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? …
Sharing the good report of what God has done encourages people and gives glory to God. King Herod Agrippa had imprisoned Peter and planned on killing him until God sent an angel to free him. Peter was in a mental fog as he followed the angel out of the prison. When they reached the street, …
Being persistent is a trait that is essential along our spiritual journey. It is easy to give up, especially when we are discouraged or unsure of ourselves. Peter was put in prison by King Herod Agrippa, who planned on killing him until God intervened and sent an angel to free him. As quickly as the …
The writer of Hebrews describes the ministry of angels as God’s supernatural agents that interact with humanity even when we are unaware. Hebrews 1:14 Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation. [1] Angels are God’s servants who work for the good of the Kingdom of God by carrying out …
When the angel came to release Peter from jail he was sleeping soundly. Acts 12: 6 The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate. 7 Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of …
The power of prayer has changed the lives of countless people and nations. A young child can begin to pray as the Lord works in his heart. Our understanding grows as we age, but there is no substitute for childlike faith when we pray. Prayer, no matter our age, is a conversation with God. The …
The politics of persecution gives insight into the story of an angel releasing Peter from prison. Herod Agrippa I was the ruler who arrested Peter after killing the Apostle James. Acts 12:1 About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church. 2 He had the apostle James (John’s brother) killed with …
Cornelius needed to hear the Good News about Jesus. Why did God send Peter and not Philip? Peter was thirty miles away, and Philip was in the same town. Philip knew the Gospel well and had already shared Jesus with a Gentile, the Ethiopian eunuch. Acts 8: 35 So beginning with this same Scripture, Philip told …
When God changes our thinking, it is often a milestone in our faith journey. God revealed to Peter that the Gentiles were no longer to be considered unclean. Then the Holy Spirit told Peter He had sent the men knocking at the door and to go with them without hesitation. The men at the door …
The story of the Holy Spirit falling on Cornelius and his household while Peter preached is sometimes called the Third Pentecost. Jesus had given instructions about the first Pentecost before He returned to heaven. Acts 1:4b“Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 5 John baptized …