Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison – This lesson reveals how God delivers His people from oppressive systems and spiritual bondage, contrasting Peter’s miraculous release from prison with the decline of legalistic religion in Jerusalem. Through prayer, faith, and willingness to move with God’s glory—like the church at Antioch—we can overcome opposition, break old patterns, and experience true freedom, trusting God’s sovereignty and rejecting false ministry that exalts itself above the Word.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
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Scriptures used in this lesson:
Galatians 2:11-14, Acts 12:1-2, Genesis 25:19-22, 1 John 2:18, Genesis 27:41, Acts 12:1-5, Acts 12:6-11, Acts 12:12-16, Acts 12:17, Galatians 2:11, Acts 12:21-23, Revelation 17:3-6,
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
A Tremendous Lesson for the Church Today
This is a tremendous lesson, and it’s what the Spirit is saying to the church today in this hour. It’s kind of a panorama of a lot of the things that I’ve been telling you.
Acts Chapter 12: The End of Peter’s Jerusalem Ministry
Acts chapter 12 marks the end of the recorded ministry of Peter and the Church in Jerusalem. Peter had opened the way to salvation first for the Jews and then the Gentiles, as instructed in Matthew 16 and 19. After this, he is only mentioned once more in Acts 15:7-14. The Jerusalem church is also seen only twice more, in Acts chapters 15 and 22. Over time, this church shifted from its original glory and became more legalistic, Pharisaical, and sectarian. Eventually, God allowed the destruction of the Jewish system in A.D. 70. In contrast, the church at Antioch began to grow and experience new blessings, becoming a center for the spread of the gospel.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
A Tale of Two Churches: Jerusalem and Antioch
The passage compares these two churches to the events of the present age. Churches that are flourishing are those focused on the Word, prayer, praise, and worship. Those who are declining tend to be stuck in legalism and sectarianism. According to this view, believers have a choice: they can either hold onto old, empty religious patterns, like those in Jerusalem, or move forward, like those in Antioch, and experience God’s glory.
Present-Day Relevance of These Churches
The message insists that God is actively tearing down religious systems based on legalism and sectarian attitudes. I reference these systems as “Babylon,” destined to be destroyed by God’s power and truth. The challenge given is personal: believers must examine their own hearts for any of these attitudes and allow God to remove them, just as the Israelites followed the Lord’s presence in the wilderness. The glory of God has moved on from Jerusalem to Antioch, and those who want to remain in God’s presence must also move forward with Him.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
Outline of Acts
The outline notes that Acts chapters 1 through 12 center on Peter and Jerusalem, while Acts 13 onward shifts to Paul’s ministry from Antioch. Although great miracles and God’s power marked Peter’s ministry, he did not fully embrace God’s new direction. As a result, God would soon raise up new leadership and a new movement through Paul and Antioch.
Peter’s Struggle with Tradition and Change
Galatians 2:11-14
11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
Paul’s Confrontation in Antioch
In Galatians 2:11-21, Paul confronts Peter in Antioch because Peter withdrew from eating with Gentile believers when certain Jewish Christians from Jerusalem arrived. Before their arrival, Peter freely fellowshiped with the Gentiles, but he separated himself out of fear of the Jewish legalistic group. Paul rebukes Peter for this hypocrisy and legalism, asking why, as a Jew living like a Gentile, he compels Gentiles to follow Jewish customs. This shows Peter’s struggle to fully embrace the gospel’s freedom despite the revelation he had received earlier in Acts 10.
The Challenge for Ministries Today
The passage highlights a broader issue in ministry today: many have heard God’s truth but resist changing their ways or message because of tradition or financial interests. Ministries often cling to legalism or fear losing support. God, however, will change ministry when it refuses to move forward. Just as God shifted His primary work from Peter and Jerusalem to Paul and Antioch, He continues to seek those who embrace His word, prayer, praise, and worship without legalistic or sectarian attitudes.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
God’s Glory Continues Forward
The message urges believers to join the forward movement of God’s glory, symbolized by Antioch, rather than remaining in outdated and restrictive religious systems. Ministry that resists change will be replaced or transformed by God’s purpose for such a time as this. The call is to flow with God’s leading, allowing Him to work through open, Spirit-filled churches that reject bigotry and legalism.
