Simon Peter in Prison
Acts 12:1-17
Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. v.7
The earliest believers found prison, torture, death to be constant threats as they went about their ministry. They upset the powers that be with their insistence on God’s divine intervention in the world in Jesus. They denied the divinity of the secular rulers who tried to make a religion out of their authority.
King Herod arrested Peter and James. He killed James to gain popularity with the religious leaders and put Peter in prison in preparation to behead him also. But God visited that prison the night before the execution. Peter is miraculously freed from his prison by God’s angel.
As we make our visits with prisoners, we can’t promise that we can offer to open the prison gates. We can, however, offer a spiritual freedom. We can offer forgiveness for past deeds. We can offer fellowship and friendship even though that prisoner has done wrong. We can offer a sense of community that goes beyond the walls that define their world.
Peter had resigned himself to his fate. As the angel leads him out of prison, Peter wonders if he isn’t dreaming. His release is impossible. Yet, he’s not dreaming. God is with him. God rescues him. God restores him to that beloved community to which he belongs.
Of course, the powers that be aren’t happy with Peter’s escape. Someone must take the blame. Peter’s guard are found wanting and are put to death.
From the shadow of the cross, Peter is led into the light of the Resurrection. He continues in that light to live and serve the one who dwells in him. The writer of Acts goes on to say, “But the word of God continued to advance and gain adherents.” (Acts 12:24)
Prayer: O God the author of freedom, be with those who serve us as jailers and prison guards. Keep them safe even as they strive for our safety and the safety of those in their custody. Keep them from cynicism and despair as they work among troubled people. Amen.
Fast: From self-righteousness
Act: Volunteer for a Circle of Support group
OR set aside $1 for an ELCA World Hunger justice project
...the least of these... 