Ch.12 began with the execution of James, brother of John, and the imprisonment of Peter. But it ended with the death of Herod and this statement. Persecution did not stop the gospel. It served to spread it further. Tertullian said, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.”
A lot of angel action in ch.12! First, an angel breaks Peter out of Herod’s jail, then an angel takes Herod out! I wonder if it was the same angel? The chap. begins with the martyrdom of James by Herod’s sword and ends with Herod’s death by an angel’s sword.
The ruins of this ancient Roman city are found in modern Turkey. Historians call it the “cradle of Gentile Christianity.” It was here that Barnabas brought Paul to help teach. The name Christian or “little Christs” was given because of the way these new followers gave glory to Christ in everything they did.
After the brook dried up, Elijah heard from God. I wonder how long he sat there without water before God spoke?
Peter’s strategy for reaching Romans- pray and obey. He prayed on the roof of Simon the Tanner in the port city of Joppa while Cornelius the Centurion sent three men to invite him to carry the gospel to his house.
This season of peace followed one of persecution. Seasons are not coincidental. The Gardener uses them to make the Vine’s branches more fruitful.
Solomon started well but finished poorly. How will you finish? Will your devotion and service for Christ increase as you age or will you retire and coast in the end? Where are the elders whose hearts burn ever brighter with age?
The Written Word points to the Living Word. This is a paradigm for right preaching. Preach the whole of Scripture while always focusing on Jesus as its fulfillment. If Christ isn’t central to our message, we preach in vain.
When persecution caused the church in Jerusalem to scatter, the gospel was spread to other nations. What was intended to stop the message, instead spurred its growth. God has commanded us to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. Will it take persecution for us to obey?
King Solomon commissioned these 27 ft tall, bronze pillars for the entrance to the Temple. One he named Jakin (He establishes) the other Boaz (In Him is strength). Has God established your house? Is He your strength?