Chapters 11:19–12:25
The Two Great Resources of the Church
With the door opened for the gospel to go out to the world and a great harvest of souls being saved, it only follows that these new converts would need to be cared for. In the next couple of chapters, the Spirit of God sets before us incidents that illustrate this care. The two great resources God has provided for this work are: the Word of God and prayer (Luke 10:3838Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. (Luke 10:38)–11:13; Acts 20:3030Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. (Acts 20:30)). These are prominent in these chapters.
In the latter half of chapter 11, we see the spiritual gifts which God has given to the Church using the Word to establish the saints in the faith (Eph. 4:11-1211And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (Ephesians 4:11‑12)). Evangelists are seen preaching the Word and gathering souls in (vss. 19-21); a pastor/shepherd is seen exhorting the new converts in practical matters of Christian living (vss. 22-24); teachers are seen building up the saints in the truth (vss. 25-26); and prophets are found warning and comforting the saints in the trials of life (vss. 27-30).
Then, in chapter 12, the saints are seen casting themselves on the Lord in prayer in regard to the persecution of Herod. Their prayers are answered by the hand of God intervening providentially on their behalf in delivering Peter from prison (vss. 5-19) and putting down Herod (vss. 20-25).
The Ministry of the Word
Chapter 11:19 picks up the thread from chapter 8:1, regarding “the persecution that arose about Stephen.” Chapter 8:4 tells us that the persecuted saints “went everywhere preaching the Word;” here in chapter 11, Luke focuses on the ones who went to “Phenice and Cyprus and Antioch.” At first, they preached the Word “to Jews only” (vs. 19). But the Hellenists who had been saved from “Cyprus and Cyrene” didn’t stop at preaching to Jews—they preached to the “Greeks also” (vs. 20). These were Gentiles! The hand of the Lord was with these evangelists, and “a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord” (vs. 21). We are not told the names of those who were engaged in this work of evangelism; they are purposely withheld to show us that God uses humble instruments (1 Cor. 3:55Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? (1 Corinthians 3:5)).
When news of these things “reached the ears of the assembly which was in Jerusalem,” they sent out Barnabas to report on this new work of the Spirit (vs. 22). Being a believing Hellenist who was familiar with Gentiles, having grown up among them on Cyprus (Acts 4:3636And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, (Acts 4:36)), he was well-suited for the mission. He went to Antioch to see whether it was a real work of God, and if so, to be a help to them. Luke says: “Having arrived and seeing the grace of God, rejoiced” and “exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord” (vs. 23). Being a pastor/shepherd, Barnabas’ concern for these new converts was that they would, first and foremost, have a personal life of communion with the Lord, for it is the believer’s spiritual lifeline (John 15:44Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. (John 15:4)). Luke tells us that the work continued to expand while Barnabas was there, and many more people were “added unto the Lord” (vs. 24).
New converts, however, need more than guidance and counsel in matters of practical Christian living; they need to be grounded in the truth. This requires sound teaching. Barnabas was “a good man, and “full of the Holy Ghost” (vs. 24), but personal godliness and a sterling character do not make one a teacher. Realizing this, and knowing his own limitations, Barnabas “went away to Tarsus to seek out Saul. And having found him, he brought him to Antioch” (vs. 25). Saul was a teacher who was well able to meet this need (1 Tim. 2:77Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. (1 Timothy 2:7); 2 Tim. 1:1111Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. (2 Timothy 1:11)). For “a whole year they assembled themselves with the church [assembly], and taught much people” (vs. 26). These two servants worked together to establish the saints, and there was much blessing as a result. The fact that it went on for “a whole year” shows that this work takes time; it is not done overnight.
Under the sound of the Christ-centered and Christ-exalting ministry of Barnabas and Saul, the saints grew spiritually and were first called “Christians” in Antioch (vs. 26b). The word means, “Christ’s ones.” It was originally used in derision by people of the world. Christ was impressed upon the hearts of these dear saints, and as a result, His character came out in their walk and ways (2 Cor. 3:1818But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:18)). The people of the world would see it and mockingly call them “Christians.” Christians, on the other hand, see it as an honour to bear Christ’s name in derision and to suffer His reproach (Acts 26:2828Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. (Acts 26:28); 1 Peter 4:1616Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. (1 Peter 4:16)).
