September 23, 2024 - Acts 12-14

Thrown into prison by Herod, miraculously freed by God, and returned to the disciples, Peter “described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison” (12:17).  The Lord took care of his own.  On the other hand, when Herod allowed the people to address him as a god, “an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory” (12:23). It’s good to be one of God’s own!

And sort of a summary statement:  “But the word of God increased and multiplied” (12:24).  The “But” seems to be there as a word of contrast, that is, although Herod and others fought against God and his purposes, nevertheless, God’s plans moved ahead.  How did the Psalmist put it?  “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed . . . He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision” (Psalm 1:2,4).

And so, the Lord sent his Holy Spirit to Antioch, and he said to the church there:  “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them” (13:2).  “So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus” and so on.  Let the enemies of the gospel oppose it; still, it moves forward!

Proclaim to ev’ry people, tongue, and nation

that God, in whom they live and move, is love;

tell how he stooped to save his lost creation

and died on earth that they might live above.

Send heralds forth to bear the message glorious,

give of your wealth to speed them on their way;

pour out your soul for them in prayer victorious;

O Christians, haste to bring the brighter day!   -- Mary Ann Thomson (1868)