Acts 12 Outline
Political Opposition Acts 12:1-2
Peter’s Miraculous Deliverance Acts 12:3-11
Prayer Meeting Acts 12:12-19
Punishment upon Herod Acts 12:20-25
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
Acts 12:1-2
1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
Herod Represents Political and Spiritual Opposition
Herod the king represents political opposition in Acts chapter 12. The passage points out that there is only one true King, Jesus Christ. Anyone who sets themselves up as a king is taking the place of Christ, symbolizing an anti-Christ—a false or substitute leader rather than the real Messiah. The term “anti” here means substitute, not just against.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
The Herod Family and Its Significance
Herod came from the family of Esau, making him a descendant of Jacob’s brother. The Herod family line, also known as the Edomites, ruled in the region from 46 B.C. to around 100 A.D. Several rulers mentioned in the New Testament were from this family. Herod the Great, who ruled from 73 B.C. to 4 B.C., ordered the killing of infants in Bethlehem. His son, Herod Antipas, ruled from 4 B.C. to 40 A.D. and was responsible for the execution of John the Baptist.
The Herod mentioned in Acts 12 is Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great, who ruled from 10 B.C. to 44 A.D. The last in the line, Herod Agrippa II, appears later in Acts chapters 25 and 26.
Babylon as a Symbol
The Herod family is portrayed as a symbol of a corrupt, beastly system—a substitute for the true Christ and a representation of Babylon. Their presence and actions serve as examples of the kind of opposition faced by the early Church and its true King.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
The Conflict of Flesh and Spirit
Genesis 25:19-22
19 And these are the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham begat Isaac:
20 And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian.
21 And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
22 And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD.
23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.
24 And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.
25 And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.
Two Nations in the Womb
Genesis 25 tells the story of Isaac, Rebekah, and the birth of their twin sons, Esau and Jacob. The Herods, known opponents of Christ, were descendants of Esau. This passage shows that from the beginning, there were two opposing lineages—Christ and antichrist, the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent. This theme is found throughout scripture, including the book of Acts.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
When Rebekah struggled in her pregnancy, God revealed that two nations were within her womb. These represented the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness. The lesson is not just about the world at large, but also about the church. In the church, there exist both fleshly and spiritual people. Paul writes in Galatians that the flesh and spirit oppose each other. Even within each individual believer, there is a struggle between the spiritual and carnal nature.
Jesus’ Teachings on Division
Jesus’ teachings also reflect this, as seen in His descriptions of the separation of sheep and goats, and the wheat and tares. These divisions exist in the world, the church, and even within individuals. In Genesis, the birth of Esau and Jacob reveals this contrast—Esau, described as red and hairy, represents a beastly, fleshly nature. Jacob, by contrast, represents a smoother and godlier nature. This conflict persists in the church today, as the ongoing struggle between the carnal and the spiritual remains.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
The Antichrist Spirit in Ministry
1 John 2:18
18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
In 1 John 2, John states that there are already many antichrists in the world. Remember when I showed you this? It says antichrists, not just one Christ, antichrists as in many, plural, with an “s” on the end. And so we can see today also there are many antichrists in the world today, a false ministry that sets itself up and exalts itself. But the end of that ministry is that worms will eat it. It will be smote by God and eaten by worms.
There is a ministry today that elevates itself as great and powerful, almost claiming to be like God. People admire and applaud it, but this ministry is warned that God will judge it severely, and it will be destroyed. This message challenges what listeners have been hearing and calls for awareness of the dangers of false exaltation within religious systems.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
The Struggle Between True and False Ministry
Genesis 27:41
41 And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.
Throughout the Bible, a recurring theme is the distinction between two kinds of seed: the seed of the serpent and the seed of the woman. In the New Testament, this is seen as the struggle between the old and new natures within each person. Esau represents the beastly, fleshly nature, while Jacob stands for the godly nature. Esau, symbolic of the old man or the Herod spirit, hated Jacob because of the blessings Jacob received. Similarly, in the church today, there is opposition from those with a fleshly spirit against those who pursue God’s blessing.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
Herod’s attempt to harm Peter is a picture of this same conflict. Even now, there are ministries or religious systems that oppose and try to silence those who preach the truth and bring blessings. Going back to Acts 12, you see this struggle and opposition repeated.
