Well, the angel has come, woke Peter, chains off, passed all the guards and the iron gate. So, what do we do now? Acts 12: 12 And when he had considered the thing, (okay, the thing - this is where Peter finally comes to a realization of what happened, not a vision, but a real Angel had set him free) he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. Peter now feels that he should go to the disciples regular meeting place and tell them of all that has happened.
13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. This in itself is self explanatory. But see what happens next: 14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
Rhoda hears Peter's voice, she is overjoyed, forgot---yes-forgot to open the gate or door to let Peter in. So......she made haste to tell the other disciples who she heard at the door. And of course their response is............15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. Rhoda is obviously mad,(aka crazy) she has lost her mind, Peter, as we all know is in prison. Yet Rhoda insisted that is was Peter. Naw, couldn't be, it must be his angel. The disciples were yet to believe 16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. Peter did not give up, he continued knocking. So, they went to the door to see who was doing this constant knocking. Yes, what an annoyance, so let's see. As they opened the door, why, it......it.....it was PETER. What? How? Why? Uh, they were amazed.
17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.
Peter told them to be quiet; then explained how the LORD had created the escape from prison. Then he warned them all that their lives may be in danger as well. Peter was telling them to go tell James, Jesus' brother and the pillars of the Jerusalem church. All brethren and elders had to be warned of this danger to their lives.
18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
Now lets go back to the prison. It was coming day, and "no small stir among the soldiers" is saying they were up, had great concern, especially the 2 who were handcuffed to Peter, as well as the other 14, looking, wondering, afraid of what would happen if they did not locate Peter.
No one could explain what happened to the prisoner who had 16 guards, had to pass 2 wards and go through an iron gate went. Oh, my! Then Herod Agrippa called for Peter to be brought forth-------well........ 19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.
Obviously Herod was upset. Can you say "unhappy camper"? Why? Because he was trying to please the Jews with another killing of the Christians and gain more status. He had been embarrassed. Plus, the penalty for losing a prisoner in Roman times was severe and the Roman soldiers took their responsibility very seriously.
King Herod Agrippa I left Jerusalem and went to his other capital Caesarea to reside after he gave the order to have the keepers put to death.
Wow! What an adventure. Peter certainly rode an interesting roller coaster in this particular event. So, then what happens. Well, some fell out of pleasure with Herod and we'll talk about that tomorrow. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
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