I doubt any of us have been in the place James, then Peter have been. James, John's brother was martyred by King Herod. Herod, wishing to have the goodwill of the Jews was happy to see that the Jews were excited about the death of James. So, that is when he cast Peter in prison with 16 men to guard him.
Peter was to be executed right after the Feast of the Unleavened Bread, as they took him on the first day of the festival. When the festival was to end, Peter would be brought to trial (trial as it is). Supposedly a public trial.
Acts 12: 5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
Okay, things happen in our lives and we can often become quickly discouraged. If your pastor was suddenly thrown in prison -- what would you do??
Well, the church in Jerusalem did what we should all do FIRST!! They began to pray without ceasing, speaking to God for Peter. This should be a lesson for us today with all the LBGT movements, the Gender-Fair movements, the anti-Christian movements, and movements that tear apart our Christian nation. Sooo, they prayed without ceasing and what happened?
As we look into the prison to view Peter we see this. Acts 12: 6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.
Notice the phrase "would have brought him (Peter) forth" and then we see Peter bound, between 2 soldiers and the prison door is guarded as well. No escape for Peter on this earth. (Note on this earth) Also,as the song says: our God is an on time God!
So what happens next? Does Peter go to trial? Well, remember, no one on earth can help Peter. But that is okay. Why? Watch: Acts 12: 7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
No one on earth can help, BUT, BUT, the prayers of the people in the church in Jerusalem were heard by God and he sent an angel to protect Peter. Suddenly a light appeared radiating from the Angel. The Angel woke Peter, who was probably dumb-struck at what was going on at this time. Interestingly enough the light from the Angel (which I assume is brilliant and bright) did not wake the guards. Why? Because, and please remember this:
GOD IS LARGE AND IN CHARGE!!!
Notice, when the Angel smote (struck) Peter on the side what happened???? Peter's chains fell off from his hands!!! Wow, now as the song says; OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!! So what happens next? See you tomorrow! Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
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