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THE BOOK OF ACTS

CHAPTER 12

THE CHALLENGE OF CHAPTER TWELVE

We should never fear the world’s attitude toward the spreading of the gospel. If persecution
comes, imprisonment, or even the possibility of death, we can experience God’s divine peace
while trusting His ability to deliver us supernaturally. The gospel cannot and will not be
stopped, and Jesus will return to establish His kingdom in the earth.

HEROD PERSECUTES THE CHURCH (1-4)

With the spreading and growing influence of the gospel, Herod begins to persecute the Church.

He killed James the brother of John and because James’ death so pleases the Jews, he captures
and imprisons Peter. He plans to also put Peter to death after the days of unleavened bread
have passed.

Act 12:1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the
church.

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex (persecute and kill) certain

(key members) of the church.

The phrase “about that time” refers to the time of the drought in Jerusalem. Herod Agrippa is
the king mentioned in this verse. He is the grandson of Herod the Great. Herod, like his
grandfather, embraces Judaism and wants to please the Jews. He learns of their hatred for
Christians and is determined to persecute the church. This is primarily a political move on his
part. Being a military man, he knows the best way to instill fear and discouragement into a
group is to kill one of their leaders (5:36-37). Typically when a leader of a movement is killed,

the followers disperse rapidly. However, in this particular instance, that plan backfires on
Herod. Peter will remain alive, and Christianity will survive and flourish.

JAMES IS KILLED

Act 12:2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

James, the brother of John is decapitated. Jesus had nicknamed James and John the “Sons of
Thunder” (Mark 3:17). Their mother had asked for each of her sons to be seated beside Jesus
in His kingdom (Matthew 20: 20-23).

Following the death of Stephen James is the next apostle to be killed. John will be the last.