Read Acts 11:19 – 12:24
- For what purpose was Barnabas sent to Antioch?
Answer: The church in Jerusalem had heard that Hellenists were being converted in that area. (11:19-22) Comment: According to Lenski’s commentary on Acts (page 447), there were 25,000 Christians In Jerusalem at the time of Stephen’s death – before the dispersion of Acts 8:1. According to BibleHistory.com, “Josephus says that at the siege of Jerusalem the population was 3,000,000; but Tacitus’ statement that it was 600,000 is nearer the truth.” If 600,000 is the figure, then at one time, 4% of Jerusalem’s population were Christians. Other sources say it may have been as many as 100,000 during feast days. - Barnabas saw the grace of God had been extended to the Gentiles. (23)
- Where did Barnabas go to find whom? How long did they stay in Antioch?
Answer: To Tarsus to find Saul. They stayed one year. (25-26) - What significant thing happened in 11:26?
Answer: The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Comment: This is one of three places in the New Testament where the word Christian is used. The other two are Acts 26:28 and 1 Peter 4:16. Also note that they were called Christians only after salvation in Christ was offered to the Gentiles. - What caused the disciples to send money to Judea? Who took it for them?
Answer: Agabus prophesied a severe famine. Barnabas and Saul took it to the elders. (11:27-30) Comment: Note the trust involved here. They trusted in Agabus’s prophecy enough to give their money; they trusted Barnabas and Saul with the funds. This is one blessing of being a Christ– the ability to trust others’ judgment and integrity. - Whom did Herod the king kill? Why?
Answer: James, the brother of John, because he belonged to the church. (12:1-2) - Why did he also then arrest Peter?
Answer: Because he saw that the death of James pleased the Jews. He would have executed him, too, but had to wait until after the Passover. - How was Peter secured in prison?
Answer: With 4 squads (4 quaternions – 4 soldiers each), probably in 6-hour shifts for each squad. Comment: Note verse 5 – while he was in prison, the church prayed for him fervently. - Who was smitten on the side? By whom?
Answer: An angel “smote” or “tapped” (NSRV) Peter on the side (12:7). Comment: Here it was the night before he was to be executed, and he was fast asleep. - How was Peter able to leave the prison?
Answer: He followed the angel, and just walked out. The outside gate opened by itself. (12:8-10) Comment: Apparently, the guards were oblivious to what was happening, too. - What was Peter’s reaction when he was left by himself on the street?
Answer: He emerged from what seemed like a dream and said, “I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me.” (12:11) - Where did Peter immediately go? Where else do you hear of this woman’s son?
Answer: To the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, who later accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first journey out of Antioch of Syria(12:25. See also Acts 15:37,38 and 2 Timothy 4:11). He also wrote the gospel of Mark. Comments: They were praying for Peter (v. 5), yet were astonished when their prayers were answered. - What humorous incident occurred next?
Answer: Rhoda, a maid, answered Peter’s knock and was so overjoyed at seeing him she left him standing there. (12:13-17) - What happened to the guards back at the prison?
Answer: After questioning them, Herod ordered that they be put to death. (12:19) - What happened to Herod?
Answer: He was eaten by worms when he accepted praise as a god. (12:22-23). Comment: Don De Welt, in Acts Made Actual (pg. 164), quotes Josephus on this: “Herod was seized with violent pains in the bowels, and …lingered in great torture for five days.” According to this, it was an internal attack – maybe a bacterial infection?
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