cheerfully would they help one another! The whole earth would be like one large family, every
member of which would strive to be dutiful and kind.
Chapter 12
Chapter Outline
The martyrdom of James, and the (1–5)
imprisonment of Peter.
He is delivered from prison by an angel. (6–11)
Peter departs, Herod's rage. (12–19)
The death of Herod. (20–25)Verses 1–5
James was one of the sons of Zebedee, whom Christ told that they should drink of the cup that
he was to drink of, and be baptized with the baptism that he was to be baptized with, Mt 20:23.
Now the words of Christ were made good in him; and if we suffer with Christ, we shall reign with
him. Herod imprisoned Peter: the way of persecution, as of other sins, is downhill; when men are
in it, they cannot easily stop. Those make themselves an easy prey to Satan, who make it their
business to please men. Thus James finished his course. But Peter, being designed for further
services, was safe; though he seemed now marked out for a speedy sacrifice. We that live in a cold,
prayerless generation, can hardly form an idea of the earnestness of these holy men of old. But if
the Lord should bring on the church an awful persecution like this of Herod, the faithful in Christ
would learn what soul-felt prayer is.
Verses 6–11
A peaceful conscience, a lively hope, and the consolations of the Holy Spirit, can keep men
calm in the full prospect of death; even those very persons who have been most distracted with
terrors on that account. God's time to help, is when things are brought to the last extremity. Peter
was assured that the Lord would cause this trial to end in the way that should be most for his glory.
Those who are delivered out of spiritual imprisonment must follow their Deliverer, like the Israelites
when they went out of the house of bondage. They knew not whither they went, but knew whom
they followed. When God will work salvation for his people, all difficulties in their way will be
overcome, even gates of iron are made to open of their own accord. This deliverance of Peter
represents our redemption by Christ, which not only proclaims liberty to the captives, but brings
them out of the prison-house. Peter, when he recollected himself, perceived what great things God
had done for him. Thus souls delivered out of spiritual bondage, are not at first aware what God
has wrought in them; many have the truth of grace, that want evidence of it. But when the Comforter