These small group Bible studies of Acts 12 contain commentary, discussion questions, and practical application. Visit our library of inductive Bible studies for more in depth inductive studies on this and other books of the Bible you can use in your small group.
Acts 12 Bible Study – Martyrdom, Miracles, and Worms
Outline
I. Persecution intensifies (1-5)
II. Peter is rescued (6-19)
III. Herod’s pride and God’s judgment (20-25)
I. Persecution intensifies (1-5)
Discussion Questions
• Which Herod was this and how was he related to Herod the Great?
• What do you learn about Herod’s character from this passage?
• What motivated him?
• Why is pleasing people a dangerous motivation?
• Why does God allow faithful believers like James to be martyred when He could save them as He did with Peter?
• What does the martyrdom of disciples show us about their faith in Jesus?
• How is this evidence that Jesus did indeed rise from the dead?
• Would you die for Jesus?
• While it may be unlikely you will be called to die for Christ literally, how can you die for Him daily?
• What sacrifices have you made for Him?
• How did the church react to Peter’s imprisonment?
• How many guards did Herod assign to Peter? Why so many?
• Why did Herod wait to execute Peter?
Cross-References
Revelation 2:10 – Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Revelation 12:11 – And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.
Psalms 116:15 – Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
2 Samuel 24:24 – But the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.
Romans 12:1 – I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. James is martyred –
Acts 12:1-2 – 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.
The last chapters have been filled with good news for the church. The gospel has been going out. People have been believing far and wide. Numbers are growing. Samaritans have come to the faith. Gentiles have been welcomed in. Saul, who was the staunchest persecutor of the church, converted and became one of their greatest leaders.
Peter and John were thrown in prison, but miraculously released by an angel (Acts 5:19). Opponents of the gospel could do nothing to stop its explosive growth.
Now James was arrested and then executed. James was one of Jesus’ inner circle. Believers may have thought that God’s divine protection would keep them, and especially the apostles, safe.
James’ death was a clear reminder of Jesus’ many warnings of the persecution that His followers were going to face.
John 15:18-20 – If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.
It should not have come as a surprise though it may have to some.
According to tradition from Eusebius, the guard watching James was so impressed by James’ witness that he became a Christian and willingly died alongside James.
Reflect – While it may be unlikely you will be called to die for Christ literally, how can you die for Him daily? What sacrifices have you made for Him?
Application – There is a cost to follow Jesus. It cost James his life. It may cost you a relationship, reputation, job, time, or personal desires. Jesus called us to take up our cross and follow Him. Jesus didn’t say it would be easy. He said it would be hard. It would be a narrow, difficult road. What is He calling you to sacrifice for Him?
2. James’ martyrdom is evidence of the resurrection –
One of the biggest pieces of evidence of the resurrection is the fact several disciples were martyred for their faith, including James.
Since the disciples were contemporaries of Jesus, they would have known the facts about Jesus’ resurrection. They told people that Jesus rose again from the dead. Today I tell people the same thing. However, I am not an eyewitness. I am telling people this based on faith. I believe that what I am saying is true. They knew whether or not they were telling the truth. So, there are two options: either the disciples were intentionally lying or they were speaking the truth.
Let us examine option one. If they were intentionally lying, for what? Normally people lie for one of two reasons. Either they hope to gain some personal benefit or they hope to avoid punishment. People lie to gain money, fame, or followers. Criminals also lie to avoid punishment for their crimes. What people don’t do is lie so that they will be punished.
But when we look at the lives of the disciples. They did not gain riches for their story. One could argue that they achieved fame or followers. However, the end result was that they were killed because they wouldn’t stop spreading this story that Jesus arose. If they were telling lies for personal benefit, would they have been willing to give their lives for it? Or would they have changed their tune at the last moment and backed down to save their skin?
Human nature tells us if it was all a “cleverly devised myth” that they would back down and tell the truth, instantly causing the newfound church to crumble. The point is this: the disciples believed what they were saying. They had no incentive to make up this story, and in fact, every incentive to recant it, but they never did, giving their lives for their faith.
Why did they do this? They witnessed spectacular things! They saw Jesus’ transfiguration. They heard God’s audible voice from heaven. The disciples were compelled to tell others what they had seen and heard.
Application – God has changed your life too. God has spoken to us clearly through the Scripture. How can you witness for Him? The day may come when you too will face persecution for your faith. You may be pressured to stop sharing with people or to deny the faith. How can you prepare for that day now?
Reflect – What are some of the reasons why you believe God exists and the Bible is true?
3. Herod was motivated by politics –
Acts 12:3 – And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also.
This was Herod Agrippa I who reigned from AD 37-44. He was the grandson of Herod the Great. Herod is a politician. He acted in his own self-interests. His decisions were based on what would curry him the most favor. In this case, he wanted to please the Jewish rulers who were opposed to the church. Herod and Saul both persecuted the church, but Herod’s motives were worse. Saul was acting out of the desire to do what was right (though he was wrong). Herod was just doing it for personal gain.
