Join us as we read the scriptures and a daily devotion written by Don Crisp. We pray these messages will bless us all at this time.
Acts chapter 12:16-19:
Categories: Don’s Daily Devotions
Acts chapter 12:16-19:
V16: Peter persists in knocking ( just as we should persist in prayer – Matthew 7:7-8.) Finally they open to him, and are amazed to see him safe and well. Again, we are reminded how we can pray sincerely, believing in God’s power, yet not truly expect or anticipate the answer we ask for!
V17: Peter hushes their excited voices, tells them all that has happened, that they are to tell James ( the brother of Jesus, now the recognised leader of the Jerusalem church, it seems, and the author of the NT letter which bears his name ) and the other believers. There are of course so many believers in Jerusalem now that clearly only a selection of them could meet in any one home. Then Peter takes his leave, and goes to a place unspecified, probably knowing a search will be made for him and not wishing to endanger others – and to be free to continue the work the Lord has for him.
V18-19: When Peter’s disappearance from prison is discovered, Herod does indeed instigate a search, which does not find him. So in characteristic brutality, he has the hapless guards put to death. Then we are told he goes to Caesarea for some time. Why this seemingly incidental detail? Presumably to lead in to the next verses.