Peter’s Escape from Prison

Peter’s Escape from Prison

To view the Leader Guide for this week, click here.

To view a .docx version of this guide, click here.

Introduction 

Last week, we talked about Peter bringing the news about who Jesus is to the Gentiles in the area that he was in. The main idea from last week was we can help others know Jesus by staying open to what God is showing us. 

As you begin, take some time to discuss how everyone’s application steps from last week have gone. 

This week we will be discussing God helping Peter escape from prison. 

First, begin your meeting in prayer for God’s blessing over this time with your group. 

Connect  

  • What’s a good surprise you’ve gotten recently? 
  • Share a time when things didn’t go as planned but ended up working out alright at the end of the day. What made everything work out? 
  • How do you deal with unexpected changes in your life when they happen? 

Opening Thought 

Sometimes life feels uncertain, and it’s hard to know what is really happening in the world. In those times, trust can be difficult, but it’s also when our faith matters most. God invites us to show who he is by how we act in these times as well. We can do this by choosing to trust him, even when we don’t see what’s happening or understand the full picture in uncertain times.  

This leads us to our main idea for this week:  

Main idea for the week 

We can show God’s faithfulness by trusting him when we can’t see what he’s doing. 

Here’s where we are this week 

The Apostles and disciples of Jesus have been shown by God that the invitation to follow him is for everyone, not just Jews, so they are preaching wherever they go. King Herod Agrippa (the Jewish king over the land of Judea) has begun persecuting followers of Jesus at this point, killing Jesus’ brother James. This pleased the broad Jewish population in Judea which caused Herod Agrippa to then imprison Peter as well. While Peter was waiting to be put on trial, the church prayed for him, which is where the story today picks up.  

Unpack 

Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses: 

Read  

Acts 12:6-17  

Unpack 

  • What stood out to you the most in these verses? 
  • The verses we just read describe that despite being in prison, chained to guards, and waiting to be put on trial, Peter was so asleep that the angel had to hit him to wake him up.
    • What do you think gave him that kind of peace? 
    • When have you felt calm in a situation that didn’t make sense? What helped you stay grounded? 
  • Why do you think Peter didn’t believe the angel leading out of prison was real at first? 
    • When is a time you had a hard time believing something good was actually happening until it was over?  
      • Why do you think we sometimes doubt God is working in our lives? 
      • What are some ways we can be more attentive to what God is doing in our lives? 
  • How do you usually respond when something big or unexpected happens in your life? 
    • Is there a prayer you’ve almost stopped praying because it feels like nothing is happening? If you feel comfortable, what is that prayer?  
      • How do you think we can trust God in challenging situations like this? 
    • Who do you usually turn to when something big or unexpected happens? 
  • What can we learn from the way Peter quickly told others what God had done for him?  
    • Why do you think he wanted others to hear what God had done? 
    • What is something God has done in your life that others might need to hear about? 
  • Why do you think the group didn’t believe Rhoda, even though they had been praying for Peter? 
    • Have you ever been surprised by answered prayer? What did that feel like? 
      • Why do you think it can be hard to believe God is working when we don’t see it clearly? 
  • How does story encourage you to trust in God’s timing and provision, especially in difficult times? 

Apply 

Take a moment to discuss these questions, based on the verses above, as a group to decide what your personal action steps for the week can be: 

  • What is one area of your life where you try to remember that God is working, even if you don’t see it? 
  • What is one way you will encourage someone who feels stuck or forgotten right now? 
  • What is one step we can take as a group to help us expect God to show up and not be surprised when He does? 

Closing 

Read the first section to your group, then read the verse out loud to the group, and finally, move to the Prayer and Verses section: 

How we act when things feel unclear or out of control can say a lot about us and about how we see God.  Choosing to trust in God’s plan and faithfulness, even without seeing the whole picture, reflects how we rely on him and what we believe about who he is. This week, let’s do our best to be good ambassadors of God by showing our reliance on his him, no matter the circumstances. 

Prayer and Verses 

Ask for prayer requests and conclude your time with prayer then share the Key Verse for the Week and Daily Devotional Verses with the group. 

Thematic Reflection Verse for the Week  

*Read this verse, then encourage the practice of memorization through the week. 

