Acts (11)

And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24.27
Be sure to view the video introducing our study of Acts 12 (Lesson 11) by clicking here.

Read and meditate on Acts 12.12-17.
If Shakespeare had written this story and featured it as a scene in one of his plays, we would be in the aisles, holding our sides. Even before this little “knock, knock” game. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Peter. Yeah, right.

For reflection
1.  At this point I am hilarious with joy, as the Lord proceeds to unfold the mysteries of the unseen Kingdom in the very midst of those who are its heirs, citizens, and ambassadors. Didn’t these folks believe in the prayers they were earnestly making to the Lord (v. 5)? Certainly they did. But they could not have imagined how the Lord would answer their prayers. Neither, by the way, can we; so it’s best to just keep praying and expect strange, unlikely, amazing, wondrous things to happen. Is this the way you typically pray?

2.  I love that little touch where Peter shushes everybody: We can imagine them squealing and crying with joy! We note they are gathered in a home, and we are introduced to John Mark, whom we’ll meet again soon (Luke’s way of keeping his history moving forward). This was probably one of many “house churches” in the Jerusalem church of Acts. Why don’t we do house churches today?

3.  We also note that James, the Lord’s brother, has already achieved a place of prominence among the Apostles. We’ll see just how prominent in Acts 15. A doubter throughout Jesus’ earthly life, James finally “got it” when the Lord showed Himself to His half-brother after the resurrection (1 Cor. 15.7) and enlisted him in the work of the Kingdom. Nothing can stand against the power of the risen, exalted Christ. Nothing, and no one on whom the Lord sets His sights. What are the implications of this for your work in your Personal Mission Field?

4.  And let’s not overlook little Rhoda (“red”). She recognized Peter’s voice, but was so excited she forgot let him in! Those within, still laboring in prayer for Peter, didn’t believe her report. But their lack of belief did not change the fact of Peter’s being at the door, as they soon discovered. Does this little vignette suggest anything about your call to report the Gospel to the people in your Personal Mission Field?

5.  How does this story about Peter help us to see that Jesus is sovereign in all the daily, mundane details of life? How should that encourage us as His followers? As His witnesses?

Summary
The ongoing work of Christ is a human story, a story of real people taking small steps of obedience and finding the grace of God running ahead of them in surprising ways. The Gospel changes us as the Spirit leads us through the Kingdom turn into the ongoing work of Christ. What are some of the most significant ways you have experienced this work in your own life?

Closing Prayer
Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,
Whose hope is in the LORD his God,
Who made heaven and earth,
The sea, and all that is in them;
Who keeps truth forever,
Who executes justice for the oppressed,
Who gives food to the hungry.
The LORD gives freedom to the prisoners.
The LORD opens the eyes of the blind;
The LORD raises those who are bowed down;
The LORD loves the righteous.
The LORD watches over the strangers;
He relieves the fatherless and widow;
But the way of the wicked He turns upside down.
The LORD shall reign forever—
Your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the LORD!

Psalm 146.5-10

T. M. Moore

Each week’s studies in Acts are bound together into a free PDF that you can download for personal or group use (click here). Each week also features a video related to the studies of the week, which you may find helpful as you work through our studies in Acts.

Acts is the record of Christ’s ongoing work as King and Lord. This is the work of bringing the Kingdom of God to earth as it is in heaven. Read more about the implications of this work in our new book, The Kingdom Turn (click here).

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