Topical Encyclopedia The imprisonment of Peter is a significant event in the early Christian church, illustrating both the persecution faced by the apostles and the miraculous intervention of God. This event is primarily recorded in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 12:1-19.Context and Background The imprisonment of Peter occurred during the reign of Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great. Herod Agrippa I was known for his efforts to appease the Jewish population, and his actions against the early Christians were partly motivated by a desire to gain favor with the Jewish leaders. The early church was experiencing rapid growth, and this expansion was met with increasing hostility from both Jewish authorities and Roman officials. The Arrest Acts 12:1-3 states, "About that time, King Herod reached out to harm some who belonged to the church. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. And seeing that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter during the Feast of Unleavened Bread." Herod's decision to arrest Peter was a strategic move to further suppress the burgeoning Christian movement and to curry favor with the Jewish populace. Imprisonment and Guarding Peter was placed under heavy guard, as described in Acts 12:4 : "After arresting him, Herod put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out to the people after the Passover." The use of four squads of soldiers indicates the high level of security and the importance Herod placed on preventing Peter's escape. The Church's Response The early church responded to Peter's imprisonment with fervent prayer. Acts 12:5 notes, "So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was fervently praying to God for him." This collective prayer underscores the faith and unity of the early believers, who turned to God in times of crisis. Miraculous Deliverance The narrative of Peter's miraculous deliverance is a testament to divine intervention. Acts 12:6-10 describes how an angel of the Lord appeared to Peter on the night before his trial, freeing him from his chains and leading him out of the prison. The text states, "Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. 'Quick, get up!' he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists." The angel guided Peter past the guards and through the iron gate, which opened by itself, allowing Peter to escape to safety. Peter's Return to the Believers Upon realizing his deliverance was not a vision but reality, Peter went to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered in prayer. Acts 12:12-17 recounts Peter's arrival and the initial disbelief of those praying. When they finally recognized him, Peter recounted his miraculous escape and instructed them to inform James and the other brothers. Aftermath Herod's reaction to Peter's escape was one of anger and frustration. Acts 12:18-19 records, "At daybreak there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter. After Herod had searched for him unsuccessfully, he examined the guards and ordered their execution." This harsh response highlights the severity of the situation and Herod's determination to maintain control. The imprisonment and subsequent deliverance of Peter serve as a powerful example of God's sovereignty and protection over His people. It also emphasizes the importance of prayer and the unwavering faith of the early church in the face of persecution. Nave's Topical Index Acts 12:4And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Nave's Topical Index Library Paul's Second Imprisonment, and Martyrdom; Peter, his Epistles ... Different Accounts of the Call of Peter, and of the Imprisonment ... The Acts of the Apostles Acts XII The Church of Jerusalem and the Labors of Peter. The Canons of the Blessed Peter, Archbishop of Alexandria, and ... Herod and Peter. Peter and John Examined by the Council. The Divine Liturgy of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark, the ... The Foundation of the Church among the Heathen Resources What are the prison epistles? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened on Paul's fourth missionary journey? | GotQuestions.org What is the cause of Christ? | GotQuestions.org Imprisonment: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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