1. Understanding the Story

Read Acts 12 in its entirety.

• What are the key events in this chapter?
• Who seems to be the central character, and why?

2. Context in the Book of Acts

Zoom out to the surrounding chapters.

• What was happening at the end of Acts 11?
• How does Acts 13 pick up the narrative again?
• Why might Luke place Acts 12 in between?
• What purpose does Acts 12 serve in the larger story of Acts?

3. Preparing for Paul’s Mission

Acts 13–28 will focus on Paul’s missionary journeys, filled with hardship and fruitfulness.

• How does Acts 12 prepare us for the ups and downs of Paul’s work?
• What themes do we see in Acts 12 that will continue in Paul’s story?

4. The Church Under Pressure

Read Acts 12:1–5.

• James is executed, and Peter is arrested. What do you think the church expected would happen to Peter?
• How did the church respond to Peter’s imprisonment?

5. Prayer and Surprising Answers

Peter is miraculously released—and the church is shocked.

• What does their reaction reveal about what they were likely praying for?
• How does this compare to the church’s prayer in Acts 4:29?
• What might their primary concern have been?

6. The Focus of Faithful Prayer

Throughout Acts, the church’s prayers focus on faithfulness, not just deliverance.

• Why is that significant?
• How should that shape our own prayers today?
• How does the hope of Jesus move us to pray for endurance in difficulty rather than just escape from it?

7. Echoes of Jesus’ Story

Consider Peter’s trial and release.

• How does this recall Jesus’ trial and resurrection?
• Why might Luke want us to see that connection?

8. Trusting Jesus the True King

Herod dies in shame, while Peter is rescued by God.

• What does this contrast teach us about trusting Jesus as King, especially during times of difficulty?

9. Hope and Judgment

Acts 12 holds together both divine rescue and divine judgment.

• How does this chapter give us hope in life and in the face of opposition?
• What comfort does it offer to believers—and what warning does it give to those who oppose Christ?