Where is God When You Need Him (Acts 12: 1-25)

12/19/24 • 37 min

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Have you ever faced a situation where you wondered, "Where is God in all of this?" Perhaps you felt like God wasn’t answering, or you questioned why He allowed something to happen. Maybe you've wished for some foresight to prevent a disaster, but it didn’t come. These are tough questions, and today, we’re looking at a passage in Acts that can give us some insight.

Scripture Reading: Acts 13: 1-13

Summary of the Passage:

The story in Acts 12 is dramatic and powerful, showing how God works in unexpected ways. Here’s a brief summary:

Persecution and Arrest (Acts 12:1-4): King Herod arrests some believers, kills James (the brother of John), and imprisons Peter during the Festival of Unleavened Bread.
Prayer and Miraculous Escape (Acts 12:5-17): The church prays earnestly for Peter. An angel rescues him from prison, leading him past the guards and through the gates. Peter goes to the house of Mary, where believers are astonished by his escape.
Herod’s Downfall (Acts 12:18-23): Herod, failing to find Peter, executes the guards. Later, Herod gives a public address, accepts praise as a god, and is struck down by an angel, dying a gruesome death.
Continued Growth (Acts 12:24-25): Despite the persecution, the word of God spreads and flourishes. Barnabas and Saul complete their mission and return with John Mark.

Key Themes:

Persecution and Prayer:
- James’ Death and Peter’s Imprisonment: Herod’s actions show the reality of persecution faced by early Christians. The church’s response to Peter’s imprisonment was earnest prayer. In times of crisis, turning to God in prayer is crucial.
Divine Intervention:
- Angel’s Rescue of Peter: God’s intervention through the angel demonstrates His power and willingness to deliver His people. The chains falling off, the gates opening by themselves, and the guards remaining unaware highlight the miraculous nature of Peter’s escape.
God’s Sovereignty:
- Herod’s Downfall: Herod’s pride and acceptance of divine praise lead to his downfall, showing that God is in control and will not share His glory. Despite persecution, God’s plan continues to unfold, and the church grows.

Application to Our Lives:

Trust in God’s Plan: Even when circumstances seem dire, trust that God is at work. James’ death and Peter’s escape both serve a purpose in God’s overarching plan.
The Power of Prayer: The early church’s earnest prayer played a role in Peter’s miraculous escape. In our own lives, we should never underestimate the power of prayer.
God’s Timing and Methods: God’s ways are not always our ways. While we may not understand His timing or methods, we can trust that He is always working for our good and His glory.

Conclusion:

The story in Acts 12 teaches us that God is always present, eve

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Scripture Reading: Acts 13: 1-13

Summary of the Passage:

The story in Acts 12 is dramatic and powerful, showing how God works in unexpected ways. Here’s a brief summary:

Persecution and Arrest (Acts 12:1-4): King Herod arrests some believers, kills James (the brother of John), and imprisons Peter during the Festival of Unleavened Bread.
Prayer and Miraculous Escape (Acts 12:5-17): The church prays earnestly for Peter. An angel rescues him from prison, leading him past the guards and through the gates. Peter goes to the house of Mary, where believers are astonished by his escape.
Herod’s Downfall (Acts 12:18-23): Herod, failing to find Peter, executes the guards. Later, Herod gives a public address, accepts praise as a god, and is struck down by an angel, dying a gruesome death.
Continued Growth (Acts 12:24-25): Despite the persecution, the word of God spreads and flourishes. Barnabas and Saul complete their mission and return with John Mark.

Key Themes:

Persecution and Prayer:
- James’ Death and Peter’s Imprisonment: Herod’s actions show the reality of persecution faced by early Christians. The church’s response to Peter’s imprisonment was earnest prayer. In times of crisis, turning to God in prayer is crucial.
Divine Intervention:
- Angel’s Rescue of Peter: God’s intervention through the angel demonstrates His power and willingness to deliver His people. The chains falling off, the gates opening by themselves, and the guards remaining unaware highlight the miraculous nature of Peter’s escape.
God’s Sovereignty:
- Herod’s Downfall: Herod’s pride and acceptance of divine praise lead to his downfall, showing that God is in control and will not share His glory. Despite persecution, God’s plan continues to unfold, and the church grows.

Application to Our Lives:

Trust in God’s Plan: Even when circumstances seem dire, trust that God is at work. James’ death and Peter’s escape both serve a purpose in God’s overarching plan.
The Power of Prayer: The early church’s earnest prayer played a role in Peter’s miraculous escape. In our own lives, we should never underestimate the power of prayer.
God’s Timing and Methods: God’s ways are not always our ways. While we may not understand His timing or methods, we can trust that He is always working for our good and His glory.

