12:1 As is customary for the apostles, their beliefs and their teachings angered those in leadership positions. Before Jesus brought God's philosophy to the world, oppression was rampant and the oppressed found their situation inescapable. The apostles were changing that: through God, they were offering freedom and courage and self value. The arrogance of those in leadership positions caused them to fight, kill, harass and deceive in order to stay powerful.
12:2 To exercise his authority and instill fear, Herod kills an innocent man: James, an apostle. We must not pass over this verse without acknowledging that sometimes, defending what we are passionate about can be dangerous (to our bodies, not to our spirits which live forever with God). We must remember that James and his fellow apostles were willing and even proud to die for God's cause. When you're so passionate about the well-being of others, the defense of your beliefs can draw passion out of your opposition. Do not be afraid to promote justice and truth, James was not afraid and therefore he did not die, he returned with God. James' work on earth enabled him to live spiritually. To live without ceasing.
12:3 Herod, a mere man, needed a crowd to support his authority, even (maybe especially) a corrupt crowd. Therefore when Herod realized he could gather support from the Jews (meaning: people of Judea at the contemporary time of this account), he was quick to sustain in and sought after Peter. Peter, who we know was prominently known as an apostle filled with God's divine spirit and ability.
12:4 Herod had Peter arrested. We can imagine that Herod was feeling pretty mighty at this point, having arrested a prominent apostle of God. Little does Herod yet realize, his authority and planning is ineffectual compared to God's.
12:5 The two of the most effective tools God's children have are God's compassion for our well-being, and God's receptive ear to our prayers. Upon arrest, God immediately received a surplus of prayers passionately requesting Peter's well-being and freedom. A third effective tool is that God guides and protects His most dutifully conscientious children. We know from our studies that Peter perfectly fits that description (in fact, Peter made the mold).
12:6-7 Peter is held captive for a few days but the night before Peter is brought out to be condemned (inevitably harmed and killed) God's participation becomes apparent. God actively participates in our lives, even though we do not always remember or acknowledge that. Peter could have lost hope; he had been captive for several days and he was on the eve of his last day alive on earth. Instead, Peter was patient and trusted in our God, who Peter devoted his life to. The outcome? In God's precise time, the events of Peter's release are orchestrated by angels sent by God.
I also find it interesting to note that Peter was sleeping. Peter was in prison, bound by chains and his death was imminent... yet he slept. Peter was so at ease despite the circumstances because the circumstances were irrelevant to him. Peter trusted and knew God so well that he feared nothing and nobody. Peter knew that God was invested, in control and knew that even if it were the time of his death, he would be fine. Peter believed that his enemies had no control or power over him or anything else.
12:8 The angel comes with God's plan for Peter; it's quite simply really: get dressed and lets walk out of here. God's plan is always simple and effective.
12:9 Having just woken in the presence of an angel, and being familiar with visions from God, Peter is not yet certain that he is actually being released.
12:10 The angel led Peter out of the prison (with the ease no person would be able to leave with), past the guards and out of the gates into the freedom of the city. Mission completed, the angel departs back to God (likely to begin another of God's missions to rescue, guide, or support another of God's children). Workers of God are prompt, effective and precise; there is much to be done and therefore they do not delay. Yet recognize that this is a situation with anxiety or haste. God had willed Peter's freedom and therefore freedom was accomplished: straightforward, no barriers.
12:11 It became apparent to Peter was he was indeed freed by God through an angel. It's easy to understand how dreamlike it would be in the midst of God's spiritual intervention. Peter had been delivered from his enemies, from their corrupt authority and from their lust for his death.
12:12 Peter returns to remain with the other apostles and workers of God. Unsurprisingly, they were in the midst of prayer. It is our most effective way to ensure the well-being of those we care about.
12:13-14 Rhoda realizes Peter is freed and in her pure excitement, she returns into the house to tell everyone (rather than to Peter himself). It's a cute, passionate moment for it reveals to us how invested in prayer and compassion they were. Rhoda means Rose.
12:15-16 Inside the house, the apostles continue to disagree as to whether it is actually Peter at the door or Peter spiritually manifested after death on earth. Meanwhile actual Peter continues to knock at the door. I love pointed out God's sense of humor. We certainly are His children and we certainly do behave as children (sometimes it is endearing and sometimes it is frustrating). He loves us for who we are and undoubtedly chuckles at our quirks.
12:17 Peter recognizes that this testimony of his freedom will heal and inspire many and therefore he is excited to spread the news of God's compassion and protection for them all.
12:18-19 There was commotion in the prison and among Herod and his soldiers and guards. Herod was so naively confident in his own power that the news of Peter's escape angered and embarrassed him. In effort to express his anger and to punish those who he determined had failed him, he calls for the death of his guards. Something to remember about this action: the guards are humans themselves and therefore they have their opportunity meet with God upon death. If they are innocent and kind, they live even after death on earth. If they are evil or corrupt, they cease existing. Either way, Herod has not determined their fate. Our own actions determine our own outcomes. Our own decisions have either consequences or rewards.
12:20-22 Recognizing an opportunity to be worshiped (allowing food into a region) Herod takes it. But remember what Jesus taught us about people who claim to be royal or divine: Matthew 23:1-12. They are corrupt. Children of God, people who are humble in honesty and kindness do not ever exalt themselves. (There is a lot of this that happens around us in our world today, be vigilant.)
12:23 The point in this verse is that Herod dies. Our God does not die and therefore it becomes obvious to his supporters that he was merely a man, corrupt and vulnerable to mortality. It's a lesson for us: be humble.
The particular description of Herod's death makes me think of an infectious illness, rather than a grim spontaneous occurrence.
12:24 What is important is that the word of God grows and multiplies, because God's word is generous and loving, guiding and protecting and the more able it is the grow and spread, the more the increase in the number of people able to hear and absorb it.
12:25 Barnabas, Saul and John fulfill their ministries in one place and then with passion and determination move toward another. Their focus is inspiring: the organization, the fearlessness, the faith and humility.
