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Peter Delivered by an Angel, October 29
Angel Guidance in My Life
And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a
surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me
out of the hand of Herod.
Acts 12:11
Peter was confined in a rock-hewn cell, the doors of which were
strongly bolted and barred.... But the bolts and bars and the Roman
guard, which effectually cut off all possibility of human aid, were but to
make more complete the triumph of God in the deliverance of Peter....
It is the last night before the proposed execution. A mighty angel
is sent from heaven to rescue Peter.... He enters the cell, and there lies
Peter, sleeping the peaceful sleep of perfect trust....
Not until he feels the touch of the angel’s hand and hears a voice
saying, “Arise up quickly,” does he awaken sufficiently to see his cell
illuminated by the light of heaven and an angel of great glory standing
before him. Mechanically he obeys the word spoken to him, and as in
rising he lifts his hands, he is dimly conscious that the chains have fallen
from his wrists....
He [the angel] moves toward the door, followed by the usually
talkative Peter, now dumb from amazement. They step over the guard,
and reach the heavily bolted door, which of its own accord swings open,
and closes again immediately....
The second door ... is reached. It opens ... with no creaking of
hinges or rattling of iron bolts.... In the same way they pass through
the third gateway, and find themselves in the open street.... The angel
glides on in front, encircled by a light of dazzling brightness.... Thus
they pass on through one street, and then, the mission of the angel being
accomplished, he suddenly disappears.
Today, as verily as in the days of the apostles, heavenly messengers
are passing through the length and breadth of the land.... We cannot
see them personally; nevertheless they are with us, guiding, directing,
protecting.
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