Acts 12:1-17 (NIV)
Read by: Adriana Abuchar
Have you ever seen the LORD make a way out of no way in your life?
On today’s episode of Daily Read we hear about the miraculous rescue of Peter from prison. Today’s passage begins to wrap up the story of what’s going on with the twelve disciples. From this point on the story revolves around specific leaders and then begins to follow the missionary journeys of Paul.
But today’s passage begins with the report that James, the brother of John has been killed by King Herod. Herod was the puppet king that was sold out to the Roman empire. So yeah, a growing group of Jews splintering off going around saying that Jesus is King presents a bit of a problem for Herod. He meets this challenge with violence.
After James is killed, Herod had Peter arrested. Peter then gets set free by the angel of the LORD and returns to the disciples in Jerusalem. But this presents a problem for the observant listener. Why does the LORD save Peter and not James? For any of us who have seen God make a way out of no way, and for all of those who still need a way where there is no way, this passage comes as a challenge. As you listen to the passage, hold this tension before the LORD.
----------REFLECT----------
1. What moment in this passage stood out to you?
2. Luke tells us that the Church was praying earnestly for Peter. No one in the passage could imagine a way for things to change, and could hardly grasp what was happening when they did. But they prayed… earnestly. Who needs your earnest prayer? Who needs to be delivered by the LORD?
3. James and Peter have a different fate. Does this mean that God failed James? Does this mean that God favored Peter? How do these tensions tend to land in your heart? Sit with the Lord in that tension today and ask the Holy Spirit to speak.
----------GO DEEPER----------
Bible Project: Acts 1-12 Overview >>
InterVarsity Press Selections: Acts >>
----------CONNECT----------
Find an InterVarsity Chapter >>
Start an InterVarsity Chapter >>
Learn More >>
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free