Conclusion:

The story in Acts 12 teaches us that God is always present, eve

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Previous Episode

How to Minister to One Another (Acts 11: 19-30)

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We're diving into a fascinating topic today: "How to Minister to One Another," based on Acts 11:19-30. This passage not only offers a rich historical context but also provides valuable insights into the various forms of ministry that can and should be happening within our faith communities.

Study Notes

Key Scripture: Acts 11:19-30

Passage Overview:

Evangelistic Ministry (Acts 11:19-21): Early believers spread the gospel during persecution, reaching Jews and Gentiles alike.
Encouragement Ministry (Acts 11:22-24): Barnabas was sent to Antioch to encourage new believers, demonstrating the power of support and discipleship.
Teaching Ministry (Acts 11:25-26): Barnabas and Saul (Paul) taught together in Antioch for a year, establishing a strong foundation for the new church.
Prophetic Ministry (Acts 11:27-30): Prophets like Agabus predicted events, prompting the church to act in charity and support for others.

Main Points:

All Believers Are in Ministry:
- Ephesians 4: Every believer is called to ministry, not just the church leaders.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17: The importance of Scripture in equipping believers for good works.
Different Ministries Illustrated:
- Evangelism: Early believers shared the gospel wherever they went.
- Encouragement: Barnabas's role in strengthening and encouraging the faith of new believers.
- Teaching: The joint effort of Barnabas and Saul to teach and establish the church.
- Prophecy and Charity: The response to prophetic insights by supporting those in need.
Principles of Encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25):
- Be Present: Regular fellowship is essential for mutual ministry.
- Consider One Another: Understand and support each other through listening and empathy.
- Encourage One Another: Motivate and strengthen each other's faith and resolve.
The Role of Ordinary Believers:
- Ministry isn't limited to those in official positions; every believer plays a vital role.
- True ministry happens in the context of relationships, beyond formal church services.

Application:

Reflect on how you can personally engage in these ministries within your community.
Consider ways to encourage and support fellow believers, fostering a church environment focused on mutual love and service.
Embrace your calling to minister, knowing that every believer has a role to play in the body of Christ.

Thank you for joining us on TBPDP!

Stay tuned as we continue to explore how biblical principles apply to our contemporary lives, helping us all grow in faith and service.

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Next Episode

A Life Changing Moment in Time: (Acts 13: 1-13)

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Today, we embark on an exciting journey with Paul and Barnabas as they navigate uncharted territories, bringing the gospel to eager and some not-so-eager ears. Our episode is drawn from Acts 13:14-52, a passage filled with excitement, challenges, and Godly encounters.

We'll witness how the Holy Spirit orchestrates every step, turning obstacles into opportunities for joy. We'll explore the amazing joy that springs from fulfilling God's mission, a joy that sustains and empowers us even amidst trials.

Episode Notes:

In this episode, we follow Paul and Barnabas on their mission in Antioch of Pisidia. As they proclaim the transformative message of Jesus Christ in the synagogue, we see the Holy Spirit at work, turning challenges into opportunities and bringing joy amidst trials. We'll delve into the key sections of Acts 13:14-52, examining the boldness and conviction with which Paul and Barnabas spread the gospel, despite opposition.

Key Points:

Arrival in Antioch of Pisidia:
- Paul and Barnabas enter the synagogue and are invited to speak.
- The synagogue service structure and Paul's opportunity to share the gospel.
Paul’s Sermon:
- Paul recounts Israel’s history, emphasizing God's promise of a Savior.
- The fulfillment of this promise through Jesus' death and resurrection.
- The importance of salvation, forgiveness, and justification through faith in Jesus.
Reactions to the Message:
- Positive reception from Gentiles and some Jews.
- Opposition from jealous Jewish leaders.
- The spread of the gospel despite persecution.
Continued Mission:
- Paul and Barnabas’ response to rejection: turning to the Gentiles.
- The joy and filling of the Holy Spirit experienced by new believers.

Reflection Questions:

How do you handle opposition when sharing your faith?
What does the joy of the Lord mean to you, especially in difficult times?
How can you continue in the grace of God daily?

Action Steps:

Reflect on past experiences of sharing your faith and how you can grow from them.
Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in turning challenges into opportunities for joy.
Encourage others to embrace the joy and grace of God in their lives.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through Acts 13. We hope this episode inspires you to embrace the joy and continue spreading the good news, no matter the obstacles.

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The Bible Project Daily Podcast - Where is God When You Need Him (Acts 12: 1-25)

Transcript

Where is God When You Need Him. (Acts 12:1-end)

Transcript:
Have you ever had a situation where you ask yourself where is God in all of ? Have you ever been a place in your life where you thought God wasn’t answering the phone, so to speak. Or perhaps you've been in a situation where you've asked why did God allow that to happen?

Maybe you’ve wondered why the Lord didn’t give me a little foresight on how I could have prevented the thing