31. In Every Thing By Prayer

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Hymns: RHC 284 Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus 368 From Every Stormy Wind That Blows  335 Keep On Believing

Acts 12:1-17

1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. 2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) 4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. 5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. 6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. 7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. 8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. 9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. 11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. 12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. 13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. 14 And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. 15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. 16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. 17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

In Every Thing by Prayer

OUTLINE

  • Tribulation – Problem (v1-5a)
  • Tranquility – Prayer (v5b-7)
  • Triumph – Peace (v8-17)

INTRODUCTION

In Every Thing By Prayer – Acts 12:1-17. The powerhouse of the church is the prayer meeting. It is there at the throne of grace that we obtain mercy to help in times of need. Not just corporate prayer but private prayer. Prayer is power with God. 

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Give your worries and anxieties and burdens to the Lord and He has promised to take care of them. The Apostle Paul says do not forget, let all yours prayers be made with thanksgiving. Be a thankful Christian.

Psalm 13:5-6 But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

Was His prayer answered yet, problem seemed still there but God has given him faith in His heart to know that surely in His mercy, God will help. And he rests in thanksgiving to the Lord.

Indeed, before that he asked the Lord “how long” 4 times getting impatient with God for He seemed silent to His request until he came to the realization that God will surely do him good as He seeks to do His will. He calms down and praised God.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The early church faced countless persecutions, violent opposition to her existence. If you are a Christian in the early days of the church, life indeed hang on the thread like the robin sitting in its nest at the edge of the waterfall.

But the church of God on earth is a supernatural body, endued and protected by the power of God from on high.

We see this enacted, dramatically portrayed as the power of God was unleashed to ensure the success of the church and its mission despite violent opposition. 

God directly intervenes by sending an angel to free the apostle Peter from his imprisonment and stems the persecution by striking down the king of the land. 

Herod the Great murdered the innocent children of Bethlehem to oppose God’s work; now his descendant embarks on a murderous tirade against the leaders of the church.[1]

  • Tribulation – Problem (v1-4)
  • Tranquility – Prayer (v5-7)
  • Triumph – Peace (v8-17)
  • Tribulation – Problem (v1-4)

1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. 2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 

What was happening to the infant church? Now perhaps 10 years old since the crucifixion of Jesus. Our text tells us that one of the leaders of the church James, the brother of John was arrested and killed! He was beheaded. He had his head chopped off. A terrible way to die. 

During the Japanese Occupation of Singapore from 1942 – 1945, there were many such beheadings. Inadvertently, we have memories of certain and certain of our relatives who disappeared. Frightening ordeal!

The word “vex” is the word “evil”. It means “to harm or do evil to someone, ill-treat, plague, injure”.

This man Herod is commonly called Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the Great who ruled Palestine during the time of Christ birth, who ordered the killing of the innocent babies in Bethlehem to oppose God’s work when he heard that the King of the Jews is born, he saw Christ’s birth as a threat to his throne. We see years later his grandson continue this murderous tirade against the leaders of the church.

3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) 4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. 5 Peter therefore was kept in prison:

A quaternion of soldiers or a party consisting of four soldiers, the usual number of a Roman night watch, relieved every three hours (Acts 12:4).

The apostle was guarded by sixteen soldiers in four squads of four soldiers each.

Herod intended to bring him out for public trial or execution after the Passover, our text does not say. You recall during the trial of Jesus ten years ago, Peter denied the Lord three times. Jesus restored him. He is a new man wholly surrendered to the Lord in consecration and service. Jesus said to him if ye love me, feed my sheep, feed my lamb, three times.

The crisis in Peter’s life as a believer, the tribulation that he is facing – the word “tribulation” means a pressing, to be pressed to a breaking point.

The Christian in an un-Christian world can faces many a tribulation as you seek to walk with God, to obey His commandments. Living in enemy territory, often faces the onslaught of the enemy.

The tribulations of life can come in many forms – it can be a sickness, a loss of job, an estranged relationship with a loved one, rebellious children, unsaved loved ones…

Why do Christians suffer? It could be chastisement from God, a wake-up call to come back to God, for your purification that you may be more conformed to the image of Christ, as a lesson to know that this world is not our home, suffering prepares us for glory!

