October 11, 2026 - Acts 12

The persecutions continue.  Herod killed James, the brother of John, by the sword.  He threw Peter into prison.  What did the church do?  “So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church” (12:5).  Luke reports that Herod was about to bring Peter out – to question him?  to torture him?  to kill him? – well, we don’t know, but I suspect whatever Herod planned, it was not good.  But remember, the church was praying for Peter!  And the Lord sent an angel to Peter as he slept between two guards, and “he struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, ‘Get up quickly’” (12:7).  And the rest, as they say, is history.  Peter simply walked out of the prison and joined the many disciples who were gathered together and praying (12:12).  Now, Herod went down to Tyre and Sidon and was angry with the people.  He accepted the people’s affirmation of deity and an angel struck him down because of his arrogance and refusal to acknowledge God.  Any lessons, here?  Well, one is that, in times of trouble, we must pray and trust God.  Here, God’s answer was a miracle.  But faith does not require a miracle because genuine belief is rooted in trusting God's word, character, and person rather than demanding visible signs or supernatural displays.   Another?  To stand against God and his people, as did Herod, is a very dangerous thing.

The Son of God goes forth to war,

a kingly crown to gain;

His blood-red banner streams afar!

Who follows in his train?

Who best can drink His cup of woe,

triumphant over pain,

who patient bears his cross below,

he follows in His train.

A glorious band, the chosen few

on whom the Spirit came,

twelve valiant saints, their hope they knew,

and mocked the cross and flame.

They met the tyrant’s brandished steel,

the lion's gory mane;

they bowed their necks the death to feel:

who follows in their train?

O God, to us may grace be giv’n

to follow in their train.   -- Reginald Heber (1812)