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Congregation Bible study (30 mins.) bt chap. 10 paras. 5-12.
“The congregation did not stop praying fervently to God” (Acts 12:1-5)
5, 6. a) Why did King Herod Agrippa I begin to persecute Christians, and how did he do it?
King Herod Agrippa I began to harass Christians to ingratiate himself with the Jews, taking advantage of the situation after the conversion of Cornelius and his family, which meant a change in the Christian congregation. Herod persecuted the Christians by executing James, John's brother, in order to obtain the favor of the Jews.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
King Herod Agrippa I began to persecute Christians with the intention of ingratiating himself with Jews who had not converted to Christianity, this historical period was a time of tension between the Jewish communities and the growing Christian community as he observed that many Jews They converted and began to worship together with Gentiles. Herod saw a political opportunity to gain favor among Jews who opposed this new faith in his attempt to gain approval and support.
As we see in Acts chapter 12 verse 2, Herod executed James, the brother of John, one of the Apostles closest to Jesus, using the sword as a method of execution. With this violent and public action, Herod not only sought to gain the favor of the Jews. , but also spread fear among Christians.
5, 6. b) Why was James' death a test for the congregation?
The death of Santiago represented a significant test for the Christian Congregation for several reasons, Santiago was not only one of the Apostles, but also one of the three privileged ones who witnessed key moments in the life of Jesus, such as the transfiguration of Jesus and the Resurrection of Jairus's daughter.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
His close relationship with Jesus and his brave and energetic character reflected in the nickname son of thunder, made him a very loved and respected leader within the community. Therefore the loss of such a prominent and beloved leader was a devastating blow that tested the faith of the congregation.
Furthermore, the fact that the persecution came from King Herod increased the feeling of danger among Christians, who now had to face the threat of state persecution in addition to social opposition.
7, 8. What did the congregation do while Peter was imprisoned?
Peter was imprisoned by order of King Herod Agrippa I Herod seeking to gain favor among the non-Christian Jews decided to arrest Peter considering his previous success in executing James Herod took extreme measures to prevent another Escape, he chained Peter to two soldiers and assigned 16 guards who worked in shifts making sure Pedro was under constant surveillance.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
While Peter was imprisoned, the congregation did not stop praying fervently to God for him. Despite the difficult situation and the security measures taken by Herod to prevent his escape, the congregation remained united in prayer for Peter, demonstrating his faith and confidence that Jehovah would respond to his requests. This teaches us that, as Christians, we must not forget that Jehovah greatly values our prayers. Even if we face difficult or challenging situations, we must remember that our prayers are heard by God and that, if what we ask for is in accordance with his will, he will always answer us.
As we see in Acts chapter 12 verse 5, in response to this critical situation the congregation did not lose heart or give up, but instead they turned to fervent prayer. This verse highlights the devotion and faith of the congregation despite the recent execution of James who persisted in their prayers with intensity and hope.
James chapter 5 verse 16 emphasizes the value that Jehovah places on our prayers and assures us that if our requests are aligned with his will, he will always answer. The congregation's perseverance in prayer Even in seemingly desperate circumstances highlights confidence in God's sovereignty and justice, Peter's miraculous deliverance serves as a testimony that God Hears the prayers of His servants and acts in His due time and manner.
9. What lesson do we learn from the brothers' prayers on behalf of Peter?
We learn several things, the main lesson we learn is the importance and power of prayer within the congregation.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
From the prayers of the brothers on behalf of Peter, we learn the importance and power of prayer in the lives of our brothers in faith. Despite the adverse circumstances and the security measures taken by Herod, the congregation did not stop praying fervently for Peter, demonstrating their faith and confidence that God would respond to his requests. This teaches us that prayer is a powerful tool that connects us to God and that, when we pray in faith and according to his will, we can trust that he hears and responds to our requests.
The congregation responded with unwavering faith and fervent prayer, trusting that God hears and acts on behalf of his servants.
We also learn the importance of the power of collective prayer, the entire congregation prayed together and with fervor. By praying together, Christians strengthen their bond with God.
Another thing we learn is the importance of persistence in prayer, as this shows that prayer is very important even when circumstances seem discouraging.
Furthermore, we learn that we can intercede for others through prayer, since when we pray for others we show empathy and support, recognizing our mutual needs and our dependence on Divine help.
Trust in God's response is very important, since thanks to the trust and faith they had in the case of the brothers of the first century, the prayers of the congregation were heard and God responded in a miraculous way.
“Follow me” (Acts 12:6-11)
10, 11. How did the angel of Jehovah free Peter?
Peter, although in a seemingly desperate situation, imprisoned and chained between two soldiers, slept soundly the night before his trial. This detail suggests that Peter had a deep faith and absolute trust in Jehovah's protection and plan, as reflected in Romans chapter 14 verses 7 and 8 where it is emphasized that Followers of Christ live and die for the Lord.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
First, the angel woke up Peter while he was fast asleep in prison. Then the chains that held Peter fell from his hands. The angel ordered Peter to get up quickly, dress, put on his sandals, and cover himself with his cloak. Thus, together they left the cell, unnoticed by the guards. They arrived at the iron gate that led to the city, which opened by itself, and once on the street, the angel disappeared and Peter realized that he was free.
As mentioned in the story, suddenly a bright light filled the cell and an angel of the Lord appeared, the soldiers did not see or hear anything, indicating a direct Divine intervention, the angel woke up Peter and the chains fell from his hands, without any physical effort, showing the supernatural power of God.
This story teaches us several important lessons, first it shows the importance of having unwavering faith and trusting in God's protection, even in the most desperate situations, second it emphasizes the power of divine intervention and how God can operate in surprising and miraculous ways. , third highlights the importance of immediate obedience to divine guidance, since Peter followed the angel's instructions without hesitation.
12. Why are we relieved to see how Jehovah freed Peter?
This biblical story reaffirms our faith in God's power to intervene in seemingly impossible situations.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Peter's story is a powerful testimony that even though we face immense forces and overwhelming challenges, Jehovah's power is above any human authority.
We are relieved to see how Jehovah freed Peter because it shows us divine power and intervention in difficult situations. Despite the adverse circumstances and the security measures taken to keep Peter imprisoned, Jehovah acted through his angel to miraculously free him. This deliverance gives us comfort and confidence that God is present in our lives, hears our prayers, and can work in extraordinary ways to protect and deliver His servants.
This miracle teaches us an important lesson about God's sovereignty and his way of acting. Jehovah does not always intervene in miraculous ways to free all of his servants from persecution or death. Peter's deliverance is a powerful demonstration of Jehovah's love and power that fills us with relief and hope. He reminds us that God is in control of him, that his promises of deliverance and resurrection are certain, and that we can trust in his unchanging and righteous character in all the circumstances of our lives.
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