Colossians 3:17 

“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” 

**When practiced consistently, memorizing Bible verses can be an important spiritual practice that centers your mind around the truth that God has given us. 

Daily Devotional Verses  

Use the S.O.A.P. method to reflect on the verses below. 

Scripture: Read the verses several times. Reading out loud can be helpful as well. 
Observation: What can you see about the scripture you read? 
Application: What is God wanting you to believe, do, or feel, based on what you have read? 
Prayer: This is a chance to talk to God about what you have read and ask him for help in living out what you’ve learned. 

Day 1: Ephesians 5:8-9 

Day 2: 1 John 4:16 

Day 3: John 13:35 

Day 4: 3 John 1:11 

Day 5: Philippians 2:4 

Day 6: Lamentations 3:22-23 

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PAUL & HOLLY ZWIERZYNSKI

  • Translating the Bible Support
  • North Carolina

Paul and Holly Zwierzynski serve at the JAARS Center in Waxhaw, North Carolina, where they support Bible translation efforts around the world. Paul specializes in solar power and computer networking. He helps missionaries use low-power computers in remote areas and sets up reliable internet connections using tools like satellite and radio links. His work has supported over 180 field sites, allowing translation teams to collaborate across long distances. Holly works in the translation office as a project assistant. She helps develop Old Testament translation guides and reference materials used by Bible translators worldwide. Before moving to North Carolina, Paul and Holly served in Cameroon, where their passion for this work first began.

JERRY & BETH TUCKER

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • Southern California

Jerry and Beth help prepare new missionaries for the field by leading orientation, providing training, building teams, and offering mentorship during the first year of overseas service. They serve with Wycliffe, a Bible translation organization, and bring years of experience to this important work. Their work began in 1995 in the Philippines, where they served as dorm parents and teachers. Both Jerry and Beth grew up at Journey of Faith, and the church has been supporting their ministry for 30 years. They remain committed to serving for many years to come.

TOM SHECK

  • Youth Development
  • South Bay

 Tom serves as the South Bay Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His goal is to see lives changed through the influence of athletes and coaches on middle school and high school campuses. FCA focuses on values like integrity, serving, teamwork, and excellence. The ministry equips students and coaches to grow in their faith and lead others by starting small group gatherings on campus, known as “Huddles.” These groups become places of encouragement, leadership, and spiritual growth within the school community.

CODY & LEXI SCRIVENS

  • Meeting Community and Church Needs
  • Dublin, Ireland

 Cody and Lexie are serving in Ireland, partnering with a local church to build relationships and share the message of Jesus. Their work takes place in a culture shaped by both deep religious tradition and growing secularism. Navigating this tension is challenging, especially in light of Ireland’s complex religious history, but they remain committed to reaching people who often feel distant from faith.

BRYAN & JACINDA MARTIN

  • Meeting Community Needs
  • Philippines

 The Martin family is planting churches in the Philippines through World Team. One of the key ways they serve is by caring for creation. They work with vulnerable communities that are struggling as natural resources become scarce. By teaching sustainable practices for managing the environment, they help meet practical needs while also creating space to share about God’s design for humanity and introduce people to the Creator.

BARBARA LEE

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • San Diego, CA

Barbara supports missionary families by helping their children access quality education and navigate the many transitions that come with cross-cultural life. She currently leads the Indonesia MK (Missionary Kid) Care and Education Team, providing guidance, resources, and support for families across the region. In late 2025, she will join the U.S.-based MK Care and Education Team, where she will train new missionaries, equip education consultants, offer academic testing, and provide personalized educational help for families preparing to serve.

K & L

  • Starting New Churches
  • Southeast Asia

L and K are working to start churches among ten large, unreached, and unengaged people groups in Southeast Asia. They also lead a growing team that has expanded from 11 to 22 units since the pandemic, increasing their reach and impact in the region.

TIM & ERICKA HARRIS

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • Oregon

 Tim and Ericka Harris understand the preparation, training, and lifelong commitment it takes to serve in missions. Their work has included cross-cultural ministry throughout Latin America, including eight years living and serving in Costa Rica with their family. Out of a desire to support those serving in demanding ministry roles, they provide pastoral care to missionaries, pastors, and ministry leaders around the world. Through their R.E.S.T. initiative—Retreat, Encouragement, Safety, and Transformation—they offer spaces for leaders on every major continent to step away, recharge, and return to their work with renewed strength and clarity.

