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Acts: Peter Delivered from Prison
July 30, 2016

Last week we saw that when Peter returned to Jerusalem he was challenged by native Israelites who still thought Gentiles could not be saved. It would be Gentiles who first called the disciples Christians. This week we see how God intervenes once again when Peter is imprisoned after Herod killed James with a sword.

Acts 12:1-6
Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)  And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. 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.

After seeing how the death of James pleased the Jews, Herod thought it would be smart to take Peter into custody and throw him in prison. The church prayed for Peter to be released from prison. Once he was out of prison Peter realized he wasn't dreaming and that he should get off the streets before he was discovered. Looking around the neighborhood he understood he was near the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark. At the house it was Rhoda who recognized Peter's voice when he was knocking at the door. Peter had to knock for a long time before the door was opened. Because of Herod's attack on the church, everyone was naturally suspicious. When the door was finally opened, everyone was amazed. Peter explained how he was rescued from prison and then left.

Acts 12:7-17
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. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. 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. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.  But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. 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.

Back at the prison, as soon as they discovered that Peter had escaped, Herod tried to recapture Peter, but could not find him. Not understanding God's divine intervention on Peter's behalf, Herod wanted to execute the prison guards. Eventually Herod died at the hand of God. It was then that the church grew.

Acts 12:18-25
Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. 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. And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country.  And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. But the word of God grew and multiplied. And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

Through time of trouble and on the other side, the gospel was preached.

All verses are from the King James Version.
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