Pastor's Sermon Notes: Be wise now therefore, O ye kings (Acts 12:20-25)

Be wise now therefore, O ye kings

Acts 12:20-25

²⁰ And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country. ²¹ And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. ²² And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. ²³ And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. ²⁴ But the word of God grew and multiplied. ²⁵ And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

Outline:

I.  The Divine Execution of Herod Agrippa I (12:20-23)

II.  The Effective Spread of the Word of God (12:24)

III.  The Successful Mission of the Team from Antioch (12:25)

I.  The Divine Execution of Herod Agrippa I (12:20-23)

²⁰ And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country. ²¹ And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. ²² And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. ²³ And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.[1]

Psalm 2 - 1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, 3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. 4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. 5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. 6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. 7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. 8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. 10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Psalm 110 - 1 A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. 2 The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. 3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. 4 The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. 5 The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath. 6 He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries. 7 He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head.

Revelation 19:11-16 - 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12  His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

II.  The Effective Spread of the Gospel (12:24)

But the word of God grew and multiplied.

Is. 55:11 - So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Ac. 2:47 - Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Ac. 6:7 - And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Ac. 9:31 - Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Ac. 11:21 - And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

Ac. 13:49 - And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.

Ac. 14:1 - And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

Ac. 16:5 - And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Ac. 19:20 - So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

III.  The Successful Mission of the Antiochan Team (12:25)

And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem,[2] when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

Barnabas

Ac. 4:36 - And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

[Ac. 9:27 - But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

Ac. 11:22 - Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

Ac. 11:27-30 - 27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

Ac. 13:1ff., 13 - ¹ Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

² As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

¹³ Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

Ac. 13-15

1 Cor. 9:6 - Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?

Gal. 2:1, 9, 13 - 1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.

9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.

John Mark

Ac. 12:12 - And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

Ac. 15:37 - And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.

Col. 4:10 - Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

2 Tim. 4:11 - Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

Phile. 24 - Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

1 Pet. 5:13 - The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.

Offerings for the Jerusalem Church

Ac. 24:17 - Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

Rom. 15:25-28, 31 - 25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. 26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. 27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. 28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. 31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;

1 Cor. 16:1 - Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

2 Cor. 8:3-6 - 3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; 4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. 6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

Gal. 2:10 - Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

Conclusion:

"God of our fathers, known of old— Lord of our far-flung battle line— Beneath whose awful hand we hold Dominion over palm and pine— Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget—lest we forget! The tumult and the shouting dies— The Captains and the Kings depart— Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice, An humble and a contrite heart. Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget—lest we forget! Far-called our navies melt away— On dune and headland sinks the fire— Lo, all our pomp of yesterday Is one with Nineveh and Tyre! Judge of the Nations, spare us yet, Lest we forget—lest we forget!

If, drunk with sight of power, we loose Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe— Such boastings as the Gentiles use, Or lesser breeds without the Law— Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget—lest we forget! For heathen heart that puts her trust In reeking tube and iron shard— All valiant dust that builds on dust, And guarding calls not Thee to guard. For frantic boast and foolish word, Thy Mercy on Thy People, Lord! Amen."[3]

The tumult and the shouting dies—
The Captains and the Kings depart—
Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice,
An humble and a contrite heart.
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget!

Mt. 25:14-23 - 14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. 16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21  His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22  He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

[Sermon preached 30 MAR 2014 by Pastor John T. “Jack” Jeffery at Wayside Gospel Chapel, Greentown, PA.]

Resources:

G. K. Beale and D. A. Carson, eds., Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007), pp. 513-606.

Darrell L. Bock, Acts, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, eds. Robert W. Yarbrough and Robert H. Stein (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007).

                                                  

F. F. Bruce, The Acts of the Apostles: The Greek Text with Introduction and Commentary, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1951, 1952).

I. Howard Marshall, Acts: An Introduction And Commentary, Vol. 5 in Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, gen. ed. Leon Morris (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1980; 2008 reprint).

