Topical Encyclopedia The Passover, a significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage, holds a notable place in the New Testament narrative, particularly in the context of the early Christian church. One of the pivotal events associated with Passover in the New Testament is the imprisonment of the Apostle Peter, as recorded in the Book of Acts.Biblical Account The account of Peter's imprisonment is found in Acts 12:1-19. During the days of Unleavened Bread, which is closely associated with Passover, King Herod Agrippa I began to persecute members of the early church. 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 actions were politically motivated, aiming to gain favor with the Jewish populace by targeting prominent Christian leaders. The arrest of Peter, a leading apostle, was a strategic move to suppress the burgeoning Christian movement. Herod intended to bring Peter to public trial after the Passover, as noted in Acts 12:4 : "After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to four squads of four soldiers each to guard him. Herod intended to bring him out to the people after the Passover." Divine Intervention The narrative highlights the power of prayer and divine intervention. While Peter was kept in prison, the church fervently prayed for his release. Acts 12:5 records, "So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was fervently praying to God for him." This collective prayer underscores the early church's reliance on God during times of persecution and crisis. In a miraculous turn of events, an angel of the Lord appeared to Peter the night before his trial. Acts 12:7-8 describes the scene: "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. 'Get dressed and put on your sandals,' said the angel. And Peter did so. 'Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,' the angel told him." Peter, initially believing he was seeing a vision, followed the angel past the guards and through the iron gate leading to the city, which opened by itself. Once outside, the angel left him, and Peter realized the reality of his deliverance. Acts 12:11 states, "Then Peter came to himself and said, 'Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from Herod’s grasp and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.'" Significance The timing of Peter's imprisonment during Passover is significant. Passover, a time of deliverance and divine intervention in Jewish history, parallels Peter's miraculous escape. This event serves as a testament to God's continued protection and deliverance of His people, reinforcing the theme of liberation that Passover embodies. Furthermore, the account of Peter's imprisonment and subsequent release highlights the tension between the early Christian church and the Jewish authorities. It underscores the challenges faced by the apostles in spreading the Gospel and the lengths to which they were willing to go to fulfill their mission, even in the face of persecution. The account of Peter's imprisonment at Passover is a powerful reminder of the sovereignty of God and His ability to intervene in human affairs, providing hope and encouragement to believers facing trials and tribulations. Nave's Topical Index Acts 12:3And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) Nave's Topical Index Library Delivered from Prison Chronological Table of the Life of Christ [From Andrews. ] Thursday Night - Before Annas and Caiaphas - Peter and Jesus. The First Epistle of St. Peter The Gospel of Luke The Age of the Apostles (Ad 33-100) The Gospel According to St. Luke The Foundation of the Church among the Jews The Origin of the Gospels. Index i. Of Subjects Resources What is the meaning and importance of the Last Supper? | GotQuestions.orgHow is the date for Easter determined? | GotQuestions.org What are the different Jewish festivals in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Passover: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Passover: Christ Called "Our Passover" Passover: Jesus Crucified at the Time of Passover: Jesus in the Temple Courtyard at the Time of Passover: Observation of, Renewed by Hezekiah Passover: Observation of, Renewed by Josiah Passover: Observation of, Renewed by the Israelites Upon Entering Canaan Passover: Observation of, Renewed: After the Return from Babylonian Captivity Passover: Observed at the Place Designated by God Passover: Observed With Unleavened Bread (No Yeast) Passover: Penalty for Neglecting to Observe Passover: Peter Imprisoned at the Time of Passover: Prisoner Released At, by the Romans Passover: Re-Instituted by Ezekiel Passover: Strangers Authorized to Celebrate Passover: The Lamb Killed by Levites, for Those Who Were Ceremonially Unclean Passover: The Lamb of, a Type of Christ Passover: The Lord's Supper Ordained At Related Terms Passover-offering (7 Occurrences) Passover-offerings (4 Occurrences) |
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