Once again, we are given an example of the miraculous work of Jesus in the life of Peter [vv. 6-12]. Throughout the book of Acts, we continue to see God free people from bondage, lead them out of prison, and restore them to freedom in only a way God can.

While in this particular account I want to direct our focus to three axillary points.

First, [vv. 1- 4], the saving grace of Jesus does not equate to prosperity or benefit in this life. We witness the life of James come to a painful end despite his devotion to following Christ. We also see Peter once again thrown in prison, forced to endure hardships.

Second, [vv. 10 - 11], we often recognize the gifts and grace we have been given before we perceive that it was the work of God. I believe that this is a result of the flesh. When God sets us free, He does so with a purpose as we see in the life of Peter later in the chapter. This is because while it is for our good, it is ultimately for Gods glory.

Third, [vv. 12 - 18], sometimes the deepest prayers of our hearts are the hardest ones to believe. We see the church earnestly praying for Peter, but when God delivers they don’t believe! We must take heart and believe that God answers prayers.

[Acts 12.1-18]

James Killed and Peter Imprisoned

12.1 About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. 2 He killed James the brother of John with the sword, 3 and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. 4 And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

Peter Is Rescued

6 Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. 8 And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” 9 And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him. 11 When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”

12 When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. 13 And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 Recognizing Peter’s voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. 15 They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” 16 But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. 17 But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.” Then he departed and went to another place.

18 Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What happens to James?

+ How is Peter delivered? What obstacles are present that would be impossible for man to overcome alone?

+ What is the church doing throughout this section of scripture? (there are multiple answers)

+ What does Peter do when he is freed?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ How do we believe God is supposed to work in our lives? Do we we have an earthly, selfish mindset? Or, do we believe he works for His glory?

+ How—or in what—is the Lord calling you to deeper faith? What are you praying for that you really don’t believe?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who can I confess this sin to?

+ Who is my ‘impossible prayer’ request?

+ Who can I join in prayer with to pray big prayers?

+ Who can I share how God answered an impossible prayer and saved me?