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

 2 Corinthians 4:14-16 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

What do we do when tribulation, problems come our way as believers?

  • Tranquillity – Prayer (v5b-7)

5 …but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. 6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. 7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

What did the church do in times of tribulation, when persecution comes, when there is a problem you face in life? Pray!

The reformer Martin Luther admits, “The less I pray, the harder it gets, the more I pray, the better it goes.”

That’s why the Apostle Paul advises the believers to pray without ceasing. When you stop cleaving to Jesus, starting looking at the waves around you, you will become discouraged and afraid and doubt and lose heart.

The men of God in the bible and throughout church history who are men of prayer. The understood the enormity of their need and the inadequacy of their strength. Prayer testifies to our faith in God. We are lacking to run our own life we need God’s help. Prayer is an act of faith. 

As we cultivate a vibrant prayer life, over the years, we see by and by prayers answered, as you taste more and more of God’s goodness, your faith grows. Doubts and fears will fade, to be replaced by a steadfast confidence in God. 

As Solomon confessed: 1 Kings 8:56 Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.

Prayer is talking to someone you can’t see, about something you don’t have, with no visible means of obtaining.

This was what’s confront the church with the beheading of James and the imprisonment of Peter. They saw the imminent danger facing their loved ones. 

5 …but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

Prayer was made intensely, earnestly for Peter and he may be protected from harm and danger. 

Psalm 121:1-8 A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

The lifting of the eyes is a gesture of worship as the pilgrims approach God. It is an act of acknowledging God, a most wonderful prayer posture of a trusting heart without hassle. 

The lifting up of the eyes is a renewal of trust in God and in Him alone. The traveler begins by lifting his eyes to the hills, in the back of his mind, he contemplates the dangers of the journey of life that lies before him and is led to ask, “Where does my help come from?” 

His reply is “My helper comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. The lifting up of the eyes is also a praying posture of the saint. Is this your habit?

Safety and confidence in the LORD!

The LORD indeed is our help. But how often when we evaluate how as Christians we face trial and testing, invariably we find ourselves looking for help everywhere other than God. But the psalmist in verse 2 is affirming that the origin and authorship (BDB) of his help is from God this is seen by the interpretation of the phrase “cometh from” in the original it’s from two prepositions “from and “with” or beside”.

The experience of the church and the last word from Jesus to His disciples before His ascension is that they are to wait upon God in prayer. And since the inception of the church, her powerhouse has been the upper room where the waits tarries at the mercy seat.

6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. 7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

Notice what Peter was doing in prison? He was sleeping. How could he be sleeping when he is facing the greatest crisis in his ministerial life? How could he sleep so soundly in a dirty prison with the threat that he could lose his life at any time? 

If only men and women would take time to pray, it is the surest cure for depression.

It is observed that “Depression can affect anyone and it is one of the most widespread illnesses, often co-existing with other serious illnesses. According to the World Health Organization, unipolar depressive disorders were ranked as the third leading cause of the global burden of disease in 2004 and will move into the first place by 2030.”

Depression is a significant contributor to the global burden of disease and affects people in all communities across the world. Today, depression is estimated to affect 350 million people. The World Mental Health Survey conducted in 17 countries found that on average about 1 in 20 people reported having an episode of depression in the previous year. Depres- sive disorders often start at a young age; they reduce people’s functioning and often are recurring. For these reasons, depression is the leading cause of dis- ability worldwide in terms of total years lost due to disability. The demand for curbing depression and other mental health conditions is on the rise globally. A recent World Health Assembly called on the World Health Organization and its member states to take action in this direction (WHO, 2012).[2]

Depression is a common mental disorder that presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, decreased energy, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, and poor concentration. Moreover, depression often comes with symptoms of anxiety. These problems can become chronic or recurrent and lead to substantial impairments in an individual’s ability to take care
of his or her everyday responsibilities. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide. Almost 1 million lives are lost yearly due to suicide, which translates to 3000 suicide deaths every day. For every person who completes a suicide, 20 or more may attempt to end his or her life (WHO, 2012). 

