June 23, “Open the Door, Rhoda!”

“Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.” (Acts 12:18)

King Herod decided he needed to vex the members of the early church. (Acts 12) For the sport of tormenting Christ’s followers, he killed John’s brother James with a sword. During Passover week there were many Jews in town. Herod was enjoying more and more popularity. Therefore he arrested Peter and assigned four quarternions, (four-men squads) of soldiers to guard him until Passover was finished. Then he planned to kill Peter. Surely sixteen soldiers would keep anyone from stealing this prize prisoner.

God had work for Peter to do. Just before ascending into heaven, Jesus told Peter to feed His sheep. (John 21), but at this point, the man was merely beginning his ministry.

Moreover, the church, seeking the permissive will of God, prayed without ceasing for him. Jesus, during His earthly ministry, had invested His time and efforts teaching this immature man Peter, and now the impetuous fisherman had grown up. He was an Apostle,especially gifted by the Holy Spirit, mature in his knowledge, and bold with his message. at a preacher he had become! Then, came the night before his scheduled execution. Sleeping soundly in jail, he lay chained between two soldiers. Sentries stood at the door.

Peter awakened to a bright light in his face with an angel gently hitting him on his side and telling him to get up quickly. The chains fell off his hands. The angel told him to throw his outer garment on, tighten his belt, and fasten his sandals. As the angel led him through the gates and down a street, Peter thought he was dreaming. Then the angel left him.

He came to himself and said,"Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent His angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod." (11)

Getting his bearings, he went to the house of Mary, John Mark’s mother, where a large number of people were meeting there to pray. When he arrived, he knocked on the gate-door, and a girl named Rhoda answered. He spoke to her, and she recognized his voice.Instead of letting him in, she became excited and happy, slammed the door in his face,and ran to tell the others. They didn’t believe her.

“You’re crazy,” they said, but she insisted. “It’s his angel,” they argued. Eventually they let him inside. As a result of Peter’s escape,

--The word of God grew and multiplied. (24)

Have you noticed some of the times in your life when God’s angels provided you and your loved ones supernatural protection? What purpose does God have? Ask Him.

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