November 20: Acts 11-12

Acts Continued…

November 20, Acts 11-12

Acts 11 Peter reports to the Church. Peter had gone up to Jerusalem and when he got there, he received some heavy criticism in regards to how he spent time with uncircumcised men and ate with them. They were still under the mindset that those people were dirty and to not be affiliated with. But when he tells them about the vision that God gave him and how there was nothing unclean, including people, it was a game changer for him. Then he told them about Cornelius’ house being saved and the Spirit and their baptisms… “When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” That is the proper response, Glorify God! The story of God giving Peter a vision is important - so important that Luke repeats it here in full summary. We can declare things unworthy or unclean if God has not. Peter obeyed God and went to them, even though he thought otherwise at the time. But just look at how God worked it all out!

The Church in Antioch. Remember, many are scattered around because of all the persecution going on. The quick summary is provided here by Bakers commentary, “Refugees from Jerusalem proclaim the gospel to Jews in Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. But a few from Cyprus and Cyrene also preach the good news about Jesus to the Greeks in Antioch. As a result, many of them believe. The news concerning the growth of the church in Antioch comes to the attention of the Jerusalem church. Barnabas is delegated to go to Antioch. When he arrives, he rejoices in the evident grace of God. He goes to Tarsus in search of Paul, who accompanies him to Antioch. These two teach the believers for an entire year. The church increases numerically and the disciples are called Christians first in Antioch.” A couple of additional notes - this is when people were first called Christians. It was not a complimentary term to be called that. It was actually a label. The good thing is, they now had an identity if you will - they were now a group.

Acts 12 Herod killing. “About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword, and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also.” James, the brother of John was killed by Herod and the people liked it. Herod was a people pleaser and when he saw that this was pleasing the Jews, he wanted to keep the momentum up. He had Peter arrested and had him under maximum security, literally tied up to soldiers. What does this look like in the bigger picture? “So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.” God’s people were praying and praying shows that we trust God and we need God. Peter was to go on trial the next day, but God had other plans for Peter…

Peter is rescued by God. This is the miraculous God that we serve. This story is so cool, I want to repost it here. “Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. 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. 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.” 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. 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. 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.” Picture the scene. In prison, bound to soldiers and angel hits you and wakes you up! Peter obeyed the angel and next thing you know, he is walking out! The angel guided Peter out by God’s Grace and plan! When Peter came to his senses, he went to where some people were praying for him. Many were praying and a servant girl named Rhoda came and answered the door that Peter was standing it and knocking on. “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. 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!” But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed.” She was overjoyed with excitement. The ‘adults’ didn't believe her. Those that were praying for a miracle didn't expect it. We need to expect God to work in miraculous ways. When it happens, thank God that it did! Peter told them what had happened and then took off to another place. The next day Herod examined the situation and the soldiers that were guarding Peter were killed by Herod. 

The Death of Herod. This story is crazy! “On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.” All glory goes to God. For Herod, he was killed and eaten by worms. 

To sum it all up: 

• When God tells you to do something, obey - even if you think it doesn't make sense. God has a plan…
• All glory must go to God. Here we have a story of a man taking the glory and he was killed for it. Seem extreme? How do you feel when you do something great and another takes the credit for it? That is my earthly mind, but I think you get the picture…