S – Motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. “Tell these things to James and the brothers,” he said, and he left and went to another place

Acts 12:17 CSB

O – Commentary:

James” (literally “Jacob,” as with every use of “James” in the *New Testament) was a common Jewish name; this is not the James of 12:2, but the James of 15:13; 1 Corinthians 15:7 and Galatians 2:9. Jewish sources tell us that this James, Jesus’ younger brother, was highly reputed for his devoutness in Judaism (cf. Acts 21:18–20), and when he was later martyred some leading Jerusalemites protested his death (Josephus, Jewish Antiquities 20.200–203). He would thus be more safe from Agrippa, who catered to the conservative Jewish masses (12:1–3).

The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament

A – It puts another level of humanity on Jesus when we recognize that he had brothers and sisters.  Hard to imagine what that would be like to grow up with Jesus.  Not hard to imagine the pain and anguish of seeing him villified and crucified for his ministry.  Even as James continues as a leader in the church, seeing God’s hand work miracles would be so encouraging when dealing with the loss of a brother.

R – Heavenly Father, you are exalted above all.  Thank you for working for our good when we don’t see it.  You can do miracles in healing and delivering us from things that try to distract us from you. We invite your Holy Spirit to move powerfully today.