Daily Bread 2011 - Acts 12


Peter’s Miraculous Escape From Prison
1 It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3 When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. 4 After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.

What Does This Mean?
Every chapter of Acts is filled with yet another exciting story of God’s working miraculously through the lives of the apostles to continue the mission Jesus had started. In this story, Peter had been arrested and 4 squads of 4 men each had been assigned to watch over him. One squad each, for each of the four watches throughout the night.

Despite all of this, an angel of the Lord woke him up and escorted him out of the prison past the guards (were they sleeping too?); and out of the iron gate that led to the city. The gate opens by itself, and after walking with Peter one block, the angel disappeared. Peter finally realized this was not a dream and went to Mary’s house (the mother of John Mark) and interrupted a prayer meeting maybe on his behalf. Rhoda recognized his voice and instead of letting him in ran back to the meeting and told everyone he was there. They don’t believe her until they open the door and find him standing there. After encouraging the group (and thanking them for their prayers) he left and went on to another place.

What Does This Mean For Us?
We see in this story the tale of two apostles. One, James, the brother of John, was put to the sword and killed/martyred. The other, Peter, was saved miraculously. Peter’s story reminds us that if God is for us who can be against us. James story reminds us that even Christians are not spared the trouble and even death this world can bring.

Peter’s story is so remarkable considering that even 4 men guarding his prison with him even shackled could not keep the Lord from rescuing him. And, of course, we also know the church was praying for him behind locked doors for fear of their own persecution (and possible death). Can you imagine how this must have rocked the prayer meeting, as they were praying for their brother Peter expecting impending death and he knocks on the door and appeared before them! You talk about answered prayer!

We know there is so much power in prayer, but sometimes we get too tired or too discouraged when we don’t see the results we have asked for. Remember to pray today for something that can only happen through God’s direct intervention. Prayer is knocking on God’s door until He answers!

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of prayer. Help us to persevere and pray for those things that don’t seem humanly possible from our vantage point. We know you answer prayer, not always in our timing or way, but you are faithful. Amen.

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