Revival, Restoration, and True Ministry
At the end of the age, the true harvest will not only be about lost souls coming into the kingdom. It will also be about spiritually dead churches coming alive, being restored, and becoming a powerful force—a great army for God. This revival brings together believers who once had no life or direction.
When Jesus saw the crowds, he saw that many were religious, but his heart was moved with compassion for them all. They were like sheep without a shepherd. Many were believers but lacked guidance and spiritual care. Even today, this compassion extends to saved people who lack someone to guide and teach them how to be victorious in their walk with God.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
The ministry’s mission is to help believers deepen their spiritual life, not just encourage shallow experiences. Like teaching someone to swim. In the spiritual, I teach people to swim and not splash around in the shallows. It is about helping believers really thrive rather than survive. The greatest harvest will come among those saved people who need shepherding and direction. That is where the focus of genuine compassion and ministry should be.
Persecution and Prayer in Acts 12:1-5
Acts 12:1-5
1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
In Acts 12, King Herod stretched out his hands to persecute the church. The reference to his “hands” is a symbol of a false five-fold ministry imitating the true ministries of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.
Attacks on Genuine Ministers
Herod’s attack is selective—he targets those like James and Peter who are making a real impact for God. Religious opposition often goes after those who are trying to turn the world upside down. He killed James with a sword, and this pleased the religious people. Many religious people and systems are quick to celebrate when a genuine minister falls. This tendency can even be seen when denominations remove ministers after failure, acting in a spirit similar to Saul when discovered dead. They removed his armor and cut off his head.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
When Herod saw that killing James pleased the Jews, he arrested Peter with the same intent. The passage mentions “Easter,” but this is a mistranslation. The original Greek word is “Pascha,” which always means “Passover.” Easter comes from a pagan spring festival dedicated to the goddess Eostre, but the biblical text is about Passover. Herod intended to keep Peter in prison until after this festival and then execute him.
The Power of Spirit-Filled Prayer
However, the church responded by praying without ceasing for Peter. This was more than just ordinary prayer. The word used refers to intense spiritual intercession—praying in the Spirit, with groanings that cannot be uttered, like Paul describes in Romans 8:26 and 1 Corinthians 14:14-15. These prayers went on for days while Peter was in prison. The believers may not have been sure how God would answer, especially since James had just been killed. Still, they pressed into prayer, trusting the Holy Spirit to pray according to God’s will.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
Even in the most desperate situations, like Peter being chained and guarded by sixteen soldiers, prayer can make a difference. While Peter was asleep, resting in God despite facing death, the church was praying fervently. The story encourages us to pray persistently, seek God’s will, and trust Him in our trials. If you feel imprisoned by your situation, keep praying and get others to pray in the Spirit for you. God can still bring miraculous deliverance.
Peter’s Miraculous Deliverance
Acts 12:6-11
6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.
7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.
11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
Peace in the Face of Death
Peter was going to die the next day, and he was sleeping. If I ever start worrying, will one of you please be an angel and come over and smack me, telling me to go to the corner and go to sleep? God give us that kind of peace.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
Peter knew he’d already died. His life was hidden and dead in Christ, in God. He’d already been water baptized. He’d already died once, and it’s appointed to men how many times to die? What was he worried about? He’s already dead. God help us see that. Give us that kind of peace.
