The Jews rejected Christ as their king, so they now have a wicked, willful king named Herod. Both the king and the Jews hated the church and persecuted it. James was slain and Peter was put in prison. This greatly pleased the Jews. Is there anything that Christians can do in such circumstances? Yes, we can pray! That is exactly what they did, and much prayer was made for Peter, and the Lord heard and answered their prayer. An angel was sent to the prison and led Peter outside the iron gate. Was it only a dream? Peter could hardly believe that it was true! The Lord had actually delivered him out of the hand of Herod. Now what should he do? Where should he go this hour of the night? If anyone would still be praying, it would be Mary, the mother of Mark, so he went to her house and knocked at the door. Rhoda recognized Peter’s voice, but the others didn’t believe her. They thought it was his angel, but, upon opening the door, they were astonished to see that the Lord had actually answered their prayers! The Lord always answers our prayers — sometimes not the way we like, but always for our good and blessing.
Now, what about this wicked man Herod? God wasn’t finished with him yet. After a great speech, Herod took all the credit to himself, so the angel of the Lord smote him with worms and he died. Every breath we take is God-given. We ought to acknowledge Him in everything we do.
1. When Herod killed James, whom did it please, so that he took Peter also? __________ Acts 12:___
2. What did the church do for Peter while he was in prison? __________ Acts 12:___
3. Who sent the angel to deliver Peter out of the hand of Herod and from the expectation of the Jews? __________ Acts 12:___
4. When Rhoda told them that Peter was at the gate, what did they say to her? __________ Acts 12:___
5. Why did the angel of the Lord smite Herod? __________ Acts 12:___