David G. Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, The Pillar New Testament Commentaries, gen. ed. D. A. Carson (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2009).

John B. Polhill, Acts, Vol. 26 in The New American Commentary, gen. ed. David S. Dockery (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, Publishers, 1992).

Eckhard J. Schnabel, Acts, Vol. 5 in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, gen. ed. Clinton E. Arnold (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012).

William H. Willimon, Acts, in Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching, series ed. James Luther Mays, New Testament ed. Paul J. Achtemeier (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010).

Resources on “Herod”:[4]

E. M. Blaiklock, “Herod”, in The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary, gen ed. Merrill C. Tenney, rev. ed. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1963, 1964, 1967), pp. 348-352.

Frederick Fyvie Bruce, “Herod”, in The New Bible Dictionary, eds. J. D. Douglas, F. F. Bruce, J. I. Packer, R. V. G. Tasker, and D. J. Wiseman (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1962), pp. 521-523.

Henry E. Dosker, “Herod”, in The Classic Bible Dictionary, ed. Jay P. Green, Sr. (Lafayette, IN: Sovereign Grace Trust Fund, 1988), pp. 524-528.

Henry E. Dosker, “Herod”, in The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, 1915 ed., ed. J. Edwin Orr (Albany, OR: Ages Software, 1999); on International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Online at http://www.internationalstandardbible.com/H/herod.html [accessed 24 MAR 2014].

Arthur Cayley Headlam, “Herod”, in A Dictionary of the Bible,  Dealing with its Language, Literature, and Contents, Including the Biblical Theology, ed. James Hastings, 5 vols. (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, n.d.; 1988 reprint ed. of 1898 orig. by T&T Clark, Edinburgh), 2:353-362; on Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/hastings/dictv2/Page_353.html [accessed 24 MAR 2014].

Harold W. Hoehner, “Herod, Herodian Family”, in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible, eds. W. A. Elwell and B. J. Beitzel (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1988), pp. 964-972.

Joachim Jeremias, Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus, trans. F. H. Cave and C. H. Cave (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1969; from Jerusalem zur Zeit Jesu, 3rd ed., Gottingen, Germany: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 1962), pp. 11-12, 94, 98, 331-334, 366-367.

A. N. Sherwin-White, Roman Society and Roman Law in the New Testament: The Sarum Lectures 1960-1961 (Oxford: Clarendon, 1963; Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2004).

Edwin M. Yamauchi, “Archaelogy and the New Testament”, in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, gen. ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, Vol. 1, Introductory Articles (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1979), pp. 649-652.

---

[1] “The same word is used of worm-eaten crops. Neither Josephus nor Acts provides sufficient detail to make a proper medical diagnosis. Many suggestions have been offered—a ruptured appendix, arsenic poisoning, or tapeworms (see E. M. Merrins, “The Deaths of Antiochus IV, Herod the Great, and Herod Agrippa I,” BibSac 61 [1904]: 561f). As his title suggests, those former villains of Jewish history, Antiochus Epiphanes and Herod the Great, also died in a “worm-eaten” state according to Josephus.”

John B. Polhill, Acts, Vol. 26 in The New American Commentary, gen. ed. David S. Dockery (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, Publishers, 1992), pg. 285, note 162. 

Cp. also the following noncanonical sources: 1) Apocrypha - 1 Macc. 7:41-44; Sir. 48:21; Judith 16:17; 2 Macc. 9:9; 2) and especially Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews 19:343-352.

