ACTS: The Church In Action
promises, prayers and prison doors
Chapter Twelve

INTRODUCTION: The events in chapter twelve occur almost twelve years after our Lord's resurrection and His sending the power of the Holy Spirit during Pentecost.  The church in action for twelve years has reached out in Judea and now recently in Samaria bringing the Gentiles to God's Kingdom.  But now the enemy strikes back, moving the legal authorities to behead James and imprison Peter.  "Studying the persecuted church in the Book of Acts is like following a wounded deet over the snow.  You get splotches of blood along the way just to remind you you're on the right track."



Divine Deliverance (12:1-19; 2 Pet. 2:9; job 5:19-27)
Lessons In Deliverance
  1. Peter was a target of Satan (I Pet. 4:12; Lu. 22:31-34)
  2. Peter's deliverance came at the lat possible moment. 
  3. Peter's experience must be balanced with that of James.

Lessons In Prayer
  1. The church in action were praying to God (1 Chr. 5:20; Rom. 11:2; 15:30)
  2. The church in action were praying together (Acts 4:24-31; Phil. 1:19; Mt. 18:19)
  3. The church in action were praying earnestly (James 5:16-18)
  4. The church in action were praying specifically (Jn. 15:7; I Jn. 5:14)
  5. The church in action were praying in faith (Mk. 11:22-24; Deut. 32:30)

Extra Lessons In Prayer
  1. Prayer is designed that God's people shall participate in what He does (Ez. 22:30; Jm. 4:2; Isa. 38:5; Isa. 62:6-7)
  2. Prayer imparts peace (Phil 4:6-7; Num 6:26) 
  3. Prayer can produce sudden change.

divine discipline (Acts 12:20-24; gal. 6:7)
Lessons On Judgement
  1. There will be an account for sinful actions. 
  2. Pride brings a fall (Prov. 16:18; Job 40:12)
  3. False praise is the downfall of leaders (12:22-23; Prov 27:6; 10:18)
  4. Demonic worship produces judgement (12:22-12; Dan. 3:1-10)

divine direction (acts 12:24-25)
Lessons Concerning the Bible
  1. God's Word is not bound (12:24a; Heb 4:12)
  2. God's Word has creative ability to multiply and change individuals and societies (12:24b)
Lessons Concerning Ministry 
  1. Practical ministries are essential (12:25)
  2. Follow through is essential (12:25)
  3. Discipleship is essential (12:25)