Jesus is alive and He is still working.

Key Verse But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8 THEALLIANCE We are A Christ-Centered, Acts 1:8 Family

Three People and a Prevailing Purpose Cost of being a witness Comparisons Cause Sovereignty of God

About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword, 3 and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also… James’ story is short. Why?

When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”… Revelation 6:9-10

…Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been. Revelation 6:11

You shall be my witnesses … Μάρτυρες  martyrs Acts 1:8

Suffering for faith has been and will be experienced by many believers For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake Philippians 1:29

Suffering for faith has been and will be experienced by many believers that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death Philippians 3:10

Suffering for faith has been and will be experienced by many believers Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12-13

Suffering for faith has been and will be experienced by many believers, and enhances focus. Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin 1 Peter 4:1

No Fear. God knows. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. Matthew 10:28-29

What did Herod do to Peter? What did he intend to do to Peter? (3-4)

Why such tight security? (3-4) …he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people.

Why such tight security? they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” Acts 5:18-20

What did the church do for Peter? (5) So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. (12)

And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. (13) In the Church, everyone has a name.

Recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. (14) Blunder #1 – Left Paul outside… due to joy

They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” (15) Blunder #2 – Left Peter outside… due to unbelief

Prayer Did they pray believing? God still answered

Prayer Even their doubting prayers were more than a match for the powerful Herod!

Prayer For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 2 Cor. 10:4 Never say, “All I can do is pray!”

But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed. But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Tell these things to James and to the brothers.” Then he departed and went to another place. (16-17)

16-17 Be amazed, recount the story, and move on.

18-19 His intentions regarding Peter Security of the prison His ruthlessness

18-19 His intentions regarding Peter Security of the prison His ruthlessness God’s powerful deliverance surprised a powerful oppressor

Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon... (20) Conflict seems to follow Herod… unless things go his way.

21-22 Everything seems to be going his way. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last. (23) Is there any question about who is more powerful?

Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last. (23) What about James?

24-25 “BUT… ( Despite and in contrast to) Persecution by Herod Pride of Herod …THE WORD OF GOD INCREASED AND MULTIPLIED.

1. God was doing His part. (Matt. 16:18) 2. Believers were doing theirs. (Acts 1:8) 3. The Church grew! (24-25)

1. Why was Peter rescued and James killed? A. Balance individual stories and the big story. (24; Heb. 11:36) B. Be careful when comparing individual stories. (John 21:17-23) C. Trust God with what you don’t know or see. (Rev. 6:9-11) D. He is worthy!

1. Why was Peter rescued and James killed? 2. God is sovereign. No matter what. 3. Angels - real, present, intervening! 4. Does your life center on the prevailing purpose?