The Word Grew

About that time King Herod stretched out his hands to oppress some of the assembly. He killed James, the brother of John, with the sword, and when he saw that it pleased some, he seized Peter as well, during the days of unleavened bread. He meant to bring him out to the people after the Passover.

Against the king's power stood the church's prayer: "constant prayer was made by the assembly to God for him" (Acts 12:5). On the night before Herod would bring him out, Peter slept between two soldiers, bound with two chains, with guards at the door. An angel of the Lord appeared, light shone in the cell, the chains fell off, and Peter followed, thinking it a vision. They passed two guard posts, and the iron gate leading into the city opened of its own accord.

Coming to himself, Peter knew that the Lord had delivered him out of the hand of Herod. He went to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered praying. Rhoda recognized his voice and, for joy, ran to report it without opening the gate. The praying believers told her she was crazy and then guessed it was his angel, until Peter's continued knocking proved otherwise. Peter told them how the Lord had brought him out and asked them to tell James and the brothers.

The chapter ends with a contrast. Herod, arrayed in royal clothing, gave a speech, and the people shouted that it was the voice of a god. Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory. "But the word of God grew and multiplied" (Acts 12:24). Barnabas and Saul returned from their service, bringing John Mark with them.