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I. THE VALUE OF SMALL ACCURACIES IN THE EXPRESSIONS OF THE INSPIRED HISTORY. Paley places the first verse among his evidences of Christianity, because Herod is called "the king." For he declares that there was never a period, for more than thirty years previously, nor was there ever subsequently at Jerusalem one who wielded such authority as entitled him to the name of monarch. No one except this Herod, and he only during the last three years of his life, could have been properly called "the king."

II. HOW LITTLE THE NEW TESTAMENT MAKES OF THE MARTYRDOM OF EVEN THE BEST OF MEN. Only two words in the Greek describe James's execution: "killed — sword." The Bible does not dwell upon the deaths of Christians so much as upon their lives. Whitefield used to remark, "You will have no dying testimony from me, you must take my living witness for my blessed Lord."

III. THAT THERE IS A LIMIT SET TO THE WICKEDNESS OF THE WICKEDEST OF OPPOSERS (ver. 3). Herod was a time server and a trimmer. His political motto is found in "It pleased the Jews." He thought he had made a hit when he slew John's brother. But even in that crime he only helped to fulfil a prophecy of Christ (Mark 10:39). So Herod "proceeded further"; but all he was suffered to do was "to take Peter." There he had to pause before a higher power. The all-wise God permits sin to move on for a while, but He may be trusted to interpose when the time for restraining wrath arrives (Psalm 76:10).

IV. THAT PRAYER IS THE WELCOME INSTRUMENT OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SEPARATED FRIENDS (ver. 5). A friend when I was abroad sent me a letter with a triangle in it. At the top of it he wrote "the mercy seat"; and drew for the base a rough wavy mark, which he meant for the ocean; then he wrote his initials at one angle and mine at the other. He felt that I knew that the shortest path to those we love is around via heaven, where our faithful High Priest is to receive our petitions.

V. THAT TRUE RELIGIOUS TRUST IS ALWAYS TRANQUIL AND UNDISMAYED (ver. 6). Peter must have understood that he was now in the power of a wild bad man. He could not expect to fare any better than did James. But evidently he was not in the least troubled. This old fisherman meant to have as easy a night of it as was possible with the poor accommodations. He took off his outer garments and sandals before he lay down, as was his habit anywhere. And now think of it: while Herod in the palace was uneasy, and the soldiers wide awake, and the outsiders getting ready for "no small stir" (ver. 18), and the disciples holding an agitated prayer meeting, and an angel on the errand of relief, so that it seems to us as if the whole exterior world was disturbed, Peter went quietly into a sweet good sleep as usual. We have no record of his experiences, but we conjecture he said over the old psalm (Psalm 34:7).

VI. AN AFFECTING ILLUSTRATION OF THE UNHURRIED EXERCISE OF GOD'S PATIENT POWER (ver. 8). The angel had nothing to fear there in the prison, and he knew Peter could take all of time and care he needed without danger. It was not necessary that he should dress in the dark; the messenger from heaven lit up the room for him, and calmed him with tranquil words of direction; and the apostle put on his shoes and his loose garment before he started. The chains had already been removed so cautiously that they made no clanking. There was no hurry nor confusion; when God takes care of a man, He takes good care. How calm God is in the heavens where He reigns; and how little He respected the ingenuities of Herod (Psalm 2:4). We have no wonder that Peter afterwards quoted Isaiah's words with a fresh turn of interpretation after such an experience (1 Peter 2:6). The only thing Herod could do the next morning was to kill his own soldiers; Peter was cut of his reach. Why are we so troubled? How calm is the service of such a Saviour as ours (Isaiah 40:22).

VII. IF PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED BY ANSWERS TO PRAYER, IT IS BECAUSE THEY DO NOT "CONSIDER." Peter's conclusion (ver. 11) is in edifying contrast with the petulant rebuke which Rhoda received from the Christians (ver. 15). He had "considered the thing" (ver. 12). That must be the reason why he was not "astonished" as they were (ver. 16). Rhoda was not "mad," only "glad." A clearer mind was never known than Peter had, only he had now and then to "come to himself," and get his bearings. The one grand conclusion is found well phrased in the remark of Christian in "Pilgrim's Progress." After some days of useless suffering, he suddenly exclaimed, "Why, I have all along had in my bosom a key called Promise, which is able to open any door in Doubting Castle!" What is the reason anyone now is afraid of the power of Giant Despair?

(C. S. Robinson, D. D.)

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KJV: Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

WEB: Now about that time, King Herod stretched out his hands to oppress some of the assembly.