Thursday, October 16, 2025

           Acts 12 contains several momentous events in the early days of the church.  First, James, the brother of John was “put to death with the sword” (12:2).  One of the original Twelve, James suffered death as a martyr for His faith in and service to the Lord Jesus.  The Bible noted that this execution was done with the approval and favor of Israel’s religious leadership.  They were anxious to be done with the name of Jesus and all who claimed loyalty and allegiance to Him.  It was little more than a politically expedient execution.  Soon after, Herod ordered the arrest and imprisonment of Peter.  The plan was for Peter to stand for a public trial for his faith in Jesus.  But then Peter miraculously escaped from prison after being arrested by Herod.  “An angel of the Lord” appeared and led Peter safely out of prison.
            Peter went immediately to the home of Mark’s mother and presented himself as safe, free and in good condition.  Peter’s freedom upset and angered Herod who made a thorough search for Peter, cross-examined the guards and then ordered that the guards be executed for losing Peter as a prisoner.  At the end of Acts 12, an angel of the Lord struck down Herod for his failure to give praise to God (12:23).  We might think there is nothing else to see in Acts 12 after these events.  But, one could argue that the most significant event of Acts 12 is found in the last verse.  It is presented in only ten brief words that capture our attention.  The Bible says, “But the word of God continued to spread and flourish” (Acts 12:24).  No matter what was happening, the Word of God marched forward and the gospel continued to expand into the hearts of an ever-increasing number of people.
            We are reminded that God’s Word does not return to Him void or empty but accomplishes that which God sends it forth to do.  Even when one disciple was martyred and another one was arrested, the gospel continued to expand.  The daily circumstances of the world do not impede the purposes and plans of God.  In Acts 5:39, a Pharisee named Gamaliel wisely advised that if the gospel of Jesus Christ was from God, then it could never be stopped or thwarted.  He said, “But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”  These events and verses in Acts testify to God’s power.  His Word will begin and complete whatever God wills to do.  His Word can be trusted and treasured.  We can hold on to the promises of God during trials and battles.  God’s Word is changeless in an ever-changing, ever-fluid world and culture. 
            Because the gospel marches forward today, we want to be part of the gospel movement.  We want to share our faith in Jesus.  We want to invite others to worship with us.  We want to call people to the good news of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.  We all face bleak and gloomy times—days that look a lot like Acts 12.  But we want to remember how Acts 12 ends—with the Word of God continuing to spread and flourish.  We can trust that God will complete the work He is doing in us and fulfill the plans that He has for us.  The enemy, Satan, consistently casts doubt on the goodness and faithfulness of God.  We want to dismiss the enemy’s lies and listen to the clarity and comfort of God’s Word.  Remind yourself of four truths today.  First, God is good—forever and always.  Second, God’s love for you is changeless and everlasting.  Third, God is able to save and keep those who turn to Him.  Nothing can ever shatter your relationship with Him.  And fourth, God is still at work even when days are gloomy and bleak.  He has not ceased His work in the lives of those who live for Him.  Have a great Thursday!