Topical Encyclopedia The theme of protection is vividly illustrated in the life of the Apostle Peter, one of Jesus Christ's closest disciples. Throughout the New Testament, Peter's experiences highlight the divine protection afforded to those who follow Christ, even amidst trials and tribulations.Divine Protection in Imprisonment One of the most striking examples of divine protection in Peter's life is found in Acts 12. King Herod Agrippa had arrested Peter, intending to bring him to public trial after Passover. However, the church earnestly prayed for him, and God intervened miraculously. An angel of the Lord appeared in the prison, and Peter's chains fell off. The angel led him past the guards and out of the prison, demonstrating God's power to protect His servants against human authority. As Peter realized what had happened, he declared, "Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from Herod’s grasp and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating" (Acts 12:11). Protection from Spiritual Weakness Peter's life also illustrates protection from spiritual weakness. Despite his boldness, Peter was not immune to fear and doubt. In Matthew 14:28-31, Peter walked on water towards Jesus but began to sink when he saw the wind and waves. He cried out, "Lord, save me!" and immediately, Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. This incident underscores the protective power of Christ over spiritual faltering, as Jesus gently rebuked Peter's doubt but did not let him fall. Protection through Restoration Peter's denial of Christ is another poignant moment where divine protection is evident through restoration. After Peter denied Jesus three times, he was filled with remorse. Yet, after the resurrection, Jesus appeared to Peter and restored him, asking three times if Peter loved Him and commissioning him to "Feed My sheep" (John 21:17). This restoration highlights the protective grace of Christ, ensuring that Peter's failure did not define his future role in the early Church. Protection in Ministry Throughout his ministry, Peter experienced God's protection as he boldly proclaimed the Gospel. In Acts 5, after being arrested and beaten for preaching about Jesus, Peter and the apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for His name. Despite the threats, they continued to teach and preach, protected by their unwavering faith and the Holy Spirit's guidance. Protection through Faith Peter's epistles further reflect his understanding of divine protection. In 1 Peter 1:5, he writes to believers, "who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time" . This assurance of protection is not merely physical but encompasses spiritual safeguarding through faith, emphasizing the eternal security found in Christ. Peter's life and writings offer profound insights into the multifaceted nature of divine protection. From physical deliverance to spiritual restoration and empowerment, Peter's experiences affirm the steadfast protection God provides to those who trust in Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 12:4-7And 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Divine Support and Protection Epistle v. To Peter, Subdeacon. Herod and Peter. Peter of Chelcic, 1419-1450. St. Peter of Alcantara Comforts the Saint. Great Temptations and ... Peter Stood Up. The First Epistle of St. Peter Thursday Night - Before Annas and Caiaphas - Peter and Jesus. To an Objection that the State of Widowhood Might Indeed be ... Epistle xxii. To Rusticiana, Patrician . Resources Does Satan have to get God's permission before he can attack us? | GotQuestions.orgWhat items should be included in a church constitution? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that love always protects (1 Corinthians 13:7)? | GotQuestions.org Protection: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Protection is Afforded to Returning Sinners Protection is Afforded to The Church Protection is Afforded to The Oppressed Protection is Afforded to The Perfect in Heart Protection is Afforded to The Poor Protection is Afforded to Those Who Hearken to God Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in all Dangers Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in all Places Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Calamities Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Death Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Defeating the Counsels of Enemies Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Defending Them Against Their Enemies Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Keeping Their Feet Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Keeping Them from Evil Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Keeping Them from Falling Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Keeping Them from Temptation Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Keeping Them in the Way Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Persecution Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Preserving Them Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Providing a Refuge for Them Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Sleep Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Strengthening Them Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Temptation Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Upholding Them Protection of God Is: Effectual Protection of God Is: Encouraging Protection of God Is: Indispensable Protection of God Is: Often Afforded Through Means Inadequate in Themselves Protection of God Is: Perpetual Protection of God Is: Seasonable Protection of God Is: Unfailing Protection of God Is: Uninterrupted Protection: God is Able to Afford Protection: God is Faithful to Afford Protection: Not to be Found in Horses Protection: Not to be Found in Hosts Protection: Not to be Found in Idols Protection: Not to be Found in Man Protection: Not to be Found in Riches Protection: Saints: Acknowledge God As Their Protection: Saints: Praise God For Protection: Withdrawn from The: Backsliding Protection: Withdrawn from The: Disobedient Protection: Withdrawn from The: Obstinately Impenitent Protection: Withdrawn from The: Presumptuous Protection: Withdrawn from The: Unbelieving Related Terms |