Peter was thrown in prison by king Herod when he realized that many were pleased when he killed James. They were going to kill Peter the next day. “Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God FOR HIM by the church.” (Acts 12:5) Because of that prayer the angel of the Lord set Peter, who was chained between guards, free from prison. So Peter knocked on the door where they were having the prayer meeting. “Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, THEY WERE ASTONISHED.” (existēmi: To be besides one’s self, to throw into amazement). (Acts 12:16) Were they astonished because God answered their prayer?
Frederick Fyvie Bruce (1910 – 1990). Classically trained in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, F. F. Bruce is best known for his writings on the New Testament; however, he never had formal education in theology or biblical studies. In fact, F. F. Bruce never even pursued an earned doctoral degree of his own (he did hold numerous honorary doctorates). F.F. Bruce relates the story of Sundar Singh, a Tibetan Christian who was likewise (as Peter was) freed miraculously from a prison. For preaching of the gospel, he was thrown into a well, and a cover set over it and locked. He would be left in the well until he died, he heard someone unlocking the cover of the well. A voice told him to take the rope that was being lowered. Sundar put his foot in a loop, because he had injured his arm in the fall down the well. He was raised up, the cover was replaced and locked, but when he looked to thank his rescuer he could find no one. When morning came, he went back to the same place he was arrested and started preaching again.
There is no telling what God may do with us WILL, “The prison keeper put Paul and Silas into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. SUDDENLY there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.” (Acts 16:24-26) The jailer awoke to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. “Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here! Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” (Acts 16:28-31) He and all his house were saved… Imagine what will happen when we get busy!!!
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham