Memorize: Outbreak from the prison
Key Verses: 1, 3, 5, 15, 19, 22-23, 24
Herod was a very paranoid person. Look at the security precautions he imposes on Peter as he is guarded in prison, sixteen professional soldiers guarding one fisherman. But he had not counted on a praying church! And Peter does not seem to be worried as he sleeps between his guards with more guards at the door. He is resting comfortably the day before his rigged trial which Herod hopes will lead to his conviction.
Peter is sleeping so well that the bright light of the angel’s presence does not wake him up. He must be pushed to get him to wake up. And those pesky chains drop off. He has to be told to get dressed, he is so sleepy. Peter thinks it is a vision. They walk right out of prison, past the guards, through the gate into the city.
His friends who were praying don’t believe it is Peter at the door of the house where they were praying for his release. He is free. The guards who were on duty that night pay with their lives. Herod wields his power ruthlessly. Herod pays with his life as well. He receives honor and praise due the LORD and keeps it, rather than passing it along to the LORD. He receives it as his own and pays for this pride with his life.
But the word of God can’t be kept in prison. It continues to spread. Herod wanted to stop the Gospel’s spread for political reasons. Anything that threatened the status quo put his job in jeopardy. The Jews had been fairly peaceful and he benefited from that peace. These ‘Christians’ were an unknown entity, and therefore had to be silenced. But you can’t silence God. He will speak. Even prison walls, chains, and guards can’t stop what He wants to do.
REVIEW: HOLY SPIRIT
The Arnold Journey 