Tag: Acts 12
Scripture reading for May 21: Acts 12
“When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.” When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. Recognizing Peter’s voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate. They said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting that it was so, and they kept saying, “It is his angel!” But Peter continued knocking. . .” Acts 12:11-16
God is always working to expand our world view through revelation of His ability to do the impossible in answer to prayer. In this story, we find Peter imprisoned after James was executed by Herod. Peter was resting in a deep sleep when awakened by an angel commanding him to get up quickly. As he did, the chains of the prison fell from his hands. He was told to get dressed and follow. As he obeyed, he wasn’t sure what he was experiencing was real, but maybe a vision. As they walked, the doors of the prison opened as if automatic and Peter was free!
Peter then went to the house of Mary, John Mark’s mother. He knew that the church often met there for prayer. He knocked on the door and the servant girl, Rhoda, ran to those gathered there and announced that Peter was at the door. These praying church members laughed at her and told her it was probably Peter’s angel. Their world view was locked on the impossibility of Peter being free from Herod’s jail. Peter continued knocking and they finally opened the door! Peter entered and shared the story of how his world view was altered by a visiting angel and supernatural deliverance from iron chains and prison.
What ways did God employ to free Peter from jail? Why do you think that God allowed James to be killed instead of delivered? Has God ever ‘knocked’ on your heart or mind to expand your vision and increase your faith?
Prayer: Father God, thank you for this simple story of how You revealed Your will to those early church members and apostles. I am strengthened to trust you and to respond and pray in faith in situations that look impossible in the natural. Keep knocking on my door until I open my heart to Your ways. Amen.
Scripture reading for May 20th: Acts 12
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Acts 12:5-7 “So Peter was kept in prison, but the Church was earnestly praying to God for him. The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound by two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 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.”
Herod’s persecution in the early church took the life of James, one of the first apostles. At that time Peter was also imprisoned and awaited the same fate. But believers gathered in the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, to pray to God for Peter’s life and divine intervention. As they prayed, they entrusted Peter to God’s care, not really expecting his miraculous release! God often does exceeding abundantly beyond what we ask or think! Peter was supernaturally freed and delivered from chains, guards, and a secure jail. As he knocked on the door, those praying thought it was an angel! Prayer honors God and changes things for God’s people!
Observations for over-comers: Never assume that any situation is too hard or difficult for God! Always pray and keep on knocking and trusting in God’s amazing power and great love for His people and promises to hear and answer! “All you who fear the Lord, praise Him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor Him! For He has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; He has not hidden His face from him but has listened to his cry for help.” ((Psalm 22:23-24)
Scripture reading for May 21st: Acts 12
Have you ever prayed for hard for something that seemed impossible? Were you ever shocked when the answer came, knocking at your door? This scenario happened as the early church experienced a wave of persecution that brought about the execution of one of the original disciples, James, and the imprisonment of Peter by King Herod.
King Herod arrested and executed James immediately. He saw that this was pleasing to the Jews, so he then rounded up Peter and intended to execute him too. Peter was imprisoned and guarded by four squads of soldiers. This motivated the church to pray earnestly for Peter. ( Acts 12:5)
“The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 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.” (Acts 12:6-7)
The angel had Peter get dressed and led him through the previously locked gates and the final gate opened by itself! This was so amazing that Peter though he was seeing a vision! The angel left him safely outside the gate and Peter made his way to Mary’s house, the mother of John Mark. The church was meeting there and praying as Peter knocked on the door. A girl named Rhoda answered the door, heard Peter’s voice and ran back to tell the others, “Peter’s at the door!” They thought she was crazy! As Peter knocked, they finally opened to find him and hear his story! Meanwhile, Herod grilled the guards about what happened and had them all executed!
When the church prays, God can do miracles! Let’s press in!