August 25, 2024 - Acts 12:6-18

---

                                                                                                     August 25, 2024

Acts 12:6-18

Lessons Learned

by Wayne Gaeddert

1. The Herod in this chapter is Herod Agrippa I, a grandson of Herod the Great who ruled when Jesus was born.

2. Herod Agrippa I was appointed by Rome as ruler in Judea from 41 AD–44 AD. (Acts 12:20-23 describes his death.)

3. Herod Agrippa I observed the Law of Moses and aided the Jews who saw Christianity as a threat to Judaism.

4. In verse 2 the James that was killed is the Apostle James.

5. In verse 17, Peter is referring to James the half-brother of Jesus, who was the leader of the Jerusalem church.

6. Earnest intercessory prayer is more powerful and effective than protest.

7. When you experience a miraculous reversal of circumstances, make sure people understand God has intervened to bring about the change.

8. God does his best work when the situation is humanly impossible.

9. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.  James 5:16

10. Herod Agrippa I was willing to sacrifice truth and justice for popularity. H. A. Ironside

11. Evil men will use believers as pawns to gain approval from others.

12. “Peter had less trouble exiting the gates of the prison than entering the gates of the church!” Dr. Bradley Chance

13. God is not limited by a prison cell.

14. Spiritual leaders are the target of the enemies of Jesus. Therefore, it is imperative that you pray for your spiritual leaders.

15. Those gathered to pray were surprised by how God answered their prayer.

16. Does fear of persecution prevent you from being bold for Jesus?

17. We should ask ourselves the following questions: Does our life give evidence of a close relationship with Jesus Christ? Would we be identified as a Spiritual threat to the status quo? Dr. Don Laughlin

18. For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.

Psalm 91:11 NKJV

19. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

20. Application:

• Although the believers gathered at the house were slow to believe their prayer was answered, we can learn from their diligence of praying through the night for Peter.

• Don’t be surprised by how God chooses to answer your prayer.

• Peter was quick to give God the glory for being rescued from prison before he left town.