The Church was Earnestly Praying for Him

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Notes – November 21, 2021

Series Title: The Gospel for Everyone

Today’s Title: “The church was earnestly praying to God for him”

Today’s Text: Acts 12

 

Acts 12:1-19 – Peter’s Prison Escape

• Herod Agrippa reigned in Judea 41-44 AD
• James, the brother of John put to death
• Peter put in jail a week before Passover
• The church was “earnestly” praying for him
• An angel appeared in the cell and leads Peter out
• The house of Mary, the mother of Mark
• Many people had gathered and where praying
• Rhoda, the servant girl, leaves him at the door!
• Those praying for Peter, can’t believe that it is Peter!
• Tell James what happened – James, the brother of Jesus

              - Galatians 1:19 – Paul identifies James as the Lord’s brother

              - 1 Corinthians 15:7 – Jesus appeared to James

• Peter leaves Jerusalem, James takes charge

                            - Peter is not mentioned again in Acts 15, 7-8 years later

 

Acts 12:20-23 – Herod Agrippa’s Death

• The Herod’s were Jews, but they knew how to work their way into power and stay in the good graces of several Caesars
• A Herodian theatre called Caesarea Maritima, a place where emperor worship was common, even expected.
• Agrippa dies a horrible death (Josephus said it took days)

 

Acts 12:24-25 - The Church Moves On!

• The word of God continued to spread and flourish.
• Mark joins Barnabas & Saul

 

Acts 12 Applications:

• Prayer can help ___________________________________

 

• God can do more __________________________________

 

• Who the leader is _______________________matters more than who the leader is

 

• Worship of people, including ourselves, _________________

 

• God is constantly __________________________ to keep His church moving!