AF-0198 Praying Peter out of Prison Acts 12: 1-17 Sometime bad things happen to good people. Sometimes innocent people suffer in ways that we think are unfair and unjust. There is much talk these days about the guilt and innocence of President Clinton. I will not use this forum to address this. I have my opinions, and will be more than happy to share them with you privately. This is a critical time in the life and history of our nation. When things like this happen, or even allegedly happen there are no winners, only losers. The critical issue here continues to be character. Had these accusations been made against the former Presidents of the immediate past, they would have been passed off as ridiculous, because they would have been in contradiction to the character exhibited in their lives. Not so this time. This morning we come to see God using a bad set of circumstances for His glory and the good of the church. Turn with me to Acts chapter 12. You will remember that nothing happens by happenstance. Listen again to Paul's encouragement to the Romans .. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Remember the phrases, to those who love God and who are called according to His purposes. Thus is the case in our scripture text this morning. Let's read together Acts 12: 1-17 ... Peter's Perilous Condition (Acts 12: 1-5a) A. The design of the Crown (Acts 12:1-3a -- Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church, in order to mistreat them. And he had James the brother of John put to death with a sword, And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. ...) The role of politicians has not changed. They have always served the winds of public opinion. He was trying to endear himself to the loyal Jews. B. The desire of the Crowd (Acts 12: 3 -- And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. Now it was during the days of Unleavened Bread.) This was a high holy time for the orthodox Jews. They had seen Jesus stopped during this time, now this leader of the Christians would see his end. C. The demise of the Christian (Acts 12: 4-5a -- And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out before the people. So Peter was kept in the prison ...) Agrippa knew that during Passover itself the people would be busy. He would wait and have a showy public trial after the busyness of the holiday ended before the crowds left Jerusalem. Peter's Prayerful Church (Acts 12: 5b) A. Recognized their responsibility (Acts 12:5b but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God.) This church knew what they were called to do. I wonder how many of us turn to prayer first? B. Realized their Resources (Acts 12:5b but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God.) They knew that only God had the ability and power to release Peter. The word translated fervently is a medical term describing the stretching of a muscle to its limits. Same word used to describe Jesus' prayer: Luke 22:44 -- And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground. It means that they poured the maximum effort they were capable of into their prayers. Have we ever done this? C. Refused to be Reluctant Nothing was more important to this church than praying for Peter, even when the odds were so heavy against them. Peter's Peaceful Composure (Acts 12: 6) What was Peter doing on this last night before his execution? He was asleep on a hard wretched cell floor, chained to guards, worried about nothing! He was not wringing his hands, pacing back and forth, pleading for an attorney, crying out of fear, or explaining his innocence . . . he was asleep! What was he thinking about? A. His Memory Of Stephen Acts 7:54-60 -- Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they {began} gnashing their teeth at him. But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears, and they rushed upon him with one impulse. And when they had driven him out of the city, they {began} stoning {him,} and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they went on stoning Stephen as he called upon {the Lord} and said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" And falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them!" And having said this, he fell asleep. Of the Savior Luke 23:34 -- Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. Luke 23:46 -- Father, into Thy hands I commit My spirit." And having said this, He breathed His last. B. His Mind On Scripture and Security John 14:1-6 -- Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, {there} you may be also. And you know the way where I am going. Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me. C. His Message He wanted to leave the right message with the soldiers and the saints. Here was a man who knew how to die! Peter's Powerful Caretaker (Acts 12: 7-8) A. The angel's Appearance (Acts 12:7 -- And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared, and a light shone in the cell ...) His appearance was sudden and shining. B. The angel's Authority (Acts 12:7 -- And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter's side and roused him, saying, "Get up quickly." And his chains fell off his hands.) This angle did not come in His own power, but in the name of the Lord. He had the authority to touch and transport Peter. C. The angel's Activity (Acts 12:8 -- And the angel said to him, "Gird yourself and put on your sandals." And he did so. And he said to him, "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.") The ministry of this angel was two-fold. First, he was there as liberator. All the things that bound Peter fell off. He will free you today from whatever it is that has a hold on you. Secondly, was leadership. He not only frees us but more importantly he leads us! God can always be counted on to grant leadership to his faithful followers. Peter's Complete Compliance (Acts 12: 9-10) A. His expression of obedience (Acts 12:9 -- And he went out and continued to follow, and he did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.) His obedience was immediate. He did not question the angel. Faith causes us to trust even what we do not understand. His obedience was also intense. B. The effect of obedience (Acts 12:10 -- And when they had passed the first and second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened for them by itself; and they went out and went along one street; and immediately the angel departed from him.) It relieved his burdens. It removed all barriers. And it released him from all bondage. Peter's Personal and Public Celebration (Acts 12: 11-17) A. This Affirmed his Faith (Acts 12:11 -- And when Peter came to himself, he said, "Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent forth His angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.") Seeing was believing for Peter. He now knew this was not a dream, but a deliverance by God himself! He was never the same again after this experience. B. He Approached his Friends (Acts 12: 12-13 -- And when he realized {this,} he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a servant-girl named Rhoda came to answer.) Peter also realized that God had released him for a reason. Things that happen in the life of the believer are often to be used to encourage the saints. Some things are very personal, but many things are for public edification. He wanted to let the people know that prayer really worked and they were safe because God was still in control! C. They Acknowledged his Freedom (Acts 12:14-17 -- And when she recognized Peter's voice, because of her joy she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing in front of the gate. And they said to her, "You are out of your mind!" But she kept insisting that it was so. And they kept saying, "It is his angel." But Peter continued knocking; and when they had opened {the door} they saw him and were amazed. But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had led him out of the prison. And he said, "Report these things to James and the brethren." And he departed and went to another place.) There is an indication here that they were praying, but were they believing? Illustration: In a small country church a crowd gathered to pray for rain the that parched area of the country. People after people came into the building to pray for the welfare, because of the dead and dying crops. However, in all of the crowd, only one old farmer entered carrying his umbrella. When asked why he had it on such a clear night he responded, because we are asking God for rain, and I'm expecting him to hear us! Conclusion This morning, I want you to know that God is still in the business of answering prayer. Do you believe that? Whatever it is you are facing today, He cares for you. Listen to the Word of God . . . 1 Pet 5:6-7 -- Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. This comes from a man who knew from experience the power of prayer.