Leaders are called by God to be just and fair. They are there to serve. Sadly, many leaders abuse their office for their own gain. Herod showed total disregard for justice or the life of James.
Application – Use your position fairly to serve those God has placed under you.
4. Believers pray for Peter who was imprisoned –
After Herod saw how happy the Jews were about James’ death, he had Peter arrested. He then assigned four squads (16 men) of soldiers to guard Peter. Some of these were chained to him and others were standing outside the cell. Herod did not want a repeat of the last time Peter had been imprisoned (Acts 5). This was maximum security.
But while he was using every earthly resource he could muster, the believers were using their best spiritual resource, prayer.
Spoiler alert: prayer wins out!
II. Peter is rescued (6-19)
Discussion Questions
• What does this passage teach us about God?
• What does it teach us about angels?
• How closely was Peter guarded?
• What was Peter doing when the angel came? What can we learn from this about the peace of God?
• How does the account of Peter’s escape encourage you?
• What was the church doing while Peter was in prison? What do you think they were praying for?
• Why did Rhoda not let Peter in?
• Why do you think the believers did not believe that Peter was at the door?
• Did you ever react with disbelief to an answered prayer?
• What did they mean, “It is his angel?”
• Why did Peter leave and go to another place?
• What happened to the guards who were watching Peter? Why?
Cross-References
Daniel 6:22 – My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me.
James 1:6 – But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. Peter was sleeping between two soldiers –
Peter was in prison. James had just been executed. By all appearances, it would be Peter’s turn next. But we see that he was sleeping. He was sleeping deeply enough that the angel had to strike him on the side to wake him.
It seems that Peter experienced God’s peace even while in prison. This peace surpasses normal human understanding.
Philippians 4:6-7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
One of my friends lived at the home where a Bible study was taking place. This was in an Asian country and the home was raided by police. Some of the leaders were kicked out of the country. My friend was in the bedroom and slept through the whole thing. Sleeping protected him from being interrogated.
Reflect – Share about a time when you felt God’s peace. What did you learn from this? How about a time when you felt anxious? Why did you not receive God’s peace?
2. An angel rescued Peter –
The entire rescue was miraculous.
• The angel appeared in a locked cell
• Light shone in the dark
• Peter’s guards were not awakened
• The chains fell off
• The doors and gates opened
Peter thought he was having a vision until he came to his senses and realized it was actually happening. This was the second time God miraculously rescued Peter from prison. It simply was not yet his time. The Lord had more work for him to do.
God can save His people using many different methods. In this case, He chose to send an angel.
Hebrews 1:14 – Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?
It was not the first nor the last time God would send angels to do His business in the world. Angels are still active today. In the book of Revelation, we will see that in the end times, they will still be working.
We shouldn’t be infatuated with angels. They are fellow servants of the Living God. Yet we should be thankful that God sends them to minister to and help us in our time of need. You never know when you might meet an angel.
Hebrews 13:2 – Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Reflect – Have you ever experienced a miracle or an amazing answer to prayer?
3. The believers were having a prayer meeting –
Acts 12:12 – Where many were gathered together and were praying.
This was a good thing to do. We don’t see panic. We don’t see people running around in fear. Rather, they simply gather together and take this issue to the Lord. It is a good example for us and a reminder of the importance of corporately gathering together to pray for serious issues. Doing this certainly would have given them more unity and boldness. Together they were wielding their most powerful weapon. Peter’s fate would not be decided by a clever lawyer’s defense. He wouldn’t be saved by storming the prison and taking out the guards. His soul was in God’s hands so they turned to Him.
Application – When you face difficulty, boldly approach the throne of grace and petition the Lord for help.
Hebrews 4:16 – Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
4. They doubted the miracle –
Acts 12:14-16 – 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.
They were praying together. Almost certainly, they were praying for Peter’s release. Likely, some even prayed for a miracle. But when the miracle happened, they couldn’t believe it.
Reflect – Why did they respond like this?
It seems that they lacked faith that God would actually deliver Peter in this way. They had witnessed a similar miracle the last time Peter was imprisoned.
Yet it was the middle of the night. Peter was chained to multiple guards. Four squads watched him in a maximum security prison. They just didn’t expect that God would actually save Peter. Part of their lack of faith may have been due to their still-fresh disappointment that James had been executed. They were discouraged.
Thus, they didn’t seem to believe in or expect the very thing they were praying for.
Yet in spite of their unbelief, God still did the miracle. It is a reminder that God is sovereign. His plans are not contingent upon us exercising perfect faith. He doesn’t cast aside our prayers and scornfully rebuke us for not believing hard enough.
The Word of Faith movement may blame people for not believing hard enough. They would claim that sicknesses are not healed because of a lack of faith. These types of claims can be very damaging and crush people’s faith. It takes God off of the throne and puts us on it. It makes us the source of healing and answered prayer instead of God.
It is comforting to know that our King is going to make a wise and righteous decision in answer to our prayers even if we are weak or don’t say the right words.
We can remember these words of a desperate father.
Mark 9:24 – Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!
Our belief may not be perfect, but God still is.
