Congregation Book Study, Week 3 to June 9, 2024, Chapter 10, paragraphs 13-21, Responses.

Study of the Congregation Book, June 3-9, 2024, Chapter 10, paragraphs 13-21, Responses.

Congregation Bible study (30 mins.) bt chap. 10 paras. 13-21.

They saw it and “were amazed” (Acts 12:12-17)

13-15. a) How did the brothers who were gathered at Mary's house react when Peter arrived?

When Peter arrived at Mary's house, the brothers' reaction was a mixture of disbelief and amazement. In Acts Chapter 12, verses 12 to 15, the moment when the servant Rode heard Peter's voice is recounted. She was so excited that instead of opening the door she ran to inform the others. The brothers at first did not believe her story and thought she was crazy, insisting that perhaps she was an angel instead of Peter. However, when they finally opened the door and saw Pedro, they were surprised and filled with joy. The emotion was so great that Pedro had to ask them to calm down so he could tell them what happened.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

When Peter arrived at Mary's house, the brothers who were gathered there reacted with amazement and surprise when they saw him. Imagine the scene: It was the middle of the night and Peter, who had been imprisoned by Herod Agrippa, arrived unexpectedly at his door. Emotion and disbelief took over the place.

The initial reaction was one of bewilderment, since they did not expect to see Pedro at that moment and under those circumstances. The surprise was so great that at first some even thought it could be an angel appearing in Peter's place. The impact of his presence was undeniable and his sudden arrival was an exciting twist in the situation they were experiencing.

This event highlights Jehovah's unexpected response to their fervent prayers and the incredible joy and surprise the Brothers felt at seeing Peter free.

13-15. b) What does the book of Acts focus on now?

From this point on the book of Acts shifts its focus to Paul's Ministry showing his travels throughout his mission, while Peter continues to be mentioned only sporadically, such as in Chapter 15 when the topic of circumcision is addressed.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

After Peter's liberation the focus of the book of acts changes significantly. Although Peter continues to play an important role in the congregation, the book begins to focus on the ministry and travels of the apostle Paul, the last mention of Peter in the book of Acts is found in chapter 15 during the assembly in Jerusalem, where he He discussed and resolved the issue of circumcision for the Gentiles.

Although the book of Acts does not provide many details about Peter's activities after this point, we know from other Biblical sources that Peter continued to strengthen the faith of the brothers. In 1 Peter chapter 5 verse 13, it is mentioned that John Mark He was like a son to Peter, indicating his continued role as a mentor and spiritual guide.

Peter also continued to exhort and encourage the congregations to stand firm in the faith and persevere in the midst of trials, as reflected in Peter's first and second letters. His dedication to caring for and strengthening his spiritual brothers is evident and his legacy endures as an example of faithfulness and exemplary service.

What did Peter continue to do for his spiritual brothers?

In Acts 12:16, we see that Peter, appearing before the brothers gathered in Mary's house, asked them to inform James and other brothers about his release, demonstrating his continued concern for keeping the Freeze informed and united. Although the book of Acts focuses more on Paul's Ministry after this event, Peter continued to dedicate himself to his work and strengthen the faith of the brothers through his example and teachings.

16. Why are we sure that the future will bring us one joy after another?

We are sure that the future will bring us one joy after another, because Jehovah in his infinite goodness and generosity often surprises his servants by giving them more than they expect. This was reflected in how Peter's spiritual brothers felt overwhelmed with joy that night. The current blessings we receive from Jehovah provide us with moments of happiness and anticipation for what is to come.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

By remaining faithful we can be sure that we will see the fulfillment of His wonderful promises across the planet and the joys we will experience will far exceed our highest expectations.

In Acts chapter 12 verses 12 to 17, we see how Peter's godbrothers were filled with amazement and joy when he was miraculously delivered. This is a clear example of how Jehovah can give more than what his servants expect. This event demonstrates that Jehovah hears and answers prayers in ways that exceed our expectations, filling our hearts with unexpected joy.

Looking to the future, we are certain that Jehovah will fulfill all his wonderful promises throughout the Earth. Bible prophecies speak of a time when there will be no more pain and suffering. This vision of the future fills us with hope and joy knowing that conditions in the new world will be more wonderful than we can imagine, which means a complete transformation of our current reality. 

“The angel of the Lord made him sick” (Acts 12:18-25)

17, 18. What circumstances caused the crowd to begin praising Herod?

