[:en]SCRIPTURE: ACTS 12
“Now I know without doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating” (Acts 12:11)
PETER’S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE FROM PRISION (vs. 1-19)
King Herod continued to persecute Christians and put James, the brother of John to death. He also seized Peter during the Feast of Unleavened Bread and put him in prison. He was guarded by four soldiers, two at his side and two at the cell door. He was bonded with 2 chains between 2 soldiers. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared with a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter and woke him up telling him to quickly get up and the chains fell off Peter’s wrist. He was told to put on his clothes and sandals. wrap his cloak around him and follow the angel. Peter followed the angel out of the prison passing the first and second guards out from the gate to the street. Then the angel suddenly left him. Then Peter knew that God has rescued him from the hand of Herold. He proceeded to the house of Mary, mother of John also called Mark where many were praying there. Peter knocked at the door and Rhoda came to see. She recognized Peter’s voice and told them that Peter was at the door. All did not believe in Rhoda thinking it must be his angel. But Peter kept knocking until they saw him and opened the door. Peter described how the Lord brought him out of prison and then, he left for another place. In the morning, when Herod could not find Peter, he ordered the guards to be executed.
HEROD’S DEATH (vs. 20-25)
When Herod was delivering a public address to the people, the people shouted: “This is the voice of a god, not of a man” (v. 22). Herod did not give praise to God, so an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. (vs. 22-23)
SUMMARY:
Both James and John were brothers. James was the first apostle to be slain by sword while John lived a long life but he endured great sufferings. Therefore, each of us has our own destination which we may not understand.
Peter was delivered by God while James was permitted to die. Therefore, we must know that God has a unique plan and purpose for every individual.
While Peter was in prison, many people gathered to pray for him. An angel of the Lord came to rescue him. Prayer is very important in Christian life. Never underestimate the power of prayer because God honors the prayer of the saints.
The people worshiped Herod as god. God smote him with a terrible death. Anyone who exalts himself and took the place of God will be condemned.[:]