King Herod (King of the Jewish people) persecuted Christians and ordered the arrest of the apostle Peter. The whole church was very afraid, so they gathered together in a house to pray. While they were praying, an angel visited Peter’s prison cell and miraculously released him. Peter found his way to the house where the church was praying. Peter then went into hiding.  Herod continued to seek public approval desperately and even allowed people to praise him as if he were God.  An angel struck Herod with an illness, and he died a terrible death.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 12:1-24

Outline:

1. Persecution and Arrest (Acts 12:1-5)
2. An angel frees Peter from prison (Acts 12:6-11)
3. Peter reunites with the praying church (Acts 12:12-19)
4. Herod dies (Acts 12:2024)

Tips for teaching children:

• Talk about prayer and pray together.
• Learn a new method of prayer and try it in class.  
• Make an angel craft.

Tips for teaching adults:

• Ask these discussion questions: 1) Why does God allow James to be killed but orchestrate Peter’s escape from death?  2) What can we learn about prayer?
• Visit a prison; write a letter of encouragement to prisoners; interview someone who has worked in prison ministry.

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org