162
The Truth About Angels
done because of divine revelation. And the result was a surprise to
him. When Cornelius had related to him his experience, and the words
of the angel who had appeared to him in vision, Peter declared, “Of
a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons; but in every
nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted
with Him.”—
Manuscript Releases 6:328, 329
.
Peter Delivered From Prison
The day of Peter’s execution was at last appointed; but still the
[232]
prayers of the believers ascended to Heaven. And while all their
energies and sympathies were called out in fervent appeals, angels
of God were guarding the imprisoned apostle.... Peter was placed
between two soldiers, and was bound by two chains, each chain being
fastened to the wrist of one of his guard. He was therefore unable
to move without their knowledge. The prison doors were securely
fastened, and a strong guard was placed before them. All chance of
rescue or escape, by human means, was thus cut off.—
Redemption:
or the Ministry of Peter and the Conversion of Saul, 70
.
Peter was in prison, expecting to be brought forth next day to death;
he was sleeping at night “between two soldiers, bound with two chains:
and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel
of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he
smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly.
And his chains fell off from his hands.”
Peter, suddenly awaking, was amazed at the brightness that flooded
his dungeon, and the celestial beauty of the heavenly messenger. He
understood not the scene, but he knew that he was free, and in his
bewilderment and joy he would have gone forth from the prison un-
protected from the cold night air. The angel of God, noting all the
circumstances, said, with tender care for the apostle’s need: “Gird
thyself, and bind on thy sandals.”
Peter mechanically obeyed; but so entranced was he with the rev-
elation of the glory of heaven that he did not think to take his cloak.
[233]
Then the angel bade him: “Cast thy garment about thee, and follow
me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true
which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When
they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron