Topical Bible: Prayer: Answered: The Disciples, for Peter

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In the New Testament, the power of prayer is vividly illustrated in the account of the early church's intercession for the Apostle Peter. This event is recorded in the Book of Acts and serves as a testament to the efficacy of collective prayer and God's intervention in the lives of His faithful servants.

Context and Background

The early Christian church faced significant persecution following the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. Herod Agrippa I, the ruling king of Judea, sought to suppress the burgeoning Christian movement. He had already executed James, the brother of John, and proceeded to arrest Peter, intending to bring him to public trial after the Passover (Acts 12:1-4).

The Church's Response

In response to Peter's imprisonment, the early church engaged in fervent prayer. Acts 12:5 states, "So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was fervently praying to God for him." This verse highlights the earnest and continuous nature of their prayers, reflecting their deep concern for Peter and their reliance on divine intervention.

Divine Intervention

God's response to the prayers of the disciples is a powerful demonstration of His sovereignty and care for His people. On the night before Herod was to bring Peter to trial, an angel of the Lord appeared in the prison. Acts 12:7 describes the miraculous event: "Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. 'Quick, get up!' he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists."

The angel led Peter out of the prison, past the guards, and through the iron gate that opened by itself. Once Peter was safely outside, the angel departed, leaving Peter to realize that he had been delivered by the Lord in response to the prayers of the church (Acts 12:8-11).

The Church's Reaction

Peter's arrival at the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered in prayer, was met with astonishment. Acts 12:12-16 recounts how a servant girl named Rhoda recognized Peter's voice but, in her excitement, failed to open the door. The gathered believers initially doubted her report, suggesting that it was Peter's angel. However, upon opening the door, they were amazed to see Peter himself, a living testament to the power of their prayers.

Significance

This account underscores several key themes in the Christian understanding of prayer. First, it highlights the importance of communal prayer, as the collective intercession of the church played a crucial role in Peter's deliverance. Second, it demonstrates God's responsiveness to the prayers of His people, affirming His active presence and intervention in the world. Lastly, it serves as an encouragement to believers to persist in prayer, trusting in God's ability to work beyond human limitations and expectations.

The account of Peter's miraculous release from prison remains a powerful example of answered prayer, illustrating the dynamic relationship between divine providence and the faithful prayers of the church.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 12:5-17
Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church to God for him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Christ's Prayer Answered.
... CHRIST'S PRAYER ANSWERED. ... "I know that thou hearest me always." The disciples did
not wait ... Christ's prayer found audience and the answer was not long delayed. ...
/.../rees/the heart-cry of jesus/chapter iv christs prayer answered.htm

A Great Fall and a Great Recovery
... Christ's prayer is never vain, and Christ's prayer was answered just because ... in a
vain show of godliness, and fancying themselves to be disciples, when all ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/a great fall and a.htm

Prayer Incidents in the Life of Our Lord (Continued)
... accord, parents are to present them to God in prayer, seeking His ... to pass, as he
was alone praying, his disciples were with ... "And Simon Peter answered and said ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/ix prayer incidents in the.htm

How St Francis and Brother Masseo Placed the Bread they had Begged ...
... true lovers, strict observers, and humble disciples of this ... him if God had revealed
anything to him in prayer. He answered, "No." Then St Francis told him how ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xiii how st francis.htm

First Latin Form.
... Christ, the most blessed Virgin Mary continued always in prayer day and ... And she answered:
Thanks to God. ... These are the names of the disciples of the Lord who ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the passing of mary/first latin form.htm

He was Transfigured
... we ask or think" (Eph.3:20), had in this measure answered His servant's prayer. ... Thee,
and one for Moses, and one for Elias." The disciples are confident ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 46 he was transfigured.htm

Paul a Pattern of Prayer
... was a man of prayer himself, he could speak to his disciples with authority ... is praying
for the Colossians we will learn how this prayer is to be answered. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/paul a pattern of prayer.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 19, "Why could not we Cast ...
... this kind is not cast out but by prayer and fasting ... He who knew what and who they
were answered them, "They ... let us call upon Him as the disciples called, saying ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxx on the words.htm

The First Disciples.
... Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto ... question put by Jesus to the
following disciples, "What seek ye ... To the man of prayer a suitable promise is ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/iv the first disciples.htm

The Second Day in Passion-Week - the Barren Fig-Tree - the ...
... charity, while hope, the expectancy of answered prayer, is the ... prayer, but even of
personal acceptance in prayer. ... Peter and his fellow-disciples, when assured ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the second day.htm