[2] On the textual variants concerning the preposition here, the Nestle-Aland 27th ed., the Byzantine Textform, and the Majority Text 2nd ed., all agree that the evidence favors εἰς over the other two prepositional variants, ἐκ and ἀπὸ.  See Bruce M. Metzger, A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament: A Companion Volume to the United Bible Societies' Greek New Testament (third edition) (Stuttgart, Germany: United Bible Societies, 1971), pp. 398-400; Eberhard Nestle, Erwin Nestle, Barbara Aland, Kurt Aland, Johannes Karavidopoulos, Carlo M. Martini, and Bruce M. Metzger, Novum Testamentum Graece, 27th ed. (Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1898, 1993), pg. 357; Maurice A. Robinson and William G. Pierpont, The New Testament in the Original Greek: Byzantine Textform 2005 (Southborough, MA: Chilton Book Publishing, 2005), pg. 279; and The Greek New Testament According to the Majority Text, 2nd ed., ed. Zane C. Hodges, Arthur L. Farstad, et al. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1985), pg. 416.  For more on this textual issue, and also how it is handled by the translations see the “Whither Barnabas and Saul? To and/or Fro? Texts and Translations for Acts 12:25,

and “the least unsatisfactory decision”” (posted 8 APR 2014), on Wayside Gospel Chapel at http://waysidegospelchapel.blogspot.com/2014/04/whither-barnabas-and-saul-to-andor-fro.html [accessed 8 APR 2014].

[3] Rudyard Kipling, "Recessional" (1897).

[4] These sources on Herod are from a footnote in the sermon notes from 23 MAR 2014 posted on Wayside Gospel Chapel  at  http://waysidegospelchapel.blogspot.com/2014/03/pastors-sermon-notes-herod-attacks.html [accessed 8 APR 2014].

Pastor's Sermon Notes: Herod Attacks the Apostles (Acts 12:1-19)

Herod Attacks the Apostles

Acts 12:1-19

 

¹ Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

 ² And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. ³ And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

 ⁴ And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

 ⁵ Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. ⁶ And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. ⁷ And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. ⁸ And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

 ⁹ And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. ¹⁰ When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. ¹¹ And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. ¹² And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. ¹³ And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. ¹⁴ And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. ¹⁵ And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. ¹⁶ But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. ¹⁷ But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place. ¹⁸ Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. ¹⁹ And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.

Introduction:

Survey the major events from Acts 1-11 bringing Herod, the Jews, the Apostles, and the Church to this point in their relationships and responses.  Consider what precipitated this sequence of events.

Outline:

I.  Apostolic Arrests (12:1-5) - Herod murders James and plans to murder Peter

II.  Angelic Assistance (12:6-10) - Peter miraculously released from prison

III.  Allies Astonished (12:11-16) - Peter left standing at the gate

IV.  Agrippa Aggravated (12:17-19) - Peter’s disappearance results in executions

I.  Apostolic Arrests (12:1-5) - Herod murders James and plans to murder Peter

¹ Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

 ² And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. ³ And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

 ⁴ And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

 ⁵ Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

1.  Herod[1]

This is the grandson of Herod the Great, and the fourth of the “Herods” mentioned in the New Testament.  He had himself been imprisoned in Rome at one time.  He was educated with the Emperor, and had won a degree of favor with the Jews as he consolidated his political power.  He could trace a line of descent on his father’s side from Idumeans, “the Hellenistic name for Edom and southern Judaea” who “were always suspect…in the eyes of the Jews”,[2]and considered to be “half-Jews”.[3]

 2.  James

One of the three “inner circle” Apostles consisting of Peter, James and John.

 3.  because he saw it pleased the Jews

Herod was the consummate politician.

 4.  the days of unleavened bread

It would have been offensive to the Jews to execute someone during the feast.

5.  four quarternions of soldiers

Four squads of four soldiers each for six hour shifts, two in the cell on each side of the prisoner, and two outside the cell door, one on each side.

