Acts 12–13
Persecution, Deliverance, and the First Missionary Journey.
INTRODUCTION
Acts 12–13 shows:
- Herod’s persecution
- God’s miraculous deliverance
- The death of a tyrant
- The rise of the missionary church
- The first missionary journey of Paul & Barnabas
The center of ministry shifts from Jerusalem to Antioch.
God judges the proud and empowers His servants.
I. HEROD PERSECUTES THE CHURCH (Acts 12:1–5)
Herod Agrippa I arrests believers to please the Jews.
Acts 12:2 — “He had James… put to death with a sword.”
James (brother of John) becomes the first apostolic martyr.
Acts 12:4 — Peter is arrested and guarded by four squads of soldiers.
Acts 12:5 — “Prayer for him was being made fervently by the church.”
Teaching Notes
Persecution intensifies — but the church prays.
God allows James to die, and Peter to live.
God’s purposes are different for each servant.
Application
Prayer is the church’s first response, not last.
God is sovereign over life and death.
Faithfulness matters more than outcomes.
II. ANGELIC DELIVERANCE OF PETER (Acts 12:6–17)
While Peter sleeps in prison:
An angel appears, light shines, chains fall off.
Peter is led past guards and iron gate.
Acts 12:11 — Peter says, “Now I know… the Lord has sent forth His angel and rescued me…”
He goes to the house where the believers are praying.
Rhoda recognizes his voice; they think she is crazy.
Once they see Peter, they are astonished.
Teaching Notes
God answers prayer even when faith is weak.
The church prays for deliverance — and is surprised when it happens.
God opens doors no man can shut.
Application
God works while His people pray.
Faith does not need to be perfect, only present.
Miracles often look ordinary until afterwards.
III. HEROD’S PRIDE AND DEATH (Acts 12:18–24)
Herod receives praise as a god.
Acts 12:23 — “The angel of the Lord struck him… and he was eaten by worms and died.”
Acts 12:24 — “The word of the Lord continued to grow and to be multiplied.”
Teaching Notes
God judges the proud (James dies, Peter freed, Herod judged).
The Word increases despite opposition.
Application
God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
The death of tyrants never stops the gospel.
IV. ANTIOCH — THE MISSIONARY CHURCH (Acts 13:1–3)
Leaders in Antioch are:
- Prophets
- Teachers
- Multi-ethnic
- Fasting and ministering to the Lord
Acts 13:2 — “The Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul…’”
They fast, pray, lay hands on them, and send them out.
Teaching Notes
Missions begins with worship and fasting.
The call comes from the Spirit through the church.
Antioch becomes the launching hub for global missions.
Application
Churches should pray, fast, and send workers.
Mission is not optional — it is central.
V. FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY BEGINS (Acts 13:4–12)
A. Cyprus — Gospel & Spiritual Warfare
They arrive at Cyprus and preach.
A false prophet/magician named Bar-Jesus opposes them.
Acts 13:9 — “Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit…”
He declares judgment on the magician, who becomes blind.
Acts 13:12 — “The proconsul believed… astonished at the teaching of the Lord.”
Teaching Notes
The name “Paul” now becomes prominent.
Spiritual opposition accompanies ministry.
The gospel reaches government leadership.
Application
Ministry requires spiritual authority and courage.
The Word astonishes when preached with power.
VI. PISIDIAN ANTIOCH — PAUL’S FIRST SERMON (Acts 13:13–41)
Paul preaches Christ from the Old Testament:
- God’s dealings with Israel
- David and promise of a Savior
- Jesus’ death and resurrection
Acts 13:38 — “Through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”
Acts 13:39 — “Everyone who believes is justified…”
A warning from the prophets follows (vv. 40–41).
Teaching Notes
Paul preaches grace and justification clearly.
Salvation is for everyone who believes.
Application
Preaching must center on Christ, resurrection, and grace.
Justification is by faith, not works.
VII. GOSPEL RECEPTION & OPPOSITION (Acts 13:42–52)
Gentiles rejoice and beg to hear more.
Almost the whole city gathers next Sabbath.
Jewish leaders become jealous and oppose the gospel.
Acts 13:46 — Paul & Barnabas:
- “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first;
since you repudiate it… we turn to the Gentiles.”
Acts 13:48 — “As many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.”
Acts 13:52 — “The disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”
Teaching Notes
The gospel produces joy and conflict.
God’s sovereignty and human responsibility work together.
Mission continues despite rejection.
Application
Joy in the Spirit is the normal Christian life.
Rejection is part of the mission — not the end of it.
God is saving people everywhere His gospel is preached.
CONCLUSION
Acts 12–13 demonstrate:
Persecution cannot stop the church.
God delivers His people and judges the proud.
Mission begins with worship and prayer.
The gospel is for Jews and Gentiles alike.
Joy and the Holy Spirit accompany the work.
The church is now moving outward, and Paul becomes the central figure.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Why did God allow James to die but rescue Peter?
What does Peter’s deliverance teach us about prayer?
What can we learn from Herod’s pride and judgment?
Why did missions begin at Antioch, not Jerusalem?
What stands out in Paul’s first sermon?
Why does opposition often accompany joyful revival?