The circumstances that led crowds to praise Herod began with a public event in which Herod Agrippa took the opportunity to deliver a speech to a large audience. This event took place in a context where some diplomats requested peace, providing an ideal setting for Herod to seek to restore his prestige. After the ridicule he felt for not being able to kill Peter, Herod dressed in royal clothes woven with silver, the which shone in the sunlight giving the impression that he was a god. This visual spectacle along with his speech led the crowd to shout: "It is the voice of a god and not of a man."

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The circumstances that caused the crowd to begin praising Herod Agrippa were a combination of his desire to impress and his theatrical presentation. During a public event after the surprise release of Peter and the subsequent punishment of the guards by Herod, this king was in a situation of humiliation and was looking for a way to restore his pride and authority.

The opportunity presented itself when Herod met some diplomats suing for peace. During this event he missed the opportunity to impress the public, he dressed in clothes woven with silver which made them shine in the sunlight. As we see in Acts chapter 12 verses 21 and 22, this impressive visual effect contributed to the perception of Herod as someone almost divine, the combination of his resplendent appearance and his arrogant speech, led the crowd to shout: "It is the voice of a God and not a man.

19, 20. a) Why did Jehovah punish Herod?

Jehovah punished Herod because he did not correct the crowd or show disagreement when they praised him as a god. Herod, full of pride, accepted these praises, which is contrary to what Proverbs 1618 says that pride comes before it crashes. As a result of his vanity and lack of humility, the angel of Jehovah instantly made him sick and he died in a terrible way, eaten by worms.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Jehovah punished Herod for his pride and lack of humility, when the crowd began to praise him, saying, "It is the voice of a god and not of a man." Herod did not correct the crowd or disagree, but instead accepted the praises that only belong to God. Herod by not giving glory to Jehovah and accepting to be treated as a god demonstrated a lack of respect and reverence towards the only one who truly deserves such praise.

As a result we read in Acts chapter 12 verse 23, instantly the angel of Jehovah made him sick and Herod died eaten by worms, this horrible death was a direct punishment for his vanity and lack of humility.

This Divine action showed that Jehovah does not tolerate pride and self-exaltation and that he acts to defend his honor and justice. 

19, 20. b) Why does what happened to Herod provide us with comfort?

The story of what happened to Herod comforts us, because it does not remind us that Jehovah does not ignore injustices and that he has the power and the will to correct them. Although we live in a world where the power of the evil one seems to dominate and sometimes the wicked seem to prosper, these biblical examples show us that Jehovah will intervene in due time, strengthening our hope and faith that Divine justice will prevail. And even if it is late, the righteous will see his faithfulness rewarded while the wicked will receive what they deserve.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The story of Herod's death is a comfort to us for several reasons. First, it reminds us that Jehovah is a God of justice and does not tolerate pride or arrogance.

In 1 John chapter 5 verse 19, we read that the entire world is under the power of the evil one, which leads us to see that the wicked often get their way, but the case of Herod shows that ultimately God's justice prevails. . Jehovah intervened directly to punish Herod. showing that he is alert to acts of injustice and arrogance and that he will take action when he deems it necessary.

21. What is the most important lesson from Acts chapter 12, and why is it an encouragement?

Acts chapter 12 recounts significant events such as the execution of the apostle James and the miraculous release of Peter from prison. However, the most important lesson we must draw is how Jehovah demonstrates his power and protection over his congregation, despite Satan's attempts to stop the preaching of the gospel. And this chapter is an injection, because it clearly shows that any evil plan against the work of Jehovah is destined to fail.

In Isaiah 54:17 we are assured that no weapon formed against you will prosper, underscoring the Inevitableness of Divine success.

The most important lesson of Acts chapter 12 is the demonstration of Jehovah's power and faithfulness to protect and promote his work despite Satan's attempts to stop it.

This lesson is a shot of encouragement for several reasons:

Divine Protection. Peter's miraculous release from prison shows that Jehovah is attentive to the prayers of his servants and acts on their behalf.

Failures of Satan's plans. Despite Satan's attempts to destroy the congregation and stop the preaching, all of his plans have failed and will continue to fail.

Growth of the word of Jehovah. The growth and spread of Jehovah's word despite opposition shows us that its purpose cannot be thwarted.

Honor and privilege. Contributing to the expansion of the word of Jehovah is an honor and a privilege. Knowing that we are collaborating on a work that will never fail gives us courage.