Persecution by Herod, Peter Delivered from Prison
Acts 12
Acts 12
Acts 12. In this chapter we see vividly contrasted the weakness of man with the power of God, and the efficacy of prayer. James is martyred, and Peter is imprisoned. The saints gather for collective prayer. Then, Peter is miraculously delivered, and Herod is judged. We see in all of it the power of prayer, God’s protection over His servants until their work is through, how His grace works in spite of human unbelief, and how the Word of God advances in the face of opposition. Also, we see in this chapter a continued shift in the testimony from Jerusalem toward the Gentiles.
The Persecution by Herod (12:1-5)
CHAPTER 12
1 At that time Herod the king laid his hands on some of those of the assembly to do them hurt, 2 and slew James, the brother of John, with the sword.
vv.1-2 Herod’s Persecution, and the Martyrdom of James. Herod Agrippa I, motivated by political ambition and eager to gain favor with the Jews, “killed James the brother of John with the sword.” This was the first apostolic martyrdom. This James is specifically identified as the son of Zebedee, brother of John, one of the three apostles (alongside Peter and John) who formed the inner circle closest to Jesus (cf. Matt. 4:21; 17:1). This fulfilled the expectation set by the Lord Jesus, who warned His disciples, “they shall deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you” (Matt. 24:9). Herod was a grandson of Herod the Great, who had sought to kill the infant Jesus (Matt. 2:16), and he was related to Herod Antipas, the tetrarch who ordered the beheading of John the Baptist (Mark 6:17–28). The Herodian family were Idumeans—descended from Edom—thus long-standing adversaries of Jacob’s family. We see in this Herod’s calculated desire to align with Jewish sentiment by persecuting the followers of Jesus. This marks a shift in the opposition faced by the early church—from religious authorities (e.g., the Sanhedrin in Acts 4:1–3; 5:17–18; 6:12; 7:58; 8:1) to a political authority. Herod may also be a type of the end-time Antichrist, who will ally himself with unbelieving Jews to persecute the faithful remnant.
3 And seeing that it was pleasing to the Jews, he went on to take Peter also: (and they were the days of unleavened bread:) 4 whom having seized he put in prison, having delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep, purposing after the passover to bring him out to the people.
vv.3-4 Peter Imprisoned. Seeing the Jews’ approval of James’s death, Herod, emboldened to further acts of wickedness, proceeded to arrest Peter, intending to publicly execute him after Passover. Perhaps this demonstrates the dangerous influence of political expediency overriding justice and righteousness. Herod was totally motivated by ambition. Peter’s arrest occurred during the days of unleavened bread, and Herod, scrupulously observing Jewish customs, deferred any action until after Passover. The hypocrisy is this: he would scrupulously observe Jewish feasts—even one that speaks of holiness in conduct—while harboring cruel intentions. Peter was placed under heavy guard—“four quaternions” of soldiers (sixteen men)—likely because of prior miraculous escapes. For example, in Acts 5:18-20, the apostles were imprisoned but freed by an angel of the Lord. Nevertheless, God allowed Peter’s arrest to demonstrate His sovereignty, as well as power to answer the prayers of His saints.
5 Peter therefore was kept in the prison; but unceasing prayer was made by the assembly to God concerning him.
v.5 Assembly Prayer for Peter. This verse distinguishes between personal and collective intercession. Individual prayer reflects the believer’s personal walk with God (Jam. 5:16), assembly prayer demonstrates the unity and spiritual concern of the gathered saints as united by the Spirit of God. Collective prayer is great spiritual resource for the Church while we await the Lord’s coming. Though sincere and fervent, it was later revealed that their faith that God could answer it was really quite small, as seen when Peter comes to the door. But God answers, not according to the greatness of our faith, but according to His own character, and in response to the fervency of His people!
The Deliverance of Peter (12:6-17)
6 And when Herod was going to bring him forth, that night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards before the door kept the prison. 7 And lo, an angel of the Lord came there, and a light shone in the prison: and having smitten the side of Peter, he roused him up, saying, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off his hands. 8 And the angel said to him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And he did so. And he says to him, Cast thine upper garment about thee and follow me. 9 And going forth he followed him and did not know that what was happening by means of the angel was real, but supposed he saw a vision. 10 And having passed through a first and second guard, they came to the iron gate which leads into the city, which opened to them of itself; and going forth they went down one street, and immediately the angel left him.
vv.6-10 The Angelic Deliverance. The night before Peter’s scheduled execution, an angel awakened him and led him out of prison, past two guards and through an iron gate that opened on its own. Peter thought it was a vision until the angel departed. It is remarkable that Peter was able to sleep soundly enough to need a blow from an angel to awaken him. But then, he could rest peacefully because he had the Lord’s own word that he would die old (John 21). This deliverance was just in time. God’s help often comes at the last possible moment, just before despair. What a witness of the sovereign power of God that works outside the strength of human arms, chains, or iron bars!
11 And Peter, being come to himself, said, Now I know certainly that the Lord has sent forth his angel and has taken me out of the hand of Herod and all the expectation of the people of the Jews. 12 And having become clearly conscious in himself, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was surnamed Mark, where were many gathered together and praying.
vv.11-12 Peter’s Reaction. Realizing his deliverance was real—it seemed to take Peter a moment to realize this was not a vision—he went to Mary’s house where many believers were praying. Mary, the mother of John Mark, is mentioned elsewhere, and she appears to have owned a house spacious enough for gatherings of believers. Mary’s house was likely a main meeting place. Her son, John Mark, was a cousin of Barnabas (Col. 4:10), linking this household to one of the prominent early church leaders. Later, John Mark would become the center of a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas regarding his reliability for ministry (Acts 15:37-39). We see in this prayer meeting how prayer is effectual; God’s providence was at working behind the scenes This moment also reflects a deeper truth about prayer. While the saints had been earnestly praying for Peter’s deliverance, it is often the case that God uses prayer not to align Himself with our desires, but to align our hearts with His will. It is interesting Peter does not return to the temple but seeks another location.