MARK & BRENDA HALL

  • Starting New Churches
  • Guadalajara, Mexico

Mark and Brenda Hall moved to Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2018, where Mark now serves as a teaching pastor at English Fellowship. The church brings together people from different cultures, backgrounds, and denominations, serving both international residents and Mexican nationals living in the city for work. Although their focus is now in Mexico, they remain connected to their previous work in Guatemala, where they spent 18 years investing in the lives of young people. Their move to Guadalajara opens new doors to build relationships, support the local community, and share the message of Jesus in meaningful and relevant ways.

RICH FRAZER

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors
  • Nepal and North India

The Fraziers serve with an organization called SOS, which stands for Spiritual Overseers Service International. Rick serves as the president and helps lead the organization’s three core objectives. The first is evangelism, which focuses on spreading the message of Jesus. The second is discipleship, aimed at strengthening the global Church. And the third is compassion, which means meeting the physical and spiritual needs of fellow believers. The Fraziers train Christian leaders and partner with Tabernacle Ministries in Nepal and North India. Through this work, SOS is mentoring more than 100 leaders who are reaching urban migrants with God’s love.

MARK & LISA DENEUI

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors
  • France

 Mark is a Bible teacher focused on the New Testament who trains church leaders and church planters in French-speaking Europe. Lisa teaches English as a Foreign Language and French, using her skills to build relationships and serve the local community while sharing her faith. Together, Mark and Lisa serve with a network of church plants in the city of Strasbourg. They are committed to making Christ’s love known by partnering with the local French church to love their neighbors, share the gospel, and disciple new believers.

D & J

  • Meeting Community Needs
  • Southeast Asia

D and J are building relationships with an unreached people group in Southeast Asia. Their hope is to see a new community of believers grow through intentional disciple-making and personal connection.

JOSEPH BRADFORD IV

  • Meeting Community Needs
  • Los Angeles, CA

Joseph launched his nonprofit, B.A.R.E. Truth, Inc., in 2018 to serve individuals and families in Los Angeles facing homelessness, food insecurity, and other critical needs. Through mentorship, independent living support, housing assistance, and wellness services, Joseph and his team help people move toward healthier, purpose-filled lives. They also host weekly feeding events on Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles. B.A.R.E. stands for Balance, Ambition, Respect, and Encouragement.

BILL ANKERBERG

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors
  • Estonia

Bill leads a missions movement in the Nordic-Baltic region, focusing especially on Estonia, where fewer than 2% of people identify as Christian. His work includes supporting church planters, developing local leaders, strengthening compassion ministries, and mentoring pastors and missionaries across both the Baltics and Scandinavia. This ministry began in 2008 and continues to grow in reach and impact.

PAT & BETH ANDREWS

  • Bible Translation
  • Arlington, TX

 Pat serves with Seed Company, a subsidiary of Wycliffe Bible Translators, as Director of Field Projects for the Pacific Region and as a Translation Consultant. He helps oversee translation work in more than 60 languages, coordinating efforts across 11 organizations and 28 internships. Many of Pat’s teams are based in remote island communities, which often presents communication and travel challenges. Even so, Pat makes it a priority to visit his project teams and interns each year.

DENNIS & DENISE AHERN

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • Washington State

Since 1992, the Aherns have provided counseling and care to missionaries in more than forty countries. They have a deep understanding of the unique needs, challenges, and opportunities that come with full-time ministry. Their commitment to supporting ministry workers led them to open a retreat center in Washington state called Selah Glen, where they host and lead pastoral care retreats. Through this work, the Aherns are able to care for those who spend their lives caring for others.

MIGUEL & MARIA ADAME

  • Church Planting
  • Baja Mexico

Pastor Miguel leads a growing church in Mexicali, Mexico, where he and his family have been serving the community since 2013. Their church runs weekly Bible studies, monthly outreach events, and provides a steady, welcoming presence in the neighborhood. In 2024, they opened a free private Christian elementary school that supports students with special needs or who are considered at-risk. Journey of Faith has partnered with this ministry through more than a dozen short-term mission trips.

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