Topical Encyclopedia The account of Peter's imprisonment and miraculous deliverance by an angel is a significant event in the early Christian church, illustrating the power of divine intervention and the fervent prayers of the faithful. This event is recorded in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 12:1-19.Context and Background The narrative takes place during a period of intense persecution of the early church. Herod Agrippa I, the ruling king of Judea, sought to gain favor with the Jewish populace by targeting the leaders of the burgeoning Christian movement. 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." Peter's Imprisonment Peter was arrested and placed under heavy guard, with the intention of bringing him to public trial after the Passover. Acts 12:4 details the security measures: "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." This level of security underscores Herod's determination to prevent any escape or rescue attempt. The Church's Response In response to Peter's imprisonment, the early church engaged in fervent prayer. Acts 12:5 notes, "So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was fervently praying to God for him." This collective intercession highlights the early Christians' reliance on prayer as a powerful tool in times of crisis. Divine Intervention The night before Peter's trial, a miraculous event occurred. Acts 12:6-7 describes the scene: "On the night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, with sentries standing guard at the entrance to the prison. 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 instructed Peter to dress and follow him, leading him past the guards and out of the prison. Acts 12:9-10 recounts, "Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city, which opened for them by itself. They went outside and walked the length of one street, and suddenly the angel left him." Peter's Realization and Return Once outside, 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.'" Peter then went to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered in prayer. His arrival was met with astonishment and joy, as recounted in Acts 12:12-17 . Despite initial disbelief, the gathered believers rejoiced at Peter's miraculous escape. Aftermath The following day, there was great commotion among the soldiers and Herod's court regarding Peter's disappearance. Acts 12:18-19 describes the confusion and Herod's subsequent actions: "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 that they be executed." This event not only demonstrated the power of God to intervene in seemingly impossible situations but also reinforced the importance of prayer and faith within the early Christian community. The deliverance of Peter served as a testament to God's sovereignty and protection over His people, encouraging the church to continue its mission despite persecution. Nave's Topical Index Acts 12:3-19And 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 Paul's Missionary Labors. The Acts of the Apostles Before the Sanhedrin Letter v. Prayer and Fasting. Fourth Sunday after Trinity Redemption of the Creatures. Ephesians iv. 1, 2 Letter viii. Public and Social Worship, and Sabbath Employments. Against the Modern Free-Thinkers. Its Effects. Resources Who was Peter in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of 2 Peter - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org What does Peter mean when he tells us to make our calling and election sure in 2 Peter 1:10? | GotQuestions.org Peter: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Peter of the Law of Defilement Peter of the Law of Forgiveness Peter of the Parable of the Steward Peter of the Prophecy of Jesus Concerning his Second Coming Peter: Accused by the Council; his Defense Peter: Also Called Simon Bar-Jona and Cephas Peter: Calls Attention to the Withered Fig Tree Peter: Confesses Jesus to be the Messiah Peter: Cuts off the Ear of Malchus Peter: Follows Jesus to the High Priest's Palace Peter: Foretells the Death of Ananias and Sapphira Peter: Has a Vision of a Sheet Containing Ceremonially Clean and Unclean Animals Peter: Heals the Immobile Man in the Portico of the Temple Peter: His Denial of Jesus, and his Repentance Peter: His Mother-In-Law Healed Peter: His Presumption in Rebuking Jesus Peter: His Presumption in Refusing to Let Jesus Wash Peter's Feet Peter: His Statement in Front of the Disciples Concerning the Death of Judas Peter: His Treachery Foretold by Jesus, and his Profession of Fidelity Peter: Imprisoned and Delivered by an Angel Peter: Imprisoned and Scourged; his Defense Before the Council Peter: Jesus Sends Message To, After the Resurrection Peter: Prays for the Reception of the Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit Peter: Preaches on Pentecost Day Peter: Present at Lake Tiberias when Jesus Appeared to his Disciples Peter: Present in the Garden of Gethsemane Peter: Present: At the Healing of Jairus' Daughter Peter: Present: At the Transfiguration Peter: Rebukes Simon, the Sorcerer, Who Desires to Purchase This Power Peter: Receives the Servant of the Centurion Peter: Sent With John to Prepare the Passover Meal Peter: Visits Joppa; Stays With Simon, the Tanner; Raises Dorcas from the Dead Peter: Visits Lydda; Heals Aeneas Peter: Visits the Gravesite of Jesus Peter: Walks Upon the Water of Lake Galilee Select Readings: Peter on the Day of Pentecost Related Terms |
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