A Chapter of Surprises

A BAD SURPRISE … PERSECUTION IN PROSPERITY

Acts 12:1-2 ... About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church. He had the apostle James (John’s brother) killed with a sword.

• The reason for it made no sense

Acts 12:3-4 ... When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish people, he also arrested Peter. (This took place during the Passover celebration.) Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover.

• The result of it caused more pain

Acts 12:5 ... But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.

• The reaction to it was immediate and sincere

1 Peter 4:12-14 ... Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.

A GOOD SURPRISE … DELIVERANCE FROM DANGER

Acts 12:6-8 ... The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate. Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And he did. “Now put on your coat and follow me,” the angel ordered.

• His escape was miraculous

Acts 12:9-10 ... So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn’t realize it was actually happening. They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate leading to the city, and this opened for them all by itself. So they passed through and started walking down the street, and then the angel suddenly left him.

• His escape was meticulous

Acts 12:11 ... Peter finally came to his senses. “It’s really true!” he said. “The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!”

• His escape was marvelous

Daniel 3 … Story of Shadrach, Meshech and Abednego

Daniel 3:17-18 ... If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”

AN UNEXPECTED SURPRISE … PROVISION THROUGH PRAYER

Hebrews 11:1 ... Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.

• God showed the reality of what they had hoped for

Acts 12:12-15 ... When he realized this, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered for prayer. He knocked at the door in the gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to open it. When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone, “Peter is standing at the door!”

“You’re out of your mind!” they said. When she insisted, they decided, “It must be his angel.

• God shared the evidence of what they couldn’t see or imagine

Acts 12:16-17 ... Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed. He motioned for them to quiet down and told them how the Lord had led him out of prison. “Tell James and the other brothers what happened,” he said. And then he went to another place.

Hebrews 11:6 ... And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

Don’t be surprised when God answers your prayers … just enjoy the surprise of how He accomplishes His will