As we return to Acts this Sunday, we once again find ourselves in a text that is providentially applicable to us today. Acts 12 presents the early church with a new, seemingly insurmountable opponent. Instead of being opposed and persecuted by the Jewish religious leaders or an overzealous Pharisee (Saul) bent on killing individual Christians, now all the governmental might of King Herod Antipas I (backed by the Roman garrison in Jerusalem) will attempt to destroy the church. The political power and might of Herod is enormous. He is a childhood friend of the Roman Emperor Claudius and uses the Roman garrison of Jerusalem to do his bidding. He succeeds in killing the Apostle James and imprisons Peter. And as the worldly powers marshal themselves to destroy the leadership of the church, all the believers can do is pray.

Chapter 12 is a clash of powers. The power of the world which seems unconquerable, and the power of God to overrule and overcome all others. Sunday, we will see that although individual Christians may suffer and even be killed, the Lord’s power is above all other powers. The Church’s prayers avail much, even when their faith is lacking, and when all the dust settles, the mission of Christ is increasing and multiplying (12:24). The church at prayer is surprised when their prayers are answered in this text, they needed to learn the lesson that we must internalize as well. There is no power in creation that can conquer the power of our God and His gospel.