Sermon Tone Analysis

The Prison Miracle (1-11)

Respect the Sovereignty of God in life’s trials.

GOD SEES!

Sometimes life can seem like you go from one crisis to another.

After a time of peace for the Jerusalem church, they are now encountering political persecution.

Herod Agrippa I (died 44 AD) was the grandson of Herod the Great.

He started persecuting the Jerusalem church after rising to power in order to gain favor with the religious leaders.

No word is given on why James was killed, but Peter was spared.

We must trust in God’s purposes.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:36-39 “As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Peter was in prison among 4 squads of solders.

Probably a rotation of 4 guards every few hours.

Chained to two and a guard at each door.

The night before his appointed execution he was awakened by an angel and thought that we was dreaming.

Sometimes we can be living in the midst of a miracle or answered prayer and not realize it until later.

God sees you in the midst of the trial!

The Prayer Meeting (12-17)

Pray Fervently and Continually for God to work in life’s trials.

GOD HEARS!

Pray, knowing that God hears.

Illustration: New Lawyer “answers” phone to act busy when he sees a customer.

Hangs up, “can I help you?”

Customer says, “I’m here from the telephone company to hook up your phone.”

Earnest prayer trusts that God hears!

(v 5)

Pray Continually - Luke 18:1 “And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.”

Pray, with other believers.

When we face a desperate situation we are finally moved to prayer.

The early believers were shocked that their prayer was answered while still in the meeting!

A game of “Knock, knock, whose there!”

The Proud Monarch (18-24)

Praise God that He writes the final chapter for His glory!

GOD JUDGES!

God didn’t just deliver Peter, He removed the wicked king for his pride and arrogance against the Lord!

The Word of God increased and multiplied.

Trust in God’s promises!

Christ is the Victor!

No matter how much worldly leaders may plot and plan, they will not stop the coming day of the Lord.

Rev 11:15 “Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.””