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Peter Delivered From Prison
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While the execution of Peter was being delayed, upon various
pretexts, until after the Passover, the church of Christ had time for
deep searching of heart and earnest prayer. Strong petitions, tears,
and fasting were mingled together. They prayed without ceasing
for Peter; they felt that he could not be spared from the Christian
work; and they felt that they had arrived at a point where, without
the special help of God, the church of Christ would become extinct.
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 guards. 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
reinstatement after his denial of Christ, he had unflinchingly braved
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danger and manifested a noble courage and boldness in preaching
a crucified, risen, and ascended Saviour. He believed the time had
now come when he was to 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 safekeeping 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.