Acts 12: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Acts 12 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

King Herod begins his persecution by killing James, the brother of John, and arrests Peter during the days of unleavened bread (vv. 1-3). Peter is imprisoned and guarded by four squads of soldiers, while the assembly prays for him (vv.

Key verse

“But the word of God grew and multiplied.”
Acts 12:24 (WEB)

Outline

Acts 12:1–3 Herod's persecution begins
Acts 12:4–5 Peter imprisoned and prayed for
Acts 12:6–11 Miraculous escape from prison
Acts 12:12–17 Peter's arrival at Mary's house
Acts 12:18–19 Aftermath of Peter's escape
Acts 12:20–23 Herod's downfall
Acts 12:24–25 The growth of the word

Discussion questions

In v5, what does the assembly do for Peter while he is in prison?
What does the angel tell Peter to do in v8?
In v11, what does Peter mean when he says he now truly knows the Lord delivered him?
Why do the people say to Rhoda, 'You are crazy!' in v15?
When have you experienced a moment where you felt divine intervention like Peter did in v11?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Acts 12: Acts 16, Matthew 18, Acts 5.

Before next time: read Acts 13.