6.  Easter  - This is an inexcusable and indefensible bad “translation”! Indeed, it is not a translation at all, and hardly qualifies even as a dynamic equivalent due to following:  1) the inherent anachronism, 2) the covenantal discontinuity between the Jewish Passover and the Christian celebration of the crucifixion of Christ, and, 3) what many refer to as “Easter” corresponds neither to the Jewish Passover nor the crucifixion since it is the celebration of the resurrection of Christ.  There was no such thing as “Easter” at this time, and certainly not among the Jews of the 1st century!  Any one of these objections would be sufficient to rule out this translation.  Therefore, in agreement with all translations since the 1611 KJV, “Passover” is the only valid English rendering!  Furthermore, what many find offensive about the term is its Old English basis in ancient idolatrous beliefs.[4]  This would have been equally offensive to both the first century Jews still observing the Passover, and the early Christians. This is one of those times when I am reading the King James translation publicly when I do not hesistate to correct it![5]

The stage is now set for an episode that has been described as “…one of the most delightful and engaging narratives in all of Acts”, the two scenes of which are “related with consummate artistry….a vivid, almost comic touch….entertaining….and also a decidedly dramatic effect.”[6]

II.  Angelic Assistance (12:6-10) - Peter miraculously released from prison

 ⁶ And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. ⁷ And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. ⁸ And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.  ⁹ And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. ¹⁰ When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

Picture this!

1.  The opening scene (12:6)

2.  The angelic smiting (12:7a-c)

3.  The angelic instuctions (12:7d-8) - 5 instructions: 

1)  Arise up quickly (12:7d)

2)  Gird thyself (12:8b)

3)  bind on thy sandals (12:8c)

4)  Cast thy garment about thee  (12:8f)

5)  follow me (12:8g)

4.  The assumed vision (12:9)

5.  The four passages (12:10)

1)  the first ward

2)  the second ward

3)  the iron gate

4)  the first street

III.  Allies Astonished (12:11-16) - Peter left standing at the gate

 ¹¹ And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. ¹² And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. ¹³ And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. ¹⁴ And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. ¹⁵ And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. ¹⁶ But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. ¹⁷ But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

If you were going to fabricate a myth about the legitimacy of Christianity would you have made the believers seem so foolish and unbelieving? 

This is not about the wonderful faith and perceptive responses of the saints!  Certainly not!

This is about the victorious and undeniable power of the risen and ascended Christ on behalf of His people.  He is building His Church!  He will build His Church!  The gates of hell shall not prevail against it!

Consider the various elements of this wonderful event:

1.      Peter pondering between the prison and the house (12:11)

2.      Peter’s arrival at the house (12:12)

3.      Peter’s knock at the door of the gate (12:13)

4.      Rhoda did not open the gate (12:14)

5.      The response to Rhoda (12:15)

6.      Peter left standing before the gate (12:15)

7.      Peter still knocking at the door of the gate (12:16)

8.      The brethren finally opening of the door of the gate (12:16)

9.      The instructions of Peter (12:17)

This passage really reads well in a dramatized paraphrase, or when actually acted out in a dramatic presentation!

Note:  Verse 17 has been referred to as a key verse in this section.

But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

The James referred to by Peter is the brother of the Lord, as James, the brother of John, had already been martyred (12:2).  This James would continue to play a prominent role in the Jerusalem Church.

IV.  Agrippa Aggravated (12:17-19) - Peter’s disappearance results in executions

 ¹⁸ Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. ¹⁹ And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.

1.  The Excitement of the Soldiers (12:18)

2.  The Execution of the Soldiers (12:19a-d)

3.  The Evacuation of Herod (12:19e-f)

1.  The Excitement of the Soldiers (12:18)

Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.

This is an almost comical understatement.  It raises three questions:

1)  Hadn’t this happened before at least once?

2)  Will it happen again?

3)  Does it always happen?

1)  Hadn’t this happened before at least once?  Yes.

Christ’s tomb - Mt. 27:62-28:12

62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, 63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. 64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. 65  Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. 66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch. 1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3  His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.  11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. 12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, 13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. 14 And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. 15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

The Apostles - Acts 5:17-25

¹⁷ Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, ¹⁸ And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. ¹⁹ But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, ²⁰ Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. ²¹ And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. ²² But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told, ²³ Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within. ²⁴ Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow. ²⁵ Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

2)  Will it happen again?  Yes.