It is interesting to note that before Barnabas arrived in Antioch, the Spirit withheld Luke from calling these believers an assembly per se. They are viewed merely as a group of newly saved Christians. It was not until after there was practical fellowship with the assembly in Jerusalem (through the coming of Barnabas) that they are called an “assembly” (vs. 26). This occurs a number of times in the book. The Spirit of God is teaching us that when a new assembly is established, it should be done in fellowship with those already so gathered; thereby “the unity of the Spirit” is maintained (Eph. 4:33Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3)). If the brethren were not careful here, they could very well have ended up with a Jewish church in Jerusalem and a Gentile church in Antioch which were independent of one another, and any practical expression of the “one body” would be imperilled before that truth had been revealed!
Luke passes on to give us another manifestation of the Spirit—the gift of prophecy. This is illustrated in the ministry of “Agabus” (vs. 28). Before speaking of Agabus’ prophecy, Luke reports that “prophets” went regularly “from Jerusalem to Antioch” to minister to the saints there (vs. 27). This shows that happy conditions existed between these two assemblies.
As long as the saints are on earth, they will have trials and tribulations and sorrows (John 16:3333These 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. (John 16:33)). The Lord knows this fully and has provided a prophetic ministry that would help them through those difficulties. This ministry has to do with “edification and exhortation and comfort [encouragement]” (1 Cor. 14:33But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. (1 Corinthians 14:3)). In those early days, it was not only telling forth God’s mind for the moment, but it was also foretelling events that were to come to pass. We have the exercise of both of these in Agabus.
Agabus stood up in the midst of the saints in Antioch and “signified by the Spirit” that there was going to be a “great dearth [famine] throughout all the world” (vs. 28). This meant that a time of suffering was coming for all. It seems that “the brethren which dwelt in Judea” would be hit the hardest (Rom. 15:2626For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. (Romans 15:26)). We might wonder why God would allow a trouble like this to touch His people, but we must not think that the Lord’s people are exempt from the trials of life. God had a plan in it; He was going to use the situation to bind the Jewish saints in Jerusalem and the Gentile saints in Antioch together in love. Agabus’ ministry touched the hearts of the disciples in Antioch and they took up a collection and sent it to “the elders” at Jerusalem by the hands of Barnabas and Saul (vss. 29-30). This gift proved to those in Judea that the work in these Gentiles was genuine. It demonstrated their love for the Jewish saints in a very practical way. Needless to say, the gift overwhelmed the Jewish believers with a sense of gratefulness for their Gentile brethren and caused them to give thanks to God for them (2 Cor. 9:11-1211Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. 12For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; (2 Corinthians 9:11‑12)). Thus, they were bound together in the “love” and “fellowship” of the Spirit (Rom. 15:3030Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; (Romans 15:30); Phil. 2:11If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, (Philippians 2:1)).
To summarize the work of the Spirit thus far, there were assemblies “throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria” (Acts 9:3131Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. (Acts 9:31)), and now there was one at “Antioch” in Syria (Acts 11). The assembly at Antioch marks a significant step forward in the progress of the gospel, for it was the first assembly that had both believing Jews and believing Gentiles in it, dwelling in happy unity. This demonstrated in assembly life the truth of “the middle wall of partition” being “broken down” in the one body of Christ (Eph. 2:14; 3:614For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; (Ephesians 2:14)
6That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: (Ephesians 3:6)).
The Power of United Prayer
Chap. 12—In this chapter, Luke gives us a couple of illustrations that demonstrate the power of united prayer—the second great resource of the saints.
The persecution against the Church grew to a new height by the hand of Herod. Having the objective of expanding his kingdom, he tried in every way possible to win the favour of the Jews. He would outwardly observe their Law, honour their feasts, respect their customs, etc. When he learned of their hatred for the Church, he “stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the Church,” and “killed James the brother of John with the sword,” and “because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also” (vss. 1-3). Peter was placed in prison over the feast days with the intention of dealing with him after the Passover concluded (vs. 4). This was the third time Peter was put in prison. It threw the Church on its knees. “Prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him” (vs. 5). It was their great refuge.