13 And when he had knocked at the door of the entry, a maid came to listen, by name Rhoda; 14 and having recognised the voice of Peter, through joy did not open the entry, but running in, reported that Peter was standing before the entry. 15 And they said to her, Thou art mad. But she maintained that it was so. And they said, It is his angel. 16 But Peter continued knocking: and having opened, they saw him and were astonished. 17 And having made a sign to them with his hand to be silent, he related to them how the Lord had brought him out of prison; and he said, Report these things to James and to the brethren. And he went out and went to another place.
vv.13-17 Peter’s Reception at Prayer Meeting. Rhoda recognized Peter’s voice but wasn’t believed when she reported it. Even as the Church prayed for his release, they were shocked at the answered prayer. How frail our faith often is, to ask and then be surprised when God answers! This really highlights God’s goodness in answering despite their doubts. Peter told the saints gathered in Mary’s home to inform “James and the brethren.” This “James” is the Lord’s brother (Gal. 1:19), not the apostle James the son of Zebedee who had just been martyred (v.2). He would become a key leader in the Jerusalem assembly (Acts 15:13). This shows the transition of leadership among the Jewish believers in Jerusalem and that Peter, having fulfilled his part, “went out and proceeded unto another place”. Peter’s departure likely removed him from the central stage of Jerusalem ministry, although he certainly had much work to do, and still held a places as seen in the Jerusalem council in Acts 15.
The Presumption and Judgment of Herod (12:8-23)
18 And when it was day there was no small disturbance among the soldiers, what then was become of Peter. 19 And Herod having sought him and not found him, having examined the guards, commanded them to be executed. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea and stayed there.
vv.18-19 Herod’s Reaction to Peter’s Deliverance. Herod was furious when Peter was found missing. He ordered the execution of the guards, despite their innocence. This was an unjust cost paid by the soldiers. Herod’s reaction as pride turned to rage after divine intervention foiled his plans, but it shortly regained its previous form, which led to the death of the Idumean king.
20 And he was in bitter hostility with the Tyrians and Sidonians; but they came to him with one accord, and, having gained Blastus the king’s chamberlain, sought peace, because their country was nourished by the king’s. 21 And on a set day, clothed in royal apparel and sitting on the elevated seat of honour, Herod made a public oration to them. 22 And the people cried out, A god’s voice and not a man’s. 23 And immediately an angel of the Lord smote him, because he did not give the glory to God, and he expired, eaten of worms.
vv.20-23 The Judgment of Herod. We find that where pride turned to rage at Peter’s escape, here hostility toward those of Tyre and Sidon turns to an opportunity for Herod’s pride to flourish again! In Caesarea, Herod delivered a speech and accepted honor that was only due to God. Because he did not give glory to God, an angel struck him, and he died, eaten by worms. Herod’s Jewish piety was really a sham—he who tried to appear religious fell under divine judgment. We see in this God’s jealousness of His own glory, His protective care over His people, and His government on their persecutors. This account is a total contrast with that of Josephus, who dramatized it to a great extent. Luke gives only the that which is necessary to affect the conscience.1
Barnabas and Saul Return to Jerusalem (12:24-25)
24 But the word of God grew and spread itself.
v.24 The Word Multiplies and Spreads. Thus, while Herod’s efforts against the work of God were withering, “the word of God grew and multiplied.” This is a triumph of divine grace! Despite intense persecution, the gospel flourished Such is the unstoppable advance of God’s Word.
25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, having fulfilled the service entrusted to them, taking also with them John, surnamed Mark.
v.25 Barnabas and Saul Return to Jerusalem. After faithfully fulfilling their mission to bring relief to the saints in Jerusalem, Barnabas and Saul returned to Antioch, taking John Mark with them. We see the humility of Saul and Barnabas in serving materially, when they were two of the ablest gifts given to the church. they brought John Mark with them, which was a real privilege for him.
- “Now when Agrippa had reigned three years over all Judea, he came to the city Cesarea, which was formerly called Strato’s Tower; and there he exhibited shows in honor of Caesar, upon his being informed that there was a certain festival celebrated to make vows for his safety. At which festival a great multitude was gotten together of the principal persons, and such as were of dignity through his province. On the second day of which shows he put on a garment made wholly of silver, and of a contexture truly wonderful, and came into the theater early in the morning; at which time the silver of his garment being illuminated by the fresh reflection of the sun’s rays upon it, shone out after a surprising manner, and was so resplendent as to spread a horror over those that looked intently upon him; and presently his flatterers cried out, one from one place, and another from another, (though not for his good,) that he was a god; and they added, “Be thou merciful to us; for although we have hitherto reverenced thee only as a man, yet shall we henceforth own thee as superior to mortal nature.” Upon this the king did neither rebuke them, nor reject their impious flattery. But as he presently afterward looked up, he saw an owl sitting on a certain rope over his head, and immediately understood that this bird was the messenger of ill tidings, as it had once been the messenger of good tidings to him; and fell into the deepest sorrow. A severe pain also arose in his belly, and began in a most violent manner…And when he had been quite worn out by the pain in his belly for five days, he departed this life”. – Josephus. Antiquities of the Jews. Chapter 19, Chapter 8, Section 2.