Wednesday, June 4 – Acts 12, 13 – Additional Reading: The Acts of the Apostles, Chapters 16 and 17

1. Why did the angel strike Herod? (Acts 12:23)

2. What did the Holy Spirit say concerning Barnabas and Paul? (Acts 13:2)

3. What important figure opposed the preaching of Barnabas and Saul in Cyprus? (Acts 13:6)

Acts 12 tells a fascinating story. Since my joyful days in the children’s Sabbath School department, I’ve been captivated by the beauty and valuable lessons of Peter’s prison deliverance. Yet, this remarkable story often diverts our attention from the stark contrast presented in the chapter. At the very moment of Peter’s miraculous release, James, the son of Zebedee and Salome (one of Jesus’ female disciples), brother of John, and one of Jesus’ first disciples, was executed by the sword under King Herod.

This Herod was an unscrupulous politician.

“Desirous of obtaining the favor of the Jews, hoping thus to make secure his offices and honors, he proceeded to carry out their desires by persecuting the church of Christ, spoiling the houses and goods of the believers, and imprisoning the leading members of the church. He cast James, the brother of John, into prison, and sent an executioner to kill him with the sword, as another Herod had caused the prophet John to be beheaded. Seeing that the Jews were well pleased with these efforts, he imprisoned Peter also.” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 143)

“James filled a short ministry of only 13 years after Christ’s ascension. Of the apostles, he died first, whereas John, his brother, was probably the last of the Twelve to die.” (Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Acts 12:2)

“The death of James caused great grief and consternation among the believers. When Peter also was imprisoned, the entire church engaged in fasting and prayer.” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 144)

It is amazing that Peter was sleeping in this situation. Verse 5 is powerful: “Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.” (Acts 12:5)

“While, upon various pretexts, the execution of Peter was being delayed until after the Passover, the members of the church had time for deep searching of heart and earnest prayer. They prayed without ceasing for Peter, for they felt that he could not be spared from the cause. They realized that they had reached a place where, without the special help of God, the church of Christ would be destroyed.” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 145)

We must leave to divine providence the reason why Peter was miraculously delivered while James was left to be cruelly executed after just 13 years of ministry. Though we do not understand now, we will one day. In any case, Peter was spared only to minister for a few more years. About 25 years later, he too would follow the Master and James into martyrdom when he was crucified in Rome. Extra-biblical tradition tells us that when they went to crucify him, he asked to be hung upside down, saying, “I am not worthy to die as the Master did.”

A few days before His ascension, Jesus had told him: “Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish. This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’” (John 21:18–19)

As for Herod, he died struck by an angel at the very height of his political influence, in a moment most politicians only dream of, when the people responded to his speech with, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” “Immediately, an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died.” (Acts 12:23)

The union of church and state has been, and according to prophecy, will again be, used by the enemy to corrupt the church and persecute God’s people. Religion and politics do not mix. That is why we Adventists are strong advocates for the separation of church and state. Separation of church and state means separating the church from politics and politics from the Christian. We may have opinions and even exercise our right to vote, but as a church and as followers of Jesus, we must remain separate from politics.

The Master said: “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.’” (John 18:36)

If Jesus’ kingdom were of this world, His followers would engage in political battles to defend it, but His kingdom is not of this world.

I desire and pray that we, too, may resemble the believers in Antioch of Pisidia, filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

May God grant us a very blessed day.