“Four quaternions of soldiers,” which is 16 men (vs. 4), guarded Peter with “two chains” (vs. 6). There were prison guards (“keepers”) there as well. Why all the security? It was probably because they had heard rumors of his previous escape (Acts 5:1919But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, (Acts 5:19)) and this time they were going to make good and sure that he didn’t get out. But all this human arrangement was no match for one angel of the Lord. He came and shone a light in the prison and awoke Peter and brought him out. He was fast asleep, so much so, that the angel had to smite him on the side to wake him up! How could he sleep so soundly when he knew that the next day, he was going to face his judgment before the Jews and likely be executed as James was? It must have been because of his deep trust in the word the Lord said to him in John 21:18-1918Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. 19This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. (John 21:18‑19): “When thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldst not. This spake He, signifying by what death he should glorify God.” Since Peter was not old yet, he knew that this was not his time to die. When awakened, he was told by the angel to follow him, and they went out past the first and second wards, through the iron gate onto the street of the city. The experience was so amazing that for a moment he thought it was a dream.
It is of note that when Peter was set free, he was not told by the angel to go and speak in the temple to all the people, as in chapter 5:20. The reason was that the offer to have the Messiah and His kingdom (as promised in the writings of the Prophets) had been postponed to another day far in the future, and this because the nation had formally rejected the Lord Jesus Christ. Hence, it was all over for the nation at that time, and no more testimony to that end was being rendered to it. The only hope for Jews now was in heeding the gospel call and coming to Christ for salvation; this would make them part of the Church. But for Israel, their national hopes were now over, as far as present blessing is concerned.
Vss. 12-17—The incident at “the house of Mary” regarding the all-night prayer meeting, teaches us that God does not answer the saints’ prayer requests according to the sincerity of their faith, but according to the goodness of His heart. Being a larger house with a courtyard, many saints had gathered there to pray for Peter’s deliverance. But when the Lord granted them their request, and the evidence of it was standing at the gate of the courtyard, they didn’t believe it! When Rhoda told the brethren that Peter was at the gate, they said that she was “mad” (vs. 15). This shows that there was unbelief in their hearts, even though they were praying contrarywise. When Rhoda insisted that it was so, they then imagined that Herod had gone ahead and killed Peter, and that it was his “angel” (his disembodied spirit – Matt. 18:1010Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 18:10)) that she had heard. When they opened the door, they were “astonished” to find Peter standing there! (vs. 16) Faith would have expected him to be delivered, but they were surprised when it happened!
The account of the death of Herod is appended to the chapter (vss. 20-23). We might wonder why a piece of secular history would be included in this history of the Church, since it has nothing to do with the spread of the gospel. But it is inserted here to show us that God is mindful of His people passing through persecution, and caring for them as He does (1 Peter 5:6-116Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:6‑11)), He works behind the scenes (providentially) to deliver them from their persecutors when He sees fit. In this case, He removed Herod in the most decided way. In making a speech before the people, Herod blasphemously accepted the praise of men, as though he was God. Being an affront to God as it was, “the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms and gave up the ghost” (vs. 23). Many have had their bodies eaten by worms after they have died, but this man was eaten alive by worms! Josephus says that it was a slow and extremely painful death which took five days!
The events in this chapter strengthened the saints’ faith and encouraged them to pray more fervently (James 5:1616Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16)). Not only were their prayers answered, in having Peter delivered from prison, but Herod himself—the Church’s great persecutor at the time—had been cut off in the most signal way! Note: there is no mention here that the saints prayed for his judgment. This is because imprecatory prayers are not in keeping with the spirit of Christianity. We pray for the blessing, not the judgment, of our persecutors (Luke 6:27-2927But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, 28Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. 29And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. (Luke 6:27‑29)). Thus, Christians pray for those in government that they would be favourable toward Christianity and allow believers to lead a godly life unmolested by opposers (1 Tim. 2:22For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (1 Timothy 2:2)). In the Great Tribulation, the Jewish remnant will call for judgment on their enemies, and it will be right for them to utter such imprecatory prayers, because the kingdom of the Messiah will be established by judgment (Isa. 26:99With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. (Isaiah 26:9)).
Consequent upon these positive and encouraging things ordered by the providence of God, the disciples waxed bold in their witness for the Lord, and the result was “the Word of God grew and multiplied” (vs. 24). In those days, nothing could hinder the progress of the Christian testimony. It was an exciting time to live.
Barnabas and Saul returned to Antioch after having delivered the monetary gift to the brethren in Jerusalem, bringing John Mark with them (vs. 25). This acts as a sequel to the missionary journeys of Paul in the next chapters, for Antioch would be the starting point of those journeys.