5. Peter departed –
Sometimes the wisest course of action for those being persecuted is to flee. Though there are certainly times to stand your ground, Jesus told the disciples to go to the next town if they were persecuted (Matthew 10:23).
6. The sentries were put to death –
Herod was furious that Peter escaped. As was the custom at that time, guards who allowed prisoners to escape forfeit their own lives.
From one perspective, this was the worst day of their lives. It wasn’t their fault that Peter escaped. How could they have protected Peter against an angel? They were unfairly executed.
From another perspective, this miracle gave them a golden opportunity to turn to Jesus. It was clear a miracle had occurred. The guards likely would have known about the nature of their prisoner and had perhaps heard the gospel. Maybe Peter had even shared the gospel with them. This miracle should have sparked them to seek God. We don’t know their response. But if they did turn to the Lord because of this, they would have ended that day in heaven with the Lord.
This day was either the worst of their lives or the best. It depended on their response.
God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love Him.
Reflect – What is a “bad” thing that happened to you that turned out to be “good?”
III. Herod’s pride and God’s judgment (20-25)
Discussion Questions
• Why would people shout, “The voice of a god and not a man?”
• What should Herod have done when he heard this?
• How should you respond to praise from people?
• What are some practical ways you can give God glory in your daily life and conversations?
• What do we learn about God from His response to Herod?
• Why does God seek glory for Himself? Is this pride?
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. Herod accepts the praise of man –
Acts 12:21-22 – 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!”
Herod dressed up and gave a speech. There was likely plenty of pomp and fanfare. The crowd was eager to please. People often look for heroes from political figures. This crowd praised Herod as being a god.
It wasn’t uncommon in the ancient world for people to believe that their rulers, kings, and emperors were divine. Many ancient cultures believed this including Egypt, Japan, China, and Greece. Some Roman emperors also demanded worship. Many leaders propagated this lie, punished those who refused to bow, and eagerly received worship. In the time of Daniel, the king agreed with his advisors and made a decree that for thirty days he alone was to be worshiped (Daniel 6:7).
In Acts 10, Peter rejected Cornelius’ worship.
Acts 10:25-26 – When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.”
However, Herod embraced it. It fed his ego.
God wasn’t happy. Herod was smitten by worms and died.
The Jewish historian Josephus recorded this event.
“He put on a garment made wholly of silver, and of a contexture truly wonderful, and came into the theatre early in the morning; at which time the silver of his garment, being illuminated by the fresh reflection of the sun’s rays upon it, shone out after a surprising manner, and was so resplendent as to spread a horror over those that looked intently upon him; and presently his flatterers cried out, one from one place, and another from another (though not for his good), that he was a god…A severe pain also arose in his belly, and began in a most violent manner… when he had been quite worn out by the pain in his belly for five days, he departed this life.” (Antiquities, XIX.8.2)
2. God doesn’t share glory –
Isaiah 42:8 – I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.
Someone once asked me, “Is God prideful? If we ask people to praise us or if we tell people how great we are, then that is pride. But God does this all the time? How can a perfect God seek His own glory.” We see that He has His angels constantly singing His praises. Is that right?
This is a good question. Sooner or later, most Christians will ask it. I answered with an illustration.
Let’s say that I am an author. I spend thousands of hours to write a book. It’s a very good book. But just before I get it published someone steals my manuscripts. They then publish the book in their own name as if it is theirs. After that, they get the credit and the profit from the book that I wrote.
As the rightful author, what should I do? Am I justified in taking up the case, going to the bookstores or to the court, and showing proof that I wrote the book? I believe I am. It is my work, my creation. It is right and just that I receive the credit. Is that pride? No, that is justice. On the other hand, the person who is trying to steal the credit is sinning.
He is trying to take what is rightfully mine and that is not just.
The same is true for a painting. If you painted a beautiful picture, you would not like it if someone erased your signature and added their own.
This can help us to understand why God seeks praise and glory for all the things He has done. He is the Creator. He is the redeemer. He is the King. He deserves the glory for what He has done. If someone else tries to take glory for themselves, it is unjust and robbing God.
When we try to glory to ourselves for our successes or achievements we are taking it away from its rightful owner, God.
Isaiah 42:8 – I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.
3. Give God the glory He deserves –
The application for us is simple. Do not seek or accept glory from people. Our goal should be to deflect praise, glory, and credit given to us to the Lord. When people praise you, don’t take a deep breath, lift your chin, and have a smug smile on your face, nodding at the clear truth of their words.
Instead, use the opportunity to thank God and testify of His goodness in your life.
In each of these scenarios, how could you give God the praise instead of receiving it yourself?
• You deliver a sermon. A congregant comes up and pats you on the back saying, “That is the best sermon I have ever heard.”
• You get an awesome score on your SAT test and your friends praise you for diligent study.
• You compete in a basketball game and hit the winning shot. Someone compliments you, “You were the best player on the court today.”
One manifestation of pride is seeking compliments and recognition from people. Another is being jealous when others are praised.
For a great read on common manifestations of pride, check out Stuart Scott’s pamphlet, “From Pride to Humility.”
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