You Bible students are probably already familiar with the miraculous account of Peter’s deliverance from prison, just hours prior to his scheduled execution by wicked King Herod.
Acts 12:1-17 tells the whole Story.
Briefly, here’s the Scriptural Background. Take the time to read (not scan) it please. “Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, THE SAME NIGHT Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.” Acts 12:1-6
Then comes the angel, and the series of miracles: “And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.” Acts 12:7-10
I would deduce God was not “through” with Peter yet! There must have been “work” for him yet to do. to accomplish. For the Glory of God, likely (I suspect) the writing of the two Epistles that bear his name. And maybe even helping in the composition of the Book of Mark! (Read 1 Peter 5:13 sometime, linking Peter and John Mark.)
But where did Peter go that night? That mid-night? He certainly would have been furiously sought by Herod’s soldiers as soon as he was discovered missing!
Acts 12:12 tells us: “Peter came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.” Praying in the wee hours of the night, early morning! What a Church!
Then of course … “Peter knocked at the door of the gate.” And upon finally being recognized: “He declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren.” Acts 12:17
Then it happens! A strange end to our Story and … the next to last time Peter is mentioned in the whole Book of Acts! Here he definitely leaves the “center stage” in Acts! (Previous to this he has been mentioned 55 times! I just counted.)
The Bible just says: “And he (Peter) departed, and went into another place.” (He hereafter only appears briefly in Acts 15, but even then only as an adjunct to the Apostle Paul.) What “other place,” we simply do not know! (Not to Rome to become the Pope, there’s not a shred of Bible evidence for that!)
Here we clearly have a dramatic change of Emphasis in Luke’s Book of Church History!
Peter fades.
Paul begins to dominate.
Another way of saying, the Gospel Mission to the Gentiles (telling of God’s saving Grace) is now fully underway!
Obeying Jesus’ Commission in Mark 16:15 … “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to EVERY CREATURE.” Including those heretofore (despised) Gentile “dogs,” then!
Paul with his Gospel of Grace!
With his “whosoever will” Gospel.
Paul who is now motioned (after this event) 126 more times in the Book of Acts alone!
Acts 1:8 is clearly in force, totally so! “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, AND UNTO THE UTTERMOST PART OF THE EARTH.”
Wow!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
We westerners had better be thankful for Paul and his ministry. He (not Peter) brought the Gospel our way! (Remember that “Macedonian Vision” in Acts 16?)
Hallelujah!
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