A Bible Study on the Book of Acts Session 28
The Church of the Holy Apostles;
Based upon the Homilies of St John Chrysostom (SJC)
Study Guide – Acts 12.18-13.4 Homily 27
Chapter 12 v. 18-19 Then, as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter. But when Herod had searched for him and not found him, he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there.
Not the time for judgment – therefore not every sin is punished
Herod was most annoyed because he was mocked. He should have realized the work was “of God” – the chains were still locked and had not been loosed.
Death of the guards was to reveal Herod’s wickedness and the power of God present in the miracle
IF the angel had also brought the guards out of jail, it would have seemed like a prison break instead of a miracle
Don’t condemn the soldiers – SJC “Lo, I take up the plea in their defense. The chains were there, and the keepers within, and the prison shut, nowhere a wall broken through, all told the same tale: the man had been carried off.”
Chapter 12 v. 20-25 Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus the king’s personal aide their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food by the king’s country. So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. And the people kept shouting, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died. But the word of God grew and multiplied. And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark.
Herod died because he was arrogant. SJC “Because he accepted the acclamation, because he accounted himself to be worthy of the adoration.” WARNING….never accept praise without give glory to God.
Josephus the historian confirms the manner, location and circumstances of Herod’s death. This also confirm Luke is telling the truth.
Herod dies rather than the crowd, who should have NOT praised him instead of God, SO THAT the crowd could learn the lesson.
Barnabas is listed before Saul – Saul is not yet famous, nor had he done any miracles yet.
Chapter 13 v. 1-4 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
Luke suggests prophets were present since the Holy Spirit spoke through prophets
“Ministered” – Λειτρουργούντων = were liturgizing (worshipping the Liturgy)
“Separate for Me” – Ordination to the ministry of Apostleship so they could speak with authority
Authority of the Holy Spirit = to Father AND the Son – SJC “Why did He not say separate for the Lord, but for me? It shows that He is of one authority and power.”
Everything is done with prayer and fasting – preparation for the ordinatioin
Teaching on “Dangers of Luxurious Living” – (see Homily 27, p 176)
- Use food for nourishment rather than ruin
- The beauty of a woman is ruined by luxurious living
- A luxurious man is not a reasonable soul
- Mouth and tongue are meant to praise God
Life Application – Seek Spiritual Healing through Good Physical Health (Homily 27, pp 177-8)
- Gluttony is a spiritual sickness
- Real luxury is to serve the poor and feed the soul
- Physical health ALLOWS you to better do spiritual battle