26 April
The Spirit Protects God’s People (Acts 12:1-25)
Persecution intensifies as Herod attacks the church and imprisons Peter. Yet through the prayers of believers and God’s intervention, Peter is rescued, and the gospel continues to spread, reminding us that God remains sovereign over every opposition. (Note: study questions for the message are released on the church’s sermon page on the Monday after each sermon, and to find them, go here and scroll until you find the Sunday listed: https://wcc.org.au/podcasts/media/series.)
Reflection/Discussion Questions (for website)
Comprehension
- What actions does King Herod take against the church, and how do believers respond when Peter is imprisoned (Acts 12:1–5)?
- How does God rescue Peter from prison (Acts 12:6–11), and what happens to Herod later in the chapter (Acts 12:20–23)?
Going Deeper
- What does the church’s persistent prayer for Peter (Acts 12:5) reveal about the role of prayer during crisis and persecution?
- How does the contrast between Herod’s pride and the growth of the church (Acts 12:20–24) demonstrate God’s sovereignty over human power?
Personal Application
- How can you develop a more consistent and faith-filled prayer life when facing challenges or uncertainty?
- What steps can you take to cultivate humility and trust in God rather than relying on status, power, or control?
