King Herod had just put the Apostle James to death by execution. When he saw that executing a Christian leader pleased his constituents, he had the Apostle Peter arrested. He assigned four squads of soldiers to guard Peter. Normally, one to two soldiers guarded a prisoner. Was this extreme precaution taken because he feared an uprising from the people or was it to build a political narrative against Christians? Did he want Christians to be perceived as a great threat to peace and stability in his country? Whereas, in fact, they were promoting love, joy, peace and goodwill among people. [1]
Acts 12:1 says that Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the Church.
Back at the Church, constant prayer was offered to God for Peter.
“The word constant also has the idea of earnest; literally, the word pictures someone stretching out all they can for something. ‘The verb ektenos is related to ektenes, a medical term describing the stretching of a muscle to its limits.’” (MacArthur)
Luke 22:44 uses this same word ektenos for the agonizing prayer of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Much of our prayer is powerless because it lacks earnestness. Too often we almost pray with the attitude of wanting God to care about things we really do not care too much about.
Earnest prayer has power not because it persuades a reluctant God. Instead, it demonstrates that our heart cares passionately about the things God cares about, fulfilling Jesus’ promise If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you (John 15:7).
It is also important to see that the Church prayed to God. It may seem obvious, but often our prayers are weak because we are not consciously coming into the presence of our great and holy God, offering our requests to Him.” [2]
The Lord sent an angel to undo Peter’s chains and to escort him out of the prison. Neither the guards nor Peter were fully aware of what was happening at the time. Peter thought he was having a vision. The two guards chained to Peter did not wake up. Guards at two guard posts did not see Peter. The iron gate of the city opened to Peter of its own accord. Peter walked down a few more streets, the angel disappeared, and then, Peter realized he was not dreaming. His escape was for real. [3]
The next day, Herod commanded that the prison guards be put to death. [4]
Soon after that, the angel of Lord struck Herod with a disease and he died, but the word of God grew and multiplied. [5]
[1] Acts 12:1-4
[2] Enduring Word Commentary
[3] Acts 12:6-11
[4] Acts 12:18-19
[5] Acts 12:21-24
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