Paul and Silas at Philippi - Acts 16:19-40

19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, 20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, 21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. 22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.

23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. 25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. 29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. 34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.  35 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go. 36 And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace. 37 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out. 38 And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans. 39 And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city. 40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.

3)  Does it always happen?  No.

James was not delivered from the sword. 

Many others, especially prophets, were not delivered in the past, most recently Stephen (Acts 7:54-60). 

Nor is there any record of deliverances of those arrested by Saul, miraculous or otherwise.

Acts 22:4 - And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

Acts 22:19 - And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:

Acts 26:10 - Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.

Paul himself is a prisoner throughout the last seven chapters of Acts, and remains so until his martrydom which occurred following the closing events recorded in Acts.

Whether of not deliverance from persecution and martyrdom occurs is entirely contingent upon God’s sovereign will.  It is never an issue whether He can provide such deliverance.  All things are possible with Him.  None can stay His hand.  His power is limitless.  The only issue in any given circumstance is whether such deliverance is His will or not.  “Nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done.” (Lk. 22:42)

2.  The Execution of the Soldiers (12:19a-d)

¹⁹ And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death.

Does this seem fair?  It wasn’t their fault, was it?

Deny the supernatural, rule out the almighty power of God, and you inevitably create more problems than you solve!  There is a very severe price to be paid for unbelief in God’s sovereign power!

3.  The Evacuation of Herod (12:19e-f)

And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.

Why would Herod leave Judea after this?  We are not told, and can well imagine.  However, his days are numbered.  He will get no further.

Conclusion:

A previous question was asked that if you were going to fabricate a myth about the legitimacy of Christianity would you have made the Christians seem so foolish and unbelieving? 

This question was followed up with an assertion.  This is not about the wonderful faith and perceptive responses of the saints!  Certainly not! This is about the victorious and undeniable power of the risen and ascended Christ on behalf of His people.  He is building His Church!  He will build His Church!  The gates of hell shall not prevail against it!

Not imagine this as volume two of legal document along with the Gospel according to Luke, and presented at Paul’s trial in Rome in his defense.  Now all the powers that be at Rome have the explanation for Herod’s final trip to Caesarea, and his death soon thereafter.  And still they do not fear to execute the Apostles of the all-powerful ascended Christ.

Zech. 4:6 - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

1 Cor. 1:23-31 - 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

1 Cor. 2:6-8 - 6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Outline:

I.  Apostolic Arrests (12:1-5) - Herod murders James and plans to murder Peter

II.  Angelic Assistance (12:6-10) - Peter miraculously released from prison

III.  Allies Astonished (12:11-16) - Peter left standing at the gate

IV.  Agrippa Aggravated (12:17-19) - Peter’s disappearance results in executions

[Sermon preached 23 MAR 2014 by Pastor John T. “Jack” Jeffery at Wayside Gospel Chapel, Greentown, PA.]

Resources:

G. K. Beale and D. A. Carson, eds., Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007), pp. 513-606.

Darrell L. Bock, Acts, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, eds. Robert W. Yarbrough and Robert H. Stein (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007).

                                                  

F. F. Bruce, The Acts of the Apostles: The Greek Text with Introduction and Commentary, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1951, 1952).

I. Howard Marshall, Acts: An Introduction And Commentary, Vol. 5 in Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, gen. ed. Leon Morris (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1980; 2008 reprint).

David G. Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, The Pillar New Testament Commentaries, gen. ed. D. A. Carson (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2009).

John B. Polhill, Acts, Vol. 26 in The New American Commentary, gen. ed. David S. Dockery (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, Publishers, 1992).

Eckhard J. Schnabel, Acts, Vol. 5 in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, gen. ed. Clinton E. Arnold (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012).

William H. Willimon, Acts, in Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching, series ed. James Luther Mays, New Testament ed. Paul J. Achtemeier (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010).

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[1] For further information on Herod consult the following sources:

E. M. Blaiklock, “Herod”, in The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary, gen ed. Merrill C. Tenney, rev. ed. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1963, 1964, 1967), pp. 348-352.

Frederick Fyvie Bruce, “Herod”, in The New Bible Dictionary, eds. J. D. Douglas, F. F. Bruce, J. I. Packer, R. V. G. Tasker, and D. J. Wiseman (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1962), pp. 521-523.

Henry E. Dosker, “Herod”, in The Classic Bible Dictionary, ed. Jay P. Green, Sr. (Lafayette, IN: Sovereign Grace Trust Fund, 1988), pp. 524-528.

Henry E. Dosker, “Herod”, in The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, 1915 ed., ed. J. Edwin Orr (Albany, OR: Ages Software, 1999); on International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Online at http://www.internationalstandardbible.com/H/herod.html [accessed 24 MAR 2014].

Arthur Cayley Headlam, “Herod”, in A Dictionary of the Bible,  Dealing with its Language, Literature, and Contents, Including the Biblical Theology, ed. James Hastings, 5 vols. (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, n.d.; 1988 reprint ed. of 1898 orig. by T&T Clark, Edinburgh), 2:353-362; on Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/hastings/dictv2/Page_353.html [accessed 24 MAR 2014].

Harold W. Hoehner, “Herod, Herodian Family”, in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible, eds. W. A. Elwell and B. J. Beitzel (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1988), pp. 964-972.

Joachim Jeremias, Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus, trans. F. H. Cave and C. H. Cave (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1969; from Jerusalem zur Zeit Jesu, 3rd ed., Gottingen, Germany: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 1962), pp. 11-12, 94, 98, 331-334, 366-367.

A. N. Sherwin-White, Roman Society and Roman Law in the New Testament: The Sarum Lectures 1960-1961 (Oxford: Clarendon, 1963; Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2004).

Edwin M. Yamauchi, “Archaelogy and the New Testament”, in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, gen. ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, Vol. 1, Introductory Articles (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1979), pp. 649-652.

[2] J. R. Bartlett, “The Moabites and Edomites”, in Peoples of Old Testament Times, ed. D. J. Wiseman (Oxford: The Clarendon Press, 1973), pp. 243-244.

[3] Joachim Jeremias, Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus, trans. F. H. Cave and C. H. Cave (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1969; from Jerusalem zur Zeit Jesu, 3rd ed., Gottingen, Germany: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 1962), pg. 331-334; citing Flavius Josephus, Antiquitates, 14. 403, ed. B. Niese, (Berlin, 1885-1894; 1955 reprint); English trans. H. St. J. Thackeray et al., 9 vols., in Loeb Classical Library (London, 1926-1966).  See Antiquities of the Jews, IV:15:2, on Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) at http://www.ccel.org/j/josephus/works/ant-14.htm#EndNote_ANT_14.28a [accessed 24 MAR 2014].

[4] See “Ēostre” on Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%92ostre [accessed 24 MAR 2014].

[5] Other sources on this issue: Doug Kutilek, “As I See It”, 11:10 (OCT 2008), on The King James Only Resource Center at http://www.kjvonly.org/aisi/2008/aisi_11_10_08.htm [accessed 24 MAR 2014]; Fred Butler, “Easter, Passover and the KJV”, on Fred’s Bible Talk at http://www.fredsbibletalk.com/fb024.pdf [accessed 24 MAR 2014]; and Fred Butler’s blog post, “The King James Only Easter Bunny Trail” (5 APR 2012), on Hip and Thigh at http://hipandthigh.blogspot.com/2006/04/king-james-only-easter-bunny-trail.html [accessed 24 MAR 2014].

[6] John B. Polhill, Acts, Vol. 26 in The New American Commentary, gen. ed. David S. Dockery (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, Publishers, 1992), pg. 276.