Year 2, Week 41, Day 2 Bible Reading Observations

Year 2, Week 41, Day 2

I have a brief observation for today’s reading of Acts 11-12.

Today’s reading continues with the Book of Acts. The Book of Acts is a selective history of the early church, which demonstrates how Jesus, by the Spirit, empowers His followers to continue His work. Acts 11 is a continuation from Acts 10, which recorded Peter’s involvement in the conversion of an officer in the Roman army. The record of Cornelius’ conversion marks the first occurrence of a Gentile turning to Jesus, receiving the Holy Spirit, and becoming a part of the church: “To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word” (Acts 10:33-34). But the conversion of a Gentile as well as Peter’s involvement in Cornelius’ conversion left some in the church concerned: “Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them” (Acts 11:1-3). Acts 11 is Peter’s recounting of how he came to be involved in taking the Gospel to a Gentile. After Peter explained his actions, the church responded positively: “When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life” (Acts 11:18). Acts 12 recounts persecution against the church as James, the brother of John is martyred and Peter is imprisoned: “About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword, and…he proceeded to arrest Peter also” (Acts 12:1-3).

One of the things that struck me from today’s reading is the reality of God’s superintendence over the tragedies, rescues, and judgments that had bearing upon the advancement of the church: “But the word of God increased and multiplied” (Acts 12:24). The events recorded in Acts 12 show that the Lord is accomplishing in purposes for His church through a range of experiences. Herod is an evil man, but he was allowed to live long enough to kill James and make plans to kill Peter: “So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison” (Acts 12:5-6). Herod’s death is described at the end of today’s reading: “On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last” (Acts 12:21-23). Herod was struck down by the Lord, at the time appointed by the Lord. But if only Herod’s death had occurred sooner, then he would have not been able to murder James. The Lord superintends what unfolds as well as the timing of when it unfolds. The Lord’s plans and timing are perfect reflecting His wisdom but also His loving intentions for His church. 

The Lord could have rescued James from death, but He didn’t. The Lord did rescue Peter from death: “And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me” (Acts 12:7-9). The angel of the Lord who rescued Peter and struck down Herod, could have spared James, but he did not. The Lord was wise, and good, and just in each of the angel’s actions and inactions. It is hard to discern exactly when and where God will miraculously intervene or decline to intervene on behalf of His people. The Lord is no less able when He permits tragic things, but when He does intervene, His work should be acknowledged: “When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod” (Acts 12:11).

While the Lord was working out His plans and purposes for His church, the church was gathered in prayer, presumably on behalf of Peter: “When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. Recognizing Peter’s voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate” (Acts 12:12-14). It is intriguing to note that though the church has been praying, these gathered believers can hardly believe their prayers have been answered. The Lord is even accomplishing His good purposes for His church amid the feeble praying of His people: “They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed” (Acts 12:15-16). It is good to pray; the Lord directs us to pray. However, our lives are not in our own praying hands, but our lives are in the hands of the One whom we pray to, even when are prayers are weak and filled with doubt.

What struck you in today’s reading? What questions were prompted from today’s reading?

Pastor Joe