You recall in Matthew 8:23-27 at the time when Jesus was with His disciples in the Sea of Galilee, He beckons them to follow Him as He bought a ship and there arose a great storm in the midst of the sea and they found Jesus asleep. The disciples must have panicked as they look at the waves about to submerged the ship. They awoke Jesus and said, “Lord, save us: we perish!” 

Matthew 8:23-27 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

But when you pray, God’s peace fills your heart with strength.

Psalm 105:4 Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.

During the time of His earthly ministry Jesus said to His disciples:

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Jesus said to His disciples before He went to the way of the cross in John 16:33.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

When we pray, we rest ourselves in the power of God. What was Peter doing? He was resting in Jesus.

Psalm 55:16-19 As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me. God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.

Psalm 13:1-4 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.

Psalm 13:5-6 But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

Was His prayer answered yet, problem seemed still there but God has given him faith in His heart to know that surely in His mercy, God will help. And he rests in thanksgiving to the Lord.

Indeed, before that he asked the Lord “how long” 4 times getting impatient with God for He seemed silent to His request until he came to the realization that God will surely do him good as He seeks to do His will. He calms down and praised God.

Philo, the Hellenistic Jews calls peace the highest of blessings…a gift no human being can bestow. Indeed, this peace come when mankind come to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the bestowal of true peace.

What Is True Peace? Indeed, true peace, as one anonymous Christian writer said well echoing the words of Jesus, “Peace that passes our comprehension is not a quality of life which excludes us from the stresses and strains of human society. It is not a sheltered withdrawal from the wrongs that rack our world. Nor is it a cloistered existence in which we are cut off from the calamities and conflicts of our generation.”

Another writer puts it, “In Christianity, peace is defined as the tranquil state of a soul, assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God, and content with its earthly lot of whatsoever sort that is.” That is God’s peace.[3]

The place of peace to which God our Father calls us is that intimate inner acquaintance with Himself whereby we come to know so assuredly: “O Father, You are here! And all is well!”

It was Drummond who told this story to illustrate the Christian concept of resting in God – Two painters each painted a picture to illustrate his concept of rest. The first chose for his scene a still, lone lake among far-off mountains. The second threw on his canvas a thundering waterfall, with a fragile birch tree bending over the foam; at the fork of a branch, almost wet with the cataract’s spray, a robin sat on its nest. The first was only Stagnation; the last was Rest. For in rest there are two elements—tranquillity and energy; silence and turbulence; creation and destruction; fearfulness and fearlessness.[4]

Truly, there is no issue or decision that is too minor for prayer. Taking nothing for granted when it comes to your concerns.

6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. 7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

God answered the intercessory prayer of the saints. An angel was sent to rescue Peter. Supernaturally, his chains fell off. What power demonstrated. 

  • Tribulation – Problem (v1-5a)
  • Tranquility – Prayer (v5b-7)
  • Triumph – Peace (v8-17)
  • Triumph (v8-17)

8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. 9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. 

This is the amazing story of his escape. An encouragement to let us know we have a God who answers prayer and that right early.

Psalm 27:1-14 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. 

Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. 

Peter saw the power of God in action to deliver him. Jesus is no longer with him but His presence and power continue to be manifested as He has promised.

One late Pastor observed, “Indeed, the Great Commission seemed to be a mission impossible. But this is not the situation when Jesus gave it. Jesus said all power, authority and dominion is given unto Him in heaven and earth. And the bible tells us that dominion was first given to man, but man gave it over to the devil in the Garden of Eden.

Jesus received it back from the Father and gave that authority to each of us. He said to His disciples in 

Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. 13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. 14 And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. 15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. 16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. 17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

Peter showed himself alive. He escaped to another place. We will notice that from now, except in Acts 15 during the Jerusalem Council, we do not see Peter mentioned again. Instead we see the Apostle Paul coming to the scene bring the gospel throughout the Roman Empire to the gentile world.

CONCLUSION

  • Tribulation – Problem (v1-5a)
  • Tranquility – Prayer (v5b-7)
  • Triumph – Peace (v8-17)

[1] Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary, New Testament – Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary on the New Testament – John, Acts.

[2] http://www.who.int/mental_health/management/depression/wfmh_paper_depression_wmhd_2012.pdf

[3] D.A. Waite, Philippians, The Bible for Today Press, 2003, 120.

[4] Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations: Signs of the Times.