Peter freed by angel

NewCreation435

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Acts 12:1-10 was the pastors scripture text today at the church I attended. It says
12 "Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.
7 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.
8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
9 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.
10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him."


I find it interesting that here we see James the brother of John killed early on in the life of the church and yet Peter is spared even though guarded in prison by 16 soliders. Not only is he rescued but the angel makes it look very easy. It makes you wonder why James was not spared. Not only that but why some prayers are answered in these amazing ways and others are not. Surely James could have contributed much more had he lived.
 

MennoSota

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James was killed because God ordained that he come into the Kingdom. Peter was kept alive because God ordained that he go on in this foreign land to call people to reconciliation with God.
God never tells us why he wills one person to continue in this world and why he wills another to end life in this world. We must simply trust the supremacy of God.
As for the angel, there is no doubt the army of heaven makes men look weak and feeble.
 
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