Herod the king killed James the brother of John with the sword. “…because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter…he put him in prison and delivered him to FOUR SQUADS OF SOLDIERS to keep him…Peter was therefore KEPT IN PRISON, but constant prayer was OFFERED TO GOD FOR HIM BY THE CHURCH.” (Acts 12:1-5) “Squad” is from the Greek root word tetradion which just means A FOURSOME; SIXTEEN HIGHLY SKILLED SOLDIERS guarded Peter. Herod Agrippa ordered Peter to be guarded with the maximum-security arrangement at the time for a prisoner: four squads, each comprised of four soldiers, guarded Peter AROUND THE CLOCK IN SHIFTS OF THREE HOURS DURING THE NIGHT AND SIX HOURS DURING THE DAY. During each shift, two soldiers were inside the prison cell and ACTUALLY CHAINED TO PETER, while two soldiers stood guard outside the prison cell. They would be PUT TO DEATH if they were caught sleeping.
“Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping (he was at peace), BOUND WITH TWO CHAINS BETWEEN TWO SOLDIERS; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison…an angel of the Lord stood by Peter, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side saying, “Arise quickly!” And HIS CHAINS FELL OFF (the angel put the guards asleep) …the angel said to him, “Gird yourself…Put on your garment and follow me.” So, he went out and…came to the iron gate…which opened to them of its own accord; and immediately the angel departed from him.” (Acts 12:6-10)
So, he came to the house of Mary, where MANY WERE PRAYING (for Peter to be delivered). And as Peter knocked at the door, Rhoda came to answer…she recognized Peter’s voice, and ran in and announced that PETER STOOD BEFORE THE GATE. they said, “You are beside yourself! (they were praying for him but just couldn’t believe he was set free)“ Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So, they said, “It is his angel.” Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, THEY WERE ASTONISHED.” (Acts 12:12-16)
WE MUST REMEMBER, “LORD GOD! YOU HAVE MADE THE HEAVENS AND EARTH BY YOUR GREAT POWER; NOTHING IS TOO HARD FOR YOU!” (Jeremiah 32:17)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham