Acts 12 Reading Notes
In Acts 1:8, the Risen King says: “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
No backup plan. No retreat. Just ordinary people, empowered by the Spirit, sent with good news. This isn’t just their story. It’s ours. The Ascended Jesus is still at work, by his Spirit, through his people, in his world.
These short reading notes are designed to accompany our BURN YOUR BOATS teaching series in the Book of Acts.
Follow these reading notes on the Bible app:
📱 https://www.bible.com/organizations/6b1be468-0a65-41fb-bbbc-703b72ffb293
Full Sermon:
🎧 http://christrefuge.co/sermons
📺 https://www.youtube.com/@WordSpreadsFast
—
Day 1: Acts 12:1–5
Herod Agrippa kills James and arrests Peter, seeking to crush the church. Leaders fall, but the community fights back—not with swords, but with prayer. They cry out earnestly to God while Peter is chained in prison.
Pray for persecuted believers, that they would stand firm in faith and know God’s sustaining presence.
—
Day 2: Acts 12:6–11
The night before the trial, Peter sleeps between two guards. Escape seems impossible until God intervenes. An angel wakes him, chains fall, gates open, and Peter walks free. “Now I know the Lord has rescued me,” he says.
Thank God that He rules over rulers and prisons. Ask Him to help you trust His power in hard situations.
—
Day 3: Acts 12:12–19
Peter arrives at Mary’s house, where many are praying. Rhoda recognises his voice but forgets to open the door! The others dismiss her—but God has already answered. Peter tells how the Lord brought him out.
Pray for faith to believe God hears and answers—even beyond our expectations.
—
Day 4: Acts 12:20–25
Herod, dressed in royal robes, accepts glory as if he were a god. But God strikes him down, and “the word of God increased and multiplied.” Kings rise and fall; God’s gospel is unstoppable.
Praise God, His word triumphs! Pray for courage to keep sharing it in all seasons.
—
Day 5: Earnest Prayer
“So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer was made for him by the church.” (v5) The greatest weapon of God’s people is prayer. Today, set aside time to intercede for persecuted believers. http://opendoors.org.au
Pray they remain faithful and that Christ’s glory shines through them.
—
VISION PRAYER
Father God, by your grace, enable our church to be a city of refuge within the city of Brisbane. Empower me this week, by your Spirit, to offer one person the refuge, security, and hope found in Christ Jesus. Amen.