Acts 11 — Peter Reports to the Church, The Church in Antioch
Acts 12 — James Killed and Peter Imprisoned, Peter is Rescued
Thoughts about serving others
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Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.
The first part of chapter 11, Acts 11:1-18, is a great testimony for all of us to hear. Leaders in Jerusalem started to criticize Peter for his behavior and said, “you went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them” (11:2). Peter responds by giving them the details of the event. Here’s what’s remarkable: they listened! “When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, ‘So then, even the Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.'” (11:18). I pray that we will be people who are willing to hear explanations for actions, not so quick to jump to conclusions! Help me to be passionate enough to be a critical thinking, but not so passionate that I’m not willing to listen to others. Please keep my ears open and increase my ability to discern your voice!!
NOTE: “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch” (11:26). One of those Bible trivia questions you don’t want to miss! 🙂
In chapter 12, “James, the brother of John, [was] put to death with the sword” (12:2) by Herod (descendant of Herod the Great). Further, Peter was arrested and imprisoned: “Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover” 12:4). An angel appears and miraculously leads Peter out of the prison. Apparently, God wasn’t done with Peter’s time on earth just yet! Sadly, the guards were executed at Herod’s orders for their mistake (12:19), even though they were innocent. Peter was wise enough to keep people calm, but made sure “the other brothers and sisters [heard] about this” (12:17) as he slipped out and went elsewhere. Not being afraid, just being wise. This had to be hard for Peter. He was one prone to speak up, biased toward being loud. Another lesson for me: know when to be quiet and just leave “for another place” (12:17).
Herod continues down his arrogant ways until he makes the mistake of accepting praise from his followers which implied he was a god: “they shouted, ‘this is the voice of a god, not of a man.’ Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord stuck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.” (12:22-23). The Christians aren’t gloating over Herod’s demise, but I’m sure there was great relief. At the end of this story Luke adds, “But the word of God continued to spread and flourish” (Acts 12:24).