him into the house where the believers were gathered. The believers were amazed at how God had answered their prayers for Peter. God had done something that seemed impossible.

12:4

Herod had Peter guarded by four squads of soldiers, making it impossible for the apostle to escape (compare 12:6). God was in control, even though the circumstances seemed impossible for humans to overcome (compare 4:27–31; Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17, 27; Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27; Luke 1:37; 18:27).

12:5

the church was fervently praying: God answers the earnest prayers of his people (12:6–17; see Luke 11:1–13; 18:1–8; compare Matthew 7:7–11; John 15:7; Philippians 4:6–7; James 5:16; 1 John 3:22).

12:6–19

God, through an angel, guided Peter out of prison. Peter reunited with his praying friends, and God sent him to continue proclaiming the good news about Jesus. The message advanced by God's power, even when the church and apostles faced strong opposition and discouragement.

12:7–11

See “Angels” Theme Note.

12:12

Mary, the mother of John Mark, had a home where Christians often gathered. John Mark later worked with Barnabas and Saul to spread the gospel (12:25).

12:13–17

Rhoda was very surprised when Peter appeared, so she left him standing at the closed door. She and the other Christians thought God's answer to their prayers was amazing (12:5).

12:18–23

When Peter was missing after a thorough search, Herod questioned the guards and executed them (see 16:27). However, Herod himself then experienced a painful death. God punished him for his pride when he accepted the people's worship. The ancient Jewish historian Josephus provides more details about the death of Herod Agrippa I (Josephus, Antiquities 19.8.1–2).

12:18–24 Section

Herod Agrippa I continued to oppose God and the believers. He had tried to stop the church by making the believers suffer. He killed people who had done nothing wrong.

This was the case with James the apostle and for Peter’s prison guards. And Herod didn’t honour God as the true Ruler. Instead, he let people praise him as if he were a god. God stopped him. He suffered a painful death.

God also made his plans against the believers fail. As the good news spread, more and more people became part of the church.

12:24–25

Herod died from a terrible illness (12:23). Meanwhile, the Christian church continued to grow and share the message of the gospel freely (28:31).

12:25–13:12 Section

The group of leaders in the church at Antioch in Syria faithfully worshipped God. They would go without food in order to pray.

Fasting helped them to listen to the Holy Spirit and to be ready to obey. The leaders all placed their hands on Barnabas and Saul as a way of blessing them. This helped prepare them for the work the Spirit gave them to do.

Saul and Barnabas began a journey to share the good news about Jesus. Saul was the apostle’s name in the Hebrew language. His name in the Greek language was Paul. From that point on Luke called him Paul.

The journey with Barnabas was the first of Paul’s journeys. They started from Antioch in Syria and John Mark went with them.

As they travelled and preached God’s word, Paul and Barnabas met a magician. He tried to stop them from spreading the message about Jesus. Paul recognised that the magician served the devil. The Holy Spirit gave Paul power to stop the magician. The power of the Holy Spirit is stronger than the power of evil spiritual beings.

Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources