Congregation Book Study, Week May 20-26, 2024, Chapter 10, paragraphs 1-4 and box on page 79, Responses.

Study of the Book of the congregation, May 20-26, 2024, Chapter 10, paragraphs 1-4 and box on page. 79, Answers.

Congregation Bible study (30 mins.) bt chap. 10 paras. 1-4 and box on p. 79.

“The word of Jehovah continued to grow”

Based on Acts 12:1-25

1-4. What situation did Peter face, and how would you have felt in his place?

The news that King Herod Agrippa l planned to execute him after the Passover would have increased Peter's pressure and fear. Knowing that King himself had ordered the death of one of his companions, the apostle Santiago, would further intensify his concerns and fears for his own safety and survival.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Peter faced being imprisoned by order of King Herod Agrippa I, who planned to present him before the people for execution after Easter. If he were in his place, he would probably feel a mixture of fear, uncertainty, and resignation at the uncertain fate that awaits him at the hands of a tyrant.

Peter in the darkness of his cell, the night before the execution, could have been reflecting on Jesus' word that hinted at his destiny of being led away bound and executed. He may be grieving at the thought of facing death, but he might also find solace in the promise of eternal life that Jesus had shared with him and his companions. Instead he might experience a combination of fear, acceptance, and faith in the words of his teacher. 

Peter's experience illustrates the reality that following Christ can involve facing opposition and persecution from the world. However, he also shows that faithfulness to Jehovah and his word is more important than saving Earthly life. Peter was willing to face death for his faith in Christ, trusting in the promise of eternal life that Jesus had offered to those who followed him. 

While he was locked in a dark and gloomy cell surrounded only by walls, bars, chains and Sentinels, the feeling of being deprived of freedom and the lack of information about his fate could have plunged him into a state of despair and overwhelming anxiety.

Reflecting on Jesus' words about his inevitable destiny to suffer for his faith could have generated an internal conflict in Peter's case, between the desire to live and the call to follow Christ until death. His faith in the promise of Jesus and his confidence in eternal life could have been his only source of comfort and hope in the midst of darkness and uncertainty. 

ANALYSIS BASED ON THE BOX: HEROD AGRIPPA I

Herod Agrippa l He was a Jewish king, grandson of Herod the Great, and was part of a political family that ruled the Jews. He was of Idumean origin, from a neighboring region of Judea.

Herod Agrippa l was king, initially of Iturea, Trachonitis and Abilene, then of Galilee and Perea, and finally of Judea and Samaria. He obtained these positions through the favor of Caligula and later Claudius, Roman emperors.

Herod Agrippa l He contributed to solving the crisis after the assassination of Caligula, participating in negotiations between the senate and Claudius. This resulted in the proclamation of Claudius as an emperor and averted a civil war.

Herod Agrippa l apparently defended the Jewish faith and followed religious laws and traditions, such as offering daily sacrifices in the temple and reading the law in public. However, he also participated in activities that went against the Jewish religion, such as organizing gladiatorial combats and pagan theatrical shows.

Herod Agrippa l is described as treacherous, superficial, and wasteful, suggesting a negative image of his character and behavior, despite his apparent religious devotion.  

Herod was a political leader with significant influences in Judea and other regions, whose relationship with the Jewish religion and the Roman Empire was complex and often contradictory.