Deliverance of Peter
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he became accustomed to it, and he found himself alone in the silent
street, with the cool night air upon his brow. He now realized that it
was no dream or vision that had visited him. He was free, in a familiar
part of the city; he recognized the place as one which he had often
frequented, and had expected to pass for the last time on the morrow,
when upon the way to the scene of his prospective death. He tried
to recall the events of the last few moments. He remembered falling
asleep, bound between the two soldiers, with his sandals and outer
garment removed. He examined his person, and found himself fully
dressed, and girded.
His wrists, swollen from wearing the cruel irons, were now free
from the manacles, and he realized that his freedom was no delusion,
but a blessed reality. On the morrow he was to have been led forth to
die; but lo, an angel had delivered him from prison and from death.
“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, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.”
The apostle made his way direct to the house where his brethren
were assembled together for prayer; he found them engaged in earnest
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prayer for him at that moment. “And as Peter knocked at the door of
the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she
knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in,
and told how Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her,
Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then
said they, It is his angel. But Peter continued knocking; and when
they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. But he,
beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto
them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go
show these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed,
and went into another place.”
Joy and praise filled the hearts of the fasting, praying believers,
that God had heard and answered their prayers, and delivered Peter
from the hand of Herod. In the morning the people gathered together
to witness the execution of the apostle. Herod sent officers to bring
Peter from prison with great display of arms and guard, in order to
insure against his escape, to intimidate all sympathizers, and to exhibit
his own power.