Acts 12:20-25
What stood out to you from our study of Acts 12 and specifically our study this Sunday in verses 20-25?
What general contrasts do you observe between Peter and Herod in Acts 12? What very specific contrast do we observe between Peter and Herod when we read Acts 10:26, 12:11 and 17, and 21-23? In contrast to Herod, what does Peter encourage us to do in 1 Peter 5:5-7? What in that text makes it possible for us to humble ourselves, release our cares, and clothe ourselves in humility toward one another?
In Acts 12:7, Peter is struck to life, while in Acts 12:23, Herod is struck to death. What makes the difference? How do Exodus 12:12-13 and Isaiah 53:6-11 provide the answer?
What hope does Peter encourage us to bank on and live according to in 1 Peter 1:3-5? What power secured our living hope and inheritance, and what power keeps our living hope and inheritance? How might that allow someone to sleep in a prison cell? How might that allow you to rest in the multitude of circumstances you find yourself in?
What does Peter encourage in 1 Peter 4:19? How is it that the psalmist is able to lie down and sleep though surrounded by distress (i.e., Ps 4:8)? Do you find it easy to lie down, rest, and entrust your circumstances to the Lord? Why or why not? How can we help one another cultivate in ourselves what we see in Peter in Acts 12?
What wisdom does Peter give in 1 Peter 2:21-24 for when we face trials? How is Peter practicing this in Acts 12?
What does Peter say in 1 Peter 1:24-25 that echoes what we see and hear in Acts 12:22-24? What comfort and hope does that offer?
How does Peter and his miraculous rescue from sure and certain death point to the greater rescue and resurrection we are offered in Jesus and give us hope here and now?
What did you learn from the text this week? How does this text convict or encourage you? Are there any attitudes, actions, or affections that need to change as a result of our study?
