Deliverance of Peter
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cious stones, and presenting a spectacle of grandeur and beauty to all
beholders.
The day of Peter’s execution was at last appointed; but still the
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. Man’s extremity is God’s
opportunity. 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.
The apostle was not intimidated by his situation. Since his re-
instatement after his denial of Christ, he had unflinchingly braved
danger, and manifested a noble courage and boldness in preaching
a crucified, risen, and ascended Saviour. He now called to mind the
words of Jesus addressed to him: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither
thou wouldest; but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth
thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou
wouldest not.” He believed the time had now come when he was to
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yield up his life for Christ’s sake.
The night before his appointed execution, Peter, bound with chains,
slept between the two soldiers, as usual. Herod, remembering the
escape of Peter and John from prison, where they had been confined
because of their faith, took double precautions on this occasion. The
soldiers on guard, in order to secure their extra vigilance, were made
answerable for the safe-keeping of the prisoner. He was bound, as
has been described, in a cell of massive rock, the doors of which
were bolted and barred. Sixteen men were detailed to guard this cell,
relieving each other at regular intervals. Four comprised the watch at
one time. But the bolts and bars, and Roman guard, which effectually
cut off from the prisoner a possibility of human aid, were only to result
in making the triumph of God more complete in Peter’s deliverance
from prison. Herod was lifting his hand against Omnipotence, and he
was to be utterly humiliated and defeated in his attempt upon the life
of the servant of God.