Acts 12:25

Barnabas and Saul come back from Jerusalem to Antioch with John Mark after spreading the relief funds that were mentioned in Acts 11:27-30. Thus now we are prepared for the first missionary journey that is mentioned in the next chapter. "Indeed, one cannot fail to admire the artistry with which Luke depicts the complete reversal of the church's situation. At the beginning of the chapter Herod is on the rampage-arresting and persecuting; at the end he is himself struck down and dies. The chapter opens with James dead, Peter in prison and Herod triumphing; it closes with Herod dead, Peter free, and the word of God triumphing. Such is the power of God to overthrow hostile human plans and to establish His own in their place. Tyrants may be permitted for. time to boast and bluster, oppressing the church and hindering the spread of the gospel, but they will not last. In the end, their empire will be broken and their pride abased" (Stott p. 213).