Not-So-Quiet-Time: Acts 12
At-Home Bible Guide for the Week of 11/23
Day 1: Verses 1-5
Again, when Herod killed James and imprisoned Peter, we see the clear reality that a faithful life is not a pain-free life. There are real consequences for following Christ and for being known to belong to Him. But the church did not cower and try to hide their faith when this happened. Instead, they prayed fervently. What the enemy intends to harm us can actually press us closer to God if we trust Him. How do you respond when pain and hardship come your way? Do challenges drive you to pray?
Day 2: Verses 6-11
Nothing is hard for God. Peter was locked up as securely as a person could be. Guards. Locks. Doors. Chains. Gates. But none of this caused any difficulty for God. We can trust in the Lord at all times. He can take care of us. Thank God for his power and care in your life.
Day 3: Verse 12-17
With the seemingly perfect poise that Stephen showed in front of an angry mob or Peter’s Bible-memory in the face of persecution, it can be encouraging to see what happens to Rhoda. Christians are not perfect people. We have the Holy Spirit, but we don’t become super-human. And while the church had been praying, they were still amazed at what God did to set Peter free. It should always amaze us to consider how the perfect God works so faithfully with imperfect people. Thank God for using imperfect people like us in his perfect ways.
Day 4: Verses 18-19
Herod was a king. He had people to command. He had places under his control. But God had proven Himself to be the real King. This was embarrassing to Herod, and he lashed out in rage. For those who are on God’s side, his power is glorious. For his enemies, it is scary. Thank God for adopting you into his family and caring for you by his power.
Day 5: Verses 20-25
In this passage, God showed even more clearly that He is the real King. Herod had taken glory that belonged to God alone (12:22), and he faced the consequences. Today, we can still act like we are the kings and queens of our lives, instead of living in submission to God. If He is our King, that should be clear in how we spend our time and make decisions. Are there areas in your life where you are not living as if God is your King?
Catechism Connection: WSC 4, 46
There is no one who can compare to the Lord: “God is a spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth” (WSC 4). Because He is so amazing, we should worship Him and make sure not to take praise for ourselves. Instead, our goal is to “know and acknowledge God as the only true God, and our God, and to worship and glorify him accordingly (WSC 46). That is what we were made to do. And that is what will bring us joy.
Day 1: Verses 1-5
Again, when Herod killed James and imprisoned Peter, we see the clear reality that a faithful life is not a pain-free life. There are real consequences for following Christ and for being known to belong to Him. But the church did not cower and try to hide their faith when this happened. Instead, they prayed fervently. What the enemy intends to harm us can actually press us closer to God if we trust Him. How do you respond when pain and hardship come your way? Do challenges drive you to pray?
Day 2: Verses 6-11
Nothing is hard for God. Peter was locked up as securely as a person could be. Guards. Locks. Doors. Chains. Gates. But none of this caused any difficulty for God. We can trust in the Lord at all times. He can take care of us. Thank God for his power and care in your life.
Day 3: Verse 12-17
With the seemingly perfect poise that Stephen showed in front of an angry mob or Peter’s Bible-memory in the face of persecution, it can be encouraging to see what happens to Rhoda. Christians are not perfect people. We have the Holy Spirit, but we don’t become super-human. And while the church had been praying, they were still amazed at what God did to set Peter free. It should always amaze us to consider how the perfect God works so faithfully with imperfect people. Thank God for using imperfect people like us in his perfect ways.
Day 4: Verses 18-19
Herod was a king. He had people to command. He had places under his control. But God had proven Himself to be the real King. This was embarrassing to Herod, and he lashed out in rage. For those who are on God’s side, his power is glorious. For his enemies, it is scary. Thank God for adopting you into his family and caring for you by his power.
Day 5: Verses 20-25
In this passage, God showed even more clearly that He is the real King. Herod had taken glory that belonged to God alone (12:22), and he faced the consequences. Today, we can still act like we are the kings and queens of our lives, instead of living in submission to God. If He is our King, that should be clear in how we spend our time and make decisions. Are there areas in your life where you are not living as if God is your King?
Catechism Connection: WSC 4, 46
There is no one who can compare to the Lord: “God is a spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth” (WSC 4). Because He is so amazing, we should worship Him and make sure not to take praise for ourselves. Instead, our goal is to “know and acknowledge God as the only true God, and our God, and to worship and glorify him accordingly (WSC 46). That is what we were made to do. And that is what will bring us joy.
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