Why was James killed and Peter freed from prison and possible execution? We wonder about these things because they don’t make sense in our earthly mindset. Weren’t both men faithful disciples helping the church and God’s kingdom grow? Did the church not pray enough for James and then turn around and pray fervently for Peter? While there is no comment on prayer for James, that does not mean they did not pray.
God’s Purposes
We may gain some insight into Luke’s use of the word saved. Acts 12: 11 Peter finally came to his senses. “It’s really true!” he said. “The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!” [1] “This is the Greek word, exeilato, which describes God’s protecting hand on His witnesses to make sure they fulfill his purposes for them.”[2]
God has His plan for each of us. Our time on this earth is temporary. James 4: 13 Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” 14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. 15 What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.”[3]
God will rescue a believer to accomplish His mission. Even martyrdom can mark God’s sovereignty, not His weakness. He can call His servants home when they have accomplished His purposes. A rescue demonstrates to opponents how nothing can deter God’s work.
God’s Sovereignty
God is still on the throne, no matter how dark this world seems. But God doesn’t think like we do. Isaiah 55: 8 My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. [4]
We don’t want to second guess God because He is beyond our comprehension. Our thoughts are earthly because that is the only realm we know. We can trust that He is good and loves us. As believers, we have the promise of eternal life with Him. There will be no fear, pain, or tears there. And this will not be temporary but forever. As we trust Jesus, He gives us this great gift of eternity with Him. Why was James killed and Peter freed? To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/an-angel-rescues-peter
[1,3,4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Trites, A. A., William J. Larkin. (2006). Cornerstone biblical commentary, Vol 12: The Gospel of Luke and Acts (p. 492). Tyndale House Publishers.