If you were to divide the book of Acts into two parts, then Acts 12 would be the end of Part 1. In the first twelve chapters, we have seen the gospel go from Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria. We have had the beginnings of Gentile mission and a lot of focus on the ministry of Peter. Going forwards, from Chapter 13 to the end, the ministry of Paul will take centre stage, as we see the good news of Jesus going to the ends of the earth.

In many ways the shift towards Paul and Gentile mission has already taken place. At the end of Chapter 11, we heard about the church in Antioch where believers were called Christians for the first time. We had Paul coming from Tarsus to be their pastor, and we finished with him travelling to Jerusalem to present a gift. At the end Acts 12, he goes back to Antioch together with Mark and Barnabas. Our attention then is already away from Jerusalem; we are looking to wider horizons; we are ready to go to Europe and beyond.

Why does Luke bring us back to Peter and the Jerusalem church? Why does he go back in time to an event which took place maybe three or four years earlier than Acts 11:30? We know from the writings of Josephus and other historical sources that King Herod Agrippa died in 44 AD. We know also that the famine predicted by Agabus at the end of Acts 11 was about two or three years later, 46 or 47 AD. Clearly the death of James the apostle and the persecution of Peter must have taken place sometime before the death of Herod and any visit from Paul. So why the break in our story, why the need to go back in time?

Reflecting carefully, there are a number of reasons for Luke’s decision to put this story in this particular place. For one, if you remember that he is writing to change the minds of believers from a Jewish background, it is possible that he wants to make it clear that persecution is not a mark or sign of God’s anger. When Paul goes to preach amongst the Gentiles, he will be persecuted again and again. Thrown into prison, beaten and kicked out of cities, stoned and left for dead—these will be some of his experiences.

The church must not look on the sufferings of Paul as evidence that Gentile mission is out of step with God’s purposes, as if they are being disobedient in their efforts to take the gospel to them. No, they must remember what happened to James and Peter. James was put to death because of his loyalty to Jesus. Peter was thrown in prison and forced to flee Jerusalem. Persecution is a response that is found in Jewish and in Gentile lands, when people hear that Christ is King. When the call comes to repent of sin and submit to his rule, many people choose to keep living with their head in the sand. Many people do everything in their power to get rid of a message that challenges their autonomy. The resistance to be faced by Paul does not mean that God is opposed to Gentile mission. If anything, it serves to confirm that he is bringing the true message of the gospel—Christ proclaimed as Saviour and Lord (see 2 Timothy 3:12).

A second reason for the placement of this narrative, is the fact that it produces a neat parallel between the ministry work of Peter and Paul. As we have already mentioned, Peter and Paul will both suffer persecution in their service to Christ. Interestingly, they both also end up in prison. In the final chapters that detail their work (Acts 28 in the case of Paul, Acts 12 in the case of Peter), in both instances, you have an apostle behind bars. That is how each part of the book ends. And yet it is not a sad ending, for the gospel continues to make progress. Peter is released to preach elsewhere; Paul proclaims God’s truth even under house arrest in Rome.

Third and finally, the main reason for the story’s placement is to confirm that Jesus Christ has more power than any earthly king. No matter what happens, he will see to it that his church continues to grow and prosper.

Persecution, death, suffering and shame—these things are part and parcel of life in this fallen world while we wait for Christ to return in glory. Whether it happens in Jerusalem, Galatia, South Africa or China, the world hated and rejected the Son when he took on flesh, and the world will hate those who follow him, those who proclaim his Kingship and submit to his will. Such has been the case ever since Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden. Satan has made it his aim to destroy God’s people. He stands opposed to them in every way he can. But he does not win nor do his servants.

For a time, things might look different. James is killed. One of the inner circle, the brother of John, an apostle who saw Jesus transfigured on the mountain. Peter is imprisoned and believers are scattered. The church is small; the politics of the day stand against it; the sinful desires of man stand against it, but still it grows. Jesus Christ is King. He brings down the mighty from their thrones; he scatters the proud. In his time, according to his wisdom, for the purposes of his glory, Jesus acts to prosper his church. His kingdom is unstoppable.

We have seen this lesson quite a few times over the course of Acts. Back in Acts 4-5 where the apostles were arrested, again in Acts 7 with Stephen standing trial and Acts 9 with Paul fleeing from Damascus. Various people might be opposed to Christ, various people might try their best to bring an end to his plans, but they will all fail. Because Christ is King. He rules from the Father’s right hand and no one can tell him what to do or stop him from accomplishing his purposes. He gave his life for the sake of God’s elect. He died the death which they deserve. He perfectly obeyed God’s law on their behalf, and he will make sure that they are gathered to be part of his church.