Then in comes this angel. I see this in two ways, and I want you to see it both ways. The angel walked in, and the room was filled with light. He walks up and smacks Peter on the side. The chains fall off, and he says Get up and gird yourself. Bind on the sandals. Cast thy garment about thee and follow me. So Peter gets up and follows him through all those gates. But Peter says this couldn’t be true.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
Deliverance from Religious Bondage
There’s a beautiful salvation message right there. One day, you were in prison, and a light came to you. An angel of God smote you, and you didn’t walk the same anymore. Just like Jacob never walked the same way again in Genesis chapter 32. You didn’t see the same anymore because, like Paul, you were blinded to the world. Chains fell off you. Chains of bondage. You began to gird yourself with the armor of God. You began to put on a garment of praise, and you began to follow the Lord and started going through gates that he’d opened up for you. That’s a beautiful salvation message.
But I see more there because I’m in Herod’s prison, not Satan’s. See the word angel. Angel is number 32 in the Strong’s Concordance, and it’s Aggelos. This is what the Strong’s Concordance says: a messenger and, by implication, a pastor, referring to a ministry.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
One day, I was in Herod’s prison. I was saved just like Peter, but I was bound between 16 soldiers. They had me chained, and every time I determined in my mind to get out of Herod’s prison and get out of the traditions of men and out of denominational teachings and out of things that I knew were wrong, every time those 16 Roman soldiers wouldn’t let me. But one day, an angel, a minister, a pastor brought me some light. He brought me some word, and he lit my being. He lit my mind up, and he smote me just like Paul on the road to Damascus.
Personal Testimony and Spiritual Armor
The Lord had to blind me to all the things that had ever been taught because they were mostly wrong, so that he could knock the scales out of my eyes and I could see. He put me up, and the chains fell off all those traditions that had always been taught. He said Gird yourself. I put on brand-new armor because I found out that the devil wasn’t my biggest enemy. I was. The thing that I had the most trouble with wasn’t out yonder. It was between my ears. I had to get a whole new set of armor because I had to fight a brand new battle.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
Then I began to put on a new garment of praise, and I got liberty in it. A brand new liberty. I danced more than any of you do, and they used to tell me how y’all used to run around here. I began to praise the Lord, and I’ve started following my angel. Following that ministry. Going through all the gates. All the gates that I had to go through from Griffin to Lafayette. All those gates that he’s brought me through to get me where I’m at today. I like Peter said, Lord, some of this couldn’t be true, but it is.
Bringing Others to Freedom
Now you know what? Now I’m visiting prisons and now I’m smacking Peters and now I’m saying come on, come on and follow me. There’s work to do. There’s a city to turn over. Come on, Peter, let’s go. Get up, Peter, get those traditions off of you. Peter, get up, find out that the battle’s not up yonder, it’s right in here. Get up, Peter, let’s praise the Lord.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
There was no love tap. That word ‘smote’ means to knock. Vine’s definition adds that it means to strike, to give a blow with the hand, a fist, or a weapon. Remember when Peter tried to take off Malchus’s head and took off his ear? That’s the way that angel hit Peter. Come on, Peter, I’m smacking you, Peter, can you hear what I’m saying? You’re just like Peter, you’re saying this ain’t true, this guy ain’t real. He is real.
Peter came to himself. Peter wasn’t sure what was going on. He’s just like y’all. Some of you go home and you say, I don’t know, I ain’t never heard it like that before. Look at that word wist. Peter wist not means to see, to know. Lexicon helps means it means to perceive with the outward senses, particularly with physical sight. You won’t get what I’m telling you with your physical senses. This is spiritual stuff.
Awakening to Spiritual Reality
But if I can ever get you to do what Peter did, if I can ever get you to come to yourself, then you’ll know you’re in Herod’s prison and God sent an angel to you to smote you and bring you out of there. But you’ve got to come to yourself.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
I was writing about this, and I had a sad thought. In the book of Samuel, we’re told a story about Jonathan, who was Saul’s son. Saul was the system, and if you didn’t go along with his system, he’d pin you to the wall with his javelin. Jonathan was his son, but you see, as the glory of the Lord had left Jerusalem and gone to Antioch, the glory of the Lord had left Saul and gone to David.
