Acts 12

In this chapter, nothing seems to stop the church. Not death. Not imprisonment. We start with one of Jesus' best friends (James) being murdered by the Roman authorities (Herod.) The local Jewish people who now want no part of the Christians were so excited, Herod prisons Peter as well. That does not stop God. Nor the Church, who keeps on praying.

Peter in chains, is led to freedom by an angel (angelos means messenger.) Even Peter has not idea what's going on, nor does he question it. But he knows that God is looking out for him. He goes to a familiar Christian house where a prayer session is going on. Note that the names being used probably where people known to the original hearers of Acts.

A comedic scene takes place where Rhoda, so excited by seeing Peter free, leaves him outside. People think she's crazy. Pete should be a lost cause! Finally, Peter gets in and tells his miraculous story. Then he asks that they tell Jesus' mom and brothers. He takes off and Herod executes Peter's guards only to die himself while settling a dispute. Even non-Christians should respect God.

There is no stopping the Church. Paul and Barnabas, having brought relief money to the Jerusalem church, take Mark (the house Peter went to and, maybe, the writer of Mark's Gospel) with them.