Alex Kremer 02-13-2022 // Acts 2:1-24 - When the Church Prays

Throughout the book of Acts, we have seen growth of the church, which is then met by persecution.  And as the persecution grew, the church also grew.  When Stephen was martyred with Saul's approval, the church spread throughout Judea and into the surrounding areas.  With Saul's conversion, this persecution eased up a bit.

But then Herod Agrippa comes onto the scene.  Acts 12 opens with the arrest and execution of James, the brother of John; the firs apostle to be martyred.  Seeing how this pleased the Jews, Herod has Peter arrested, with the intention of executing him also.  This was a change from persecution at the hands of the Jewish authorities, to now persecution coming from the secular authorities.

And as persecution came, where do we find the church?  We find the church on its knees.  And as we explore today's passage, we draw some important lessons:

1. The importance and power of prayer
2. God sometimes answers prayer in ways we don't expect
3. God protects and preserves his people and brings judgment against those who would do them harm.

Thank you for listening to today's lesson.  May you be blessed through the teaching of God's word.