St. Peter behind the bars story
The
Passage: Acts 12:1-23
Structure:
a. 12:1-2, Death of Jacob, brother of John, by an
order of Herod (by sword)
b. 12:3-5,
group of soldiers
c. 12:6-10,
Lord’s angel
d. 12:11,
Peter is released
c’.
12:12-17, His angel
b’. 12:18-19,
group of soldiers
a’.
12:20-23, Death of Herod (by worms)
Historical
and geographical context:
St. Peter is
guarded by 4 squads of soldiers. Now a squad is four soldiers – “for each of
the four night watches” [GEL, Bauers, p. 813] (6-9 pm, 9-midnight, 12-3am,
3-6am). At any given time, there should be 4 guys awake to keep an eye on the
apostle. Also, Herod ordered him to be chained to two soldiers and place two
other one by the door to his cell. Does it sound like an overreaction to you?
Note Peter’s conduct – first paragraph in “theology”.
Mark is
identified by the church fathers as the author of the Second Gospel,
interpreter of Peter in Rome, and the founder of the church in Alexandria
(Bruce, Acts, p. 251, n.11 & 12).
Gathering at
the Feast of Unleavened Bread was a part of the celebration of Passover (v. 4).
Therefore, neither a big gathering for a prayer (v. 12) nor a deliverance by an
angel (vv. 7-11) should not be a surprise to a reader.
Rhoda means
“Rose”, which places her in a line of many other women with notable names.
Dorcas – gazelle, Euodia – sweet aroma, Syntyche – good fortune [Lenski, Acts,
p. 478].
Usage of
scapegoat behavioral patterns. Herod uses the sentries as a scape goat for
stress relieve. Comparing Gen. 4 and Acts 12 we can see a pattern when a person
dissatisfied with the surrounding circumstances kills the participant but not
the cause. Killing can be done literally or overwise. Term scapegoat comes from
Lev. 16.
Herod,
apparently, could not maintain a good relationship with the neighbors. Tyre and
Sidon had to negotiate for a food supply. This is by itself is a historical
twist – Hiram of Tyre used to supply Israel (under David and Solomon) with
cedar trees – to build the palace for the king and the palace for the LORD.
Grain was given in exchange. Now, when the king distance himself from the true
faith and religion, he acts cruel to the neighboring countries who depend on
his provision.
Theology:
Persecution
of the church. First, it is getting “boring” for Peter, he simply sleeps
between two soldiers. Second, the picture of Peter between two soldiers
resembles a picture of Jesus between two thieves during crucifixion or a body
of Jesus in the tomb guarded by the soldiers (Lk. 23:32-33; Mt. 27:62-66).
Angelic
appearances – Peter thought he had a vision. This would not be the first time –
remember chapter 10, his vision prior his mission to Cornelius. Angels are
capable of assuming a human form and perform a limited number of “human
actions” (cp. Gen 18-19 – angels talking, eating, and defending Lot). There is
more on the guardian angels – Gen 48:16; Dan. 3:28; 6:22; Matt. 18:10; Heb.
1:4).
Other
themes:
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