Saul and Jonathan: The Danger of Staying in the System
Jonathan, the son of Saul, was in a difficult situation. He loved David, but it was a hypocritical love because he stayed at his father’s house, Saul’s. There are many people like that today. One day, Jonathan ate some honey, and the Bible tells us that when Jonathan ate the honey, his eyes were enlightened, and he realized that his father had troubled the land. The system has troubled the land.
But Jonathan wouldn’t leave the system and go to David. He stayed there. In his death, in 1 Samuel chapter 31, Saul and Jonathan were not separated. They died together. When God destroyed that system because Jonathan wouldn’t come out of it, he died with Saul.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
What I’m saying is this: there are a lot of people out there today who are being enlightened with the honey of the Word. There are many people who will hear what you’re saying. Their eyes will be opened, and they’ll say that it is the system that has troubled the world, but they won’t come out of it. Now they’ll love us, and they’ll come and visit us, and they’ll love to sit and eat the honey with us, but they’ll die in the system. Because when God smashes it, he’ll smash them with it.
A Call to Spiritual Freedom
But if I can ever get you to come to yourself, you’ll realize you were in Herod’s prison, but God sent you an angel to bring you out.
God’s Sovereign Choices in Deliverance
Why should God let James, the brother of John, be executed by Herod, yet send an angel to deliver Peter from the same fate? Why should Peter be delivered more than once out of prison by angels, yet Paul, left to die in prison, writing letters to churches? Also, why should Stephen be stoned to death, yet Paul is stoned to death and then miraculously raised up? Why should God raise Dorcas or Tabitha from the dead, but not Stephen?
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
Do you ever wonder why certain things happen to some but not to others? Why do things happen to you, but not to someone else? The early church seemed to possess knowledge that we are now learning. God is God. His will is always accomplished. They surrendered their will to God and knew that all things work together for the good, to them that love God and are the called according to His purpose. We do not know why, but we must learn to trust God.
The Church’s Astonishment at Answered Prayer
This is one of the most hilarious parts of the whole Bible to me. It is so funny. They’ve been praying for seven days for God to answer their prayer. God answers their prayer, and then they don’t believe it. Are you laughing? They prayed for a ministry to be brought to them for seven days. How long did you pray? Come on. They prayed for seven days for a ministry to be delivered. How long did you pray for a ministry to come to you? But some of them still don’t believe it. Some of you are starting to. They were astonished, the Bible says.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
Acts 12:12-16
12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.
13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.
14 And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.
16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
Rhoda and Faith
Verse five tells us that prayer was made without ceasing by the church unto God for Peter. Peter was imprisoned for several days. As we examine verses 13 through 16, we see a humorous side to even the early church. God answered their prayer, but it astonished them. That word astonished means to put, stand out of wits, in effect astonished or become astounded, insane. Have you ever prayed for ministry to be delivered to you? And when God delivered it to you, then you were astonished.
As Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel named Rhoda came. I fell in love with Rhoda. Praise God for Rhoda. When she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate. She opened the gate with gladness, and she was happy that Peter was out there, but she didn’t let him in. She ran in and told them that Peter stood before the gate. They said unto her, thou art mad. That word mad means maniac. You’re a maniac, Rhoda. But she constantly affirmed that it was so. So they said, ‘It is his angel.’ But Peter continued knocking. When they had opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
They weren’t praying by faith. They were praying in the Spirit because they didn’t know the will of God. James had just been killed. God allowed that. Then why wouldn’t he allow Peter to be killed? They were praying because they knew they were supposed to pray. And they were praying in the Spirit. Of course, they wanted him delivered.
Letting Ministry Into Your Life
She heard a real minister’s voice. Open the door, Rhoda. Let Peter into your life first. Then go tell everybody where Peter’s at. Because until you let Peter into your life and you learn what to say first, all they’re going to say about you is you’re a maniac. Let Peter in, Rhoda. Open the door, Rhoda. Hear what Peter’s got to say. Then go run and tell the others.
But praise God for Rhoda. I love Rhoda. She doesn’t give up. She keeps on. Finally, Rhoda gets to bring them all to Peter. And here’s Peter. Real ministry will astonish you.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
The Transition of Ministry in Acts 12:17
Acts 12:17
17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.
