Topical Encyclopedia Prudence, a virtue highly esteemed in biblical literature, is the ability to govern and discipline oneself through the use of reason. It involves foresight, wisdom, and the careful consideration of circumstances to achieve a desired outcome. The Apostle Peter's escape from Herod Agrippa I, as recorded in the Book of Acts, serves as a compelling example of prudence in action.Context and Background Herod Agrippa I, a ruler known for his persecution of the early Christian church, sought to suppress 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." Herod's actions were politically motivated, aiming to curry favor with the Jewish populace by targeting prominent Christian leaders. Peter's Imprisonment Peter was placed under heavy guard, with four squads of soldiers assigned to him, as noted in Acts 12:4 : "After arresting him, he 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 situation appeared dire, with Peter facing imminent execution. Divine Intervention and Prudence In the midst of this peril, the church fervently prayed for Peter's deliverance. Acts 12:5 records, "So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was fervently praying to God for him." The narrative then describes a miraculous intervention: an angel of the Lord appeared, freeing Peter from his chains and guiding him out of the prison. Acts 12:7-10 details this divine rescue, emphasizing the supernatural aspect of Peter's escape. While the escape was undoubtedly miraculous, Peter's response to the situation exemplifies prudence. Upon realizing his freedom, Peter did not act recklessly or impulsively. Instead, he carefully considered his next steps. Acts 12:11 states, "When Peter had come to himself, he 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.'" Prudent Actions Post-Escape Peter's prudence is further demonstrated in his actions following his escape. He went to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered in prayer. Acts 12:12 notes, "When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying." By seeking refuge among fellow believers, Peter ensured his safety and provided reassurance to the church that their prayers had been answered. Moreover, Peter's decision to leave Jerusalem shortly thereafter, as implied in Acts 12:17 , reflects his prudent assessment of the situation. He instructed the believers to inform James and the other brothers of his escape, then departed to another place. This strategic withdrawal not only protected Peter but also allowed the church to continue its mission without further immediate threat from Herod. Conclusion Peter's escape from Herod Agrippa I is a testament to the power of divine intervention coupled with human prudence. His careful consideration of circumstances, reliance on the support of the Christian community, and strategic actions post-escape highlight the importance of prudence in navigating perilous situations. Through this account, believers are reminded of the value of wisdom and foresight in their own lives, trusting in God's providence while exercising sound judgment. Nave's Topical Index Acts 12:17But he, beckoning to them with the hand to hold their peace, declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go show these things to James, and to the brothers. And he departed, and went into another place. Nave's Topical Index Library Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ... Resources What are the seven cardinal virtues? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a husbandman in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about common sense? | GotQuestions.org Prudence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Prudence in Avoiding his Enemies Prudence in Charging Those Who Were Healed not to "Advertise" his Miracles Prudence in Circumcising Timothy Prudence in Performing Temple Rites Prudence in Turning the Jewish Sects Against Each Other Prudence in Walking "No Longer Openly" Prudence of the Wicked: Defeated by God Prudence of the Wicked: Denounced by God Prudence of the Wicked: Fails in Times of Perplexity Prudence of the Wicked: Keeps Them from the Knowledge of the Gospel Prudence of the Wicked: Necessity For-Illustrated Prudence: Abigail, in Averting David's Anger Prudence: Achish, in Dismissing David Prudence: Aged Counsellors of Rehoboam Prudence: Avoiding Suspicion in Administering the Gifts of the Congregations Prudence: Certain Elders of Israel Prudence: David, in his Conduct Toward Saul Prudence: David, in Overthrowing Ahithophel's Shrewd Advice Prudence: Elijah, in his Escape from Jezebel Prudence: Exemplified by Christ Prudence: Exhibited in the Manifestation of God's Grace Prudence: General Scriptures Concerning Prudence: Going to the Feast Secretly Prudence: Intimately Connected With Wisdom Prudence: Jacob, in his Conduct Toward Esau Prudence: Jacob, Toward his Sons, After Dinah's Defilement Prudence: Jehoram, in Suspecting a Syrian Stratagem Prudence: Jethro's Advice to Moses Prudence: Joseph, in his Conduct Toward Mary Prudence: Joseph, in the Affairs of Egypt Prudence: Nehemiah, in Conduct of Affairs at Jerusalem Prudence: Paul and Barnabas, in Escaping Persecution Prudence: Paul and Silas, in Escaping from Berea Prudence: Peter, in Escaping from Herod Agrippa I Prudence: Saints should Especially Exercise, in Their Intercourse With Prudence: Saul, in not Killing the Jabesh-Gileadites Prudence: The Israelites, in the Threatened War With the Two and One-Half Tribes Prudence: The Town Clerk of Ephesus, in Averting a Riot Prudence: The Wise Celebrated For Prudence: The Young should Cultivate Prudence: They Who Have are Preserved by It Prudence: They Who Have: Crowned With Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Deal With Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Foresee and Avoid Evil Prudence: They Who Have: Get Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Keep Silence in the Evil Time Prudence: They Who Have: Look Well to Their Goings Prudence: They Who Have: Not Ostentatious of Knowledge Prudence: They Who Have: Regard Reproof Prudence: They Who Have: Suppress Angry Feelings Prudence: They Who Have: Understand the Ways of God Prudence: They Who Have: Understand Their own Ways Prudence: Virtuous Wives Act With Related Terms |
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