In Acts 12 we see one of the great spiritual confrontations of all time. On one side we have Herod who, from the world’s point of view holds all the advantages:

  • Political Power: Herod is a third generation appointee of the Roman empire with dictatorial power over his area of the world.
  • Military Might: With his position comes access to the great legions of soldiers, sixteen of whom have been detailed to personally guard Peter.
  • Legal Advantage: A show trial has been arranged to make Peters execution a “fair and legal” process.
  • Popular Opinion: Herod does all of this with the approval of the Jewish people who feel threatened by this little upstart faith.

On the other side we have the church which has several disadvantages going into this confrontation:

  • James, a key leader of the movement has already been mudrered by Herod.
  • Peter, the head of the church is now in chains and awaiting certain death.
  • The Rest of the Twelve are in hiding and do not appear to have any significant influence in the outcome of this conflict.
  • The Church has no polictical, legal, military, or financial power whatsoever and does not have popular opinion on her side.

But…“while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.” (Acts 12:5 NLT)

 

 

What was the outcome of this confrontation?

  • Angels were summoned. Although the church had no authority over angels (see Hebrews 1-2) they did have the ear of God for whom the angels serve.
  • Peter was miraculously set free, even while he slept, unaware that help was on its way.
  • The Church, though it was praying for results, was amazed at the rapidity and profundity of God’s answer. They were shocked to find Peter free and knocking at the door.
  • Herod was removed. First from the area (vs.19) and then permanently from the earth.
  • Ministry was unleashed. By the end of the chapter the church was again growing rapidly and the first missionary team was being positioned to “Go into all the world….”

This confrontation in Acts 12 has profound implications for the church today. If we will unite our hearts in prayer there is nothing the Lord cannot and will not do to set people free, remove the power of the enemy, and unleash the church for ministry. We will be simply amazed at the results.

Let’s keep praying and never give up.