Acts 12:1-17 Political and Spiritual Powers
12:01-05 Peter arrested and Church at Prayer
12:06-10 Peter released by an Angel
12:11-17 Peter Escapes to Unknown place
Acts 12:01-05 Peter arrested and Church at prayer
The war between the political and spiritual leaders is an age-old issue. It exists time immemorial. Religious leaders are raised by God, whereas political leaders inherit from their forefathers, are elected by their citizens through democracy. Here the Church at Jerusalem had enmity with the local feuds from the time of John the Baptist, who condemned the illicit relationship of King Herod adversity continues with the followers of Christ. God allowed Herod his political power, but they always use their extra-constitutional and unlawful activities according to their whims and wishes. This passage records that the followers of Christ, especially leaders were in trouble. Herod killed Apostle James, this wicked act pleased Jews. So Herod continued his devilish acts by arresting Peter, But Church spent time in earnest prayer. Anyone to be engaged in prayer is not an easy act during depression and persecution.
Acts 12:06-10 Peter released by an Angel
Peter slept in the Jail. It is quite a different experience for any prisoner. The first-time offenders could find it difficult to allow their eyelids to close because of fear and anxiety. He was sure that he would be put to death by the cruel king Herod. He could have slept for two reasons, either he could have been more tired of guards' treatment or because of his whole day ministry or hard work or because of his unshakable faith in God. He could have convinced that nothing could happen unless the Lord allows happening in his life. Nothing could have been so alarming and demanding from him except the need the preaching the Gospel to the unreached. The episode of releasing Peter has very dramatically scripted with so many minute observations. He explained the pattern of sleep and how an angel was doing his duties to release peter. The gates were opened one by one, and they walked out of Jail without any hurdles. Here the miraculous escape is recorded.
Acts 12:11-17 Peter Escapes to Unknown Place
Till Peter came to his sense, he thought that he had a dream of release by an Angel. The divine involvement in the rescue of God’s children was always unimaginable and undeniable in Church history. God involves with the Church through many incidents, which often unnoticed and thanked. Peter reached the prayer house or the praying team. The interest response of the Church was how Peter was out at this hour. They knew that it is impossible to blind the eyes of Roman guards and come out of the Roman three-tier security prison. They knew that Romans usually execute the Prisoner if it is beneficial to them and pleasing to the majority of their subjects. Church witnessed the death of Jesus Christ. They were sure that the Roman law and guards had killed James. So they could not believe that he came as alive. Anyhow this passage ends that Peter went undisclosed place. Now guards were executed and not Peter. Prayer changes the plans of men and gives victory over enemies.
Discussion:
1. Imprisonment for Gospel work could be avoided or unavoidable in modern times.
2. Share your experiences of miraculous events and resolved issues through prayer.
3. Discuss the legal and illegal incarceration of Christians.
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