Ever since Lucifer rebelled and Adam & Eve rebelled, there have been those who dare to shake their fist at God. This chapter records one of them: Herod. We read that he is arresting and persecuting believers in the church and is now credited with the murder of James – the first disciple of Jesus who was killed for his faith. After this, he has Peter arrested. This is his third arrest already. Because Peter got out last time (an angel let him out 5:19), Herod placed 16 guards on him this time around. Why, of course, like that’s gonna’ stop an angel of the Lord!~!
We then read what was happening behind the scenes: “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.” What a great verse! We then read how God answered these prayers! Peter is in chains, snoozing between two guards when an angel of the Lord smacks him & tells him to get up – Ha! Peter is not really sure what’s happening but his chains fall off and the angel leads him out of prison and disappears. At this point Peter realizes “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating." So he excitingly heads to the prayer meeting to tell everyone!
Picture this next scene with me: Peter arrives at the home where everyone is praying for him, knocks and little Rhoda answers. She’s so excited about Peter being here that she slams the door in his face as she runs to tell everyone. She tells everyone and they think she’s crazy. I’m imagining them saying, “Stop bothering us young lady, we’re praying for Peter to be released.” In the meantime, Peter continues to knock and Rhoda continues to tell them Peter’s really at the door. So they finally go to the door and – imagine that – it’s Peter! He quiets them down, tells them the whole story and leaves so these people won’t get busted for his being out of jail.
I gotta’ tell you, sometimes there are verses in the Bible that just crack me up and verse 18 is one of them: “In the morning, there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter.” Total understatement! These guards had no idea what had happened but they knew their lives were toast, which is confirmed in verse 19!
So now you’ve got a really upset king, which is not good for the people (Proverbs 20:2). So the people conspire with Herod’s personal servant Blastus to “butter him up.” It works and Herod likes the attention, but it would be the last day of his life. The people started calling Herod a god and we read that “Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.” Eewww! The main point comes next. As much as Herod was fighting against God and His will “…the Word of God continued to increase and spread.” Take note – fighting against God is futile!
SO WHAT?!
*Is there anything in your life you want so bad that you are willing to go against God to get it? Be warned, God is in control and His will WILL be done, with or without us! Let’s daily remember to hand our lives & plans to Him (Proverbs 16:1,3,9).
*As a fairly new follower of Jesus (3-4 years), Peter had been arrested 3 times, beaten, mocked and now was trying to be killed – all for telling others about Jesus. What are you and I willing to suffer for the sake of Jesus? Most of us don’t face anything like this, but would we be willing to speak the truth in love regardless if we’re made fun of for lose friends?
*What are you praying for that ONLY GOD can do? Good question to ponder.
*Finally, be encouraged that as we continue to make ourselves available to be used of God, His Word will continue to spread and increase!
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