October 26, 2025

ACTS: POWER SOURCE

October 26, 2025

Matt Willmington

Today we finish our series of the first half of the Book of Acts, stopping at Chapter 12. Chapters 13-28 are being studied in church groups. As we end Chapter 12, we see the church spreading from Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, going toward the ‘ends of the earth.’ Persecution by King Herod Agrippa was wreaking havoc. He killed James, the brother of John, then, seeing this pleased the Jews, he imprisoned Peter, planning to kill him after the Passover. Because the believers united in constant prayer, Peter was able to walk out of the prison during the night, accompanied by an angel. After greeting the believers so they knew he had escaped, he went elsewhere, eluding Herod. These believers in Jerusalem had learned the effectiveness of prayer, and the value of unity.

Focal Passages: Acts 12

Herod persecutes the apostles (AD 44):

  • Read Acts 12:1-4. Acts 12 is happening 10 or 13 years after Jesus’ crucifixion. What had been some of the trials the church had been undergoing in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria in those years? What was Herod Agrippa’s relationship to Herod the Great, who tried to kill baby Jesus? Had the church continued to grow after Jesus’ death?
  • Stephen’s death had been about 8 years prior. In Acts 9, after Saul had been saved and quit persecuting the church, did it experience a time of peace? Had the Jerusalem church grown during those intervening years?
  • Why did Herod want to kill James, the brother of John? Which Jews do you think were pleased with the death of James? Could this have been a political move on Herod’s part to gain popularity with the Jewish leaders? How did it affect the church in Jerusalem?

God delivers Peter to a praying church:

  • Read Acts 12:5-11. Peter was several days in the prison—what was Herod waiting for? What were the believers doing during this time? Having just lost James, how do you think they were feeling about the possibility of Peter dying also?
  • Was Peter alone in the prison? How many men were watching him? What happened while he was sleeping?
  • What was miraculous about the angel? What did he have with him? Was Peter sleeping rather soundly? How do you know? Why did the angel have to give him orders? Did Peter think this was really happening? Why not?
  • How many miracles were listed in these few verses? How did Peter know his actions were real? Whom did he think he was delivered from? Would his memories of the experience Jesus had with the Jewish leaders have been vivid? What would he be feeling at the end of verse 11?
  • Read verses 12-19. Peter apparently had to reason where everyone would be. Why did he figure Mary, the mother of John Mark, would have a gathering at her house? What were the believers doing?
  • Who was Rhoda? What age might she have been in this culture, to be considered a young servant girl? Why would her reaction to Peter cause you to think she may have been possibly a pre-teen? What did Peter have to do?
  • What an amazing time of short fellowship! Which James is mentioned in verse 17? Why did Luke not say where Peter went (vs. 17)? What happened to the guards at the prison?
  • What are several things the church—or believers—can learn from Peter’s experience?

God judges prideful Herod:

  • Read Acts 12:20-25. What was Herod’s circumstances in verses 20-21? What were the people shouting?
  • Can you think of New Testament passages where the apostles or other were worshipped as a god? What were the responses of those men? How did Herod respond?
  • What was Herod’s end? Do we ever take personal credit for something that was done by God?
  • Read verses 24-25. What was happening to the church in this passage? What later was significant about Barnabas and Mark?

Close:  LESSONS WE CAN LEARN:

As Pastor Matt closed this sermon, he spoke of the five main characters in today’s sermon and likened our spiritual walk to any of them. They are lessons we can all take to heart.

James: James, the brother of John (who still lived another fifty+ years), was the third apostle chosen by Jesus. He led the Jerusalem church after the resurrection and no doubt looked forward to many years of serving Jesus. His life was cut short, but he is alive and well in heaven. HOW YOUR CHAPTER ENDS IS NOT HOW YOUR STORY ENDS.  

Peter: Peter was cast in prison with many men guarding him. An angel released him to serve God many more years.WHEN HEROD THREATENS AND THE NIGHT IS DARK, HEAVEN WILL HELP AND GOD WILL DELIVER!  

Rhoda: Rhoda, a young servant girl, was serving God through her actions. She was so glad to see Peter that her joy caused her a moment of distraction. We can all get caught up in the joy of serving Christ. DON’T LET PEOPLE SQUELCH YOUR JOY! TESTIFY OF GOD’S TRUTH! 

Mary’s House: Use those things God has blessed you with for His glory! Use every available moment to pray or praise God for His blessings. ENJOY GOD’S SURPRISES, BUT DON’T DOUBT HIS ANSWER. FAITH OPENS THE DOOR.

Herod: Pride can take anyone down. Don’t let pride rule in your life. Humble yourself in the sight of God and He will life you up! POWER DOWN OR FACE GOD’S POWER.

By Sandy Day

October 26, 2025

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