sign in sign up
<<
Home , AD 44, Agabus, Barnabas

Acts of the Chapter 11-12

Overview: Chapters 11-12 are a major transition from a focus on Peter to Paul and his mission to the . The is built up at (11:19-26) and predicts a famine (11:27-30). Herod persecutes the Church (12:1-19) and then dies (12:20-24).

The Church at Antioch: 11:19 – 26

• Persecution: The disciples bring the well beyond the borders of Judea • None but : We continue to see the emphasis on Jew first, then (Rom. 1:16) • Note: Paul will follow the same pattern of preaching to Jew first, then Gentile • Great number: Luke emphasizes Greek converts, as he did Jewish ones (:41, 4:4) • Believed: The converts accepted (intellectual) and turned to the Lord (will) • : “Son of Encouragement” recognizes the grace of God and encourages them • Look for Saul: Barnabas knows that Paul is a gifted preacher and teacher • Key: A great gift is to recognize gifts in others and encourage them to use them • Whole year: The growth of the Church took time, including a lot of hard work! • : May have been derogatory by outsiders; Christians saw as fitting (Kurz, 190)

The Prophecy of Agabus: 11:27 – 30

• : First mention of prophets among followers of (Kurz, 190) • Agabus: Predicts both famine (11:28) and Paul’s impending suffering (21:10-11) • : Roman emperor from AD 41 to 54; expelled Jews from (:2) • According to ability: Not only the wealthy gave, but all according to ability (Kurz, 192) • Send relief: The first Catholic Services appeal; supports those in need from famine • Note: Paul will later make appeals in his letters to various churches • Presbyters: First mention in Acts; Greek presbyters means “elder” (English “priest”) • Barnabas/Paul: Serve as a great team on their missionary journeys the Gentiles

Herod’s Persecution of the Church: 12:1 – 19

• That time: Luke provides a vague time reference as he shifts attention back to • King Herod: ; reigned over Judea AD 41 to 44; last king of • James: Killed by the sword in AD 44; one of Jesus’ closest disciples (Peter, James, and John) • Note: James asked to “drink the cup” and to be baptized with Jesus’ baptism (Mk 10:38) • Pleasing: Herod enjoys human approval and so proceeds to arrest Peter • Unleavened Bread: Peter is arrested during Passover just as Jesus was • Four squads: Peter is guarded by four men at a time; two in the prison with him, and two before the doors; each squad was relieved every three hours; making in all sixteen men • Prayer by Church: Luke emphasizes the power of united prayer by the Church • Double chains: Herod went to extraordinary lengths to secure Peter • Key: Herod tries to prevent all human efforts to further the spread of the gospel (Kurz, 195)

1 • : As God delivered the Israelites, so He delivers Peter from the present government

Jesus Peter Pray fervently in the garden (Lk 22:22) Community pray for Peter’s release Jesus rises from sleep Peter is “raised” from his sleep Jesus arises from the dead Peter “gets up, literally “arise” Dazzling clothes of the An angel appearing in the light Kurz, 195

• Key: As God delivered Peter, so He knows how to deliver all those who love and serve Him • Hand of Herod: God delivered Israel from the hand of Pharaoh • House of Mary: ’s mother has a (large) home in Jerusalem; • : A touch of humor when she runs away from the gate leaving Peter there • His angel: A person’s angel can stand in for the person and act on his/her behalf (Kurz, 196) • James: Not James, the brother of John, but James the leader of Jerusalem community • Guards: Responsible for keeping watch over Peter; put to death if prisoner escapes • Caesarea: Herod’s home base and the administrative capital of the province of Judea

Herod’s Death: 12:20 – 24

• Tyre and Sidon: Luke digresses about a dispute between Herod and people of Tyre/Sidon • Note: The people are dependent upon Herod for food; they desire to make peace with him • Voice of a god: The people of Tyre and Sion offer false accolades to win over Herod • Eaten by worms: Herod receives retribution for killing James and imprisoning Peter o Josephus: Says that Herod had a pain in his belly for five days and died (Kurz, 199) • Spread and grow: Luke continues to stress the growth of God’s word (6:7, 12:24, 19:20) • Key: No matter how bleak our situation may look, God is infinitely more powerful than any human or demonic adversary. With confidence in God, no one can stop us from witnessing to the message of God’s love and the lordship of Jesus Christ (Kurz, 200).

Mission of Barnabas and Paul: 12:25

• Barnabas and Paul: Last mentioned on the relief mission to Jerusalem (11:30) • Note: Luke prepares the reader for the missionary journey of Barnabas and Paul

Chapter 13 Chapter 14 First mission begins in Paul and Barnabas at Iconium Paul arrives at Antioch in Paul and Barnabas at Paul’s address in the End of the first mission Paul addresses the Gentiles Arrive in Antioch and meet with the Church

• Key: There are many parallels between Jesus’ and Paul’s mission. Both are chosen, opposed, deliver sermons with mixed results, are removed from the territory, and then journey to a new place. The Church’s mission continues that of Jesus’ mission (Kurz, 202).

2