Peter’s Release from Prison

AD 44

Book of Acts

~ Before Peter’s arrest in Acts 12, the Church was experiencing both powerful growth and intensifying persecution.

After the Apostle James had been executed, Peter was seized by King Herod during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. He was thrown into prison and guarded by four squads of soldiers. While the Church prayed earnestly, an angel of the Lord appeared in the night. Light filled the cell. Peter’s chains fell off. The angel led him past sleeping guards and through iron gates that opened on their own, until Peter found himself free on the streets of Jerusalem. Realizing it was no vision, he hurried to the house where believers were praying,

~ After Peter is miraculously released from prison, Luke writes, “…the word of God increased and multiplied" (Acts 12:24).

Significance

• So many people became martyrs in the early Church—Peter himself died on a Roman cross, but in this instance, God sends an angel to rescue him from death. God is God. Some of His sovereign decisions cannot be understood this side of heaven. We trust Him because He is good.
• The Church was fervently praying for Peter’s release. God hears and answers our prayers.
• One of the names of God is “Lord of Hosts.” He created angels and directs them according to His will.