Let’s wind this up with Herod. Let’s get verse 17. I’ve got to show you this. I can’t believe that. What did Peter do? What did Peter do? He went to another place.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
Galatians 2:11
11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
He left what city? Jerusalem. He went to what city? Antioch. Where was the glory of the Lord? Antioch.
The ministry is going where the glory of the Lord is. And this city, any city, any place, bigoted, Pharisaical, legalistic, sectarian churches are finding Peter’s leaving them. Real ministry cannot stay in that type of atmosphere.
Peter left Jerusalem. We’re going to find out that prophets came to Antioch. Prophets and missionary journeys were raised and sent from Antioch. And you’re going to find that God smashes Jerusalem. Bigoted, Pharisaical, legalistic, sectarian churches are going to die. God will smash them, and Peter’s leaving it.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
Now, some will try to stay. James tried to stay there. This is James, the brother of Jesus, not James, the brother of John, who was killed with the sword. James, the brother of Jesus, will try to stay, but the stones will get him. In AD 61, they stoned James to death. A ministry that tries to stay in that type of atmosphere eventually succumbs to the stones.
Herod’s Judgment and Babylon’s End
Acts 12:21-23
21 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.
22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.
23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
Let’s finish this study with Herod. Verse 21 talks about Herod. On a set day, Herod was dressed in royal apparel. Herod is a type of antichrist and false ministry. He wore royal clothes. Josephus, the historian, says this robe was woven with silver. Silver is a symbol of redemption and atonement, but for Herod, it was a false redemption—a false atonement.
Herod sat on his throne and made a speech to the people. The crowd shouted, “It is the voice of a god, not a man.” False ministry always points people to itself and not to God. True ministry always points people to God. A false ministry seeks a throne and strives to appear important.
Herod wanted glory for himself. Immediately, an angel of the Lord struck him because he failed to give glory to God. Herod was eaten by worms and died. This illustrates what happens to false ministry and pride—it ultimately leads to destruction.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
Babylon vs. The Word of God
Revelation 17:3-6
3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
The Beast and Babylon Described
That beast is the Esau nature, full of names and blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. The woman riding the beast represents Herod – MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATION OF THE EARTH.
Herod is a type of antichrist, a type of the system. It exalts itself. It sets itself on its own throne. An angel is coming. There’s a word of the Lord coming. And it’s going to smite Herod. And you’ll see it for what it really is. Maggots. That word worm means maggots. Dead flesh. False ministry. Babylon, however you want to look at it, is nothing but dead flesh. Full of maggots. Full of worms. Eating away at it. Canker. Rot. Now, that’s the picture it’s painting for you. But you’ll see the contrast in verse 24.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
Verse 24 says, But the word of God grew and multiplied. One’s filthy and cantankerous, eaten up with maggots and worms and rot and flesh. One multiplies and lives. Babylon’s dying. But the word of the Lord liveth and abideth forever.
We’ll look at verse 25 next week. It fits right in with 13.
Summary and Application
In summary, Acts 12 is a panorama, a view of the judgment upon the antichrist spirit of false ministry. That spirit desires to destroy true ministry, but in turn, it is destroyed. False ministry may look impressive and sound impressive, and it may even sit upon its throne. However, the end of the story will reveal the truth. Is it full of maggots, or is it alive and multiplying? It is also important to note that at times ministry will be captured by Herod. But the prayers of the church will deliver ministry. Pray for ministry. Pray for me. Remember that it is people like me that Herod is really after.
Acts Series Chapter 12: How to Escape Herod’s Prison
Praying for Ministry and Receiving It
Thank God for the Rhodas. They are so glad when ministry is delivered to them that they forget to let ministry into their life first. They want to tell everyone where the ministry is at, and at first, they’ll tell Rhoda she’s crazy. But keep on talking, Rhoda will finally listen, and when they open the door to their house and let the ministry in, they will be astonished.
Acts Series Chapter 12 Audio
Acts Series Chapter 12 Audio
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