Biblical Context:
The rescue of Peter is a significant event recorded in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts. This miraculous event underscores the power of prayer, divine intervention, and the sovereignty of God over human affairs. It takes place during a time of intense persecution of the early Christian church.

Scriptural Account:
The account of Peter's rescue is found in Acts 12:1-19. King Herod Agrippa I, seeking to gain favor with the Jewish populace, began persecuting members of the early church. He had James, the brother of John, executed and subsequently arrested Peter, intending to bring him to public trial after the Passover. Peter was kept in prison, guarded by four squads of soldiers.

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 prayers of the early Christians, which played a crucial role in the unfolding of the miraculous events.

Divine Intervention:
On the night before Herod was to bring Peter to trial, an angel of the Lord appeared in the prison cell. Acts 12:7 describes the scene: "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 instructed Peter to dress and follow him. Peter, initially thinking he was seeing a vision, followed the angel past the guards and through the iron gate leading to the city, which opened by itself. Once they were safely outside, the angel departed, and Peter realized that he had been miraculously rescued.

Response of the Church:
Peter went to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many believers had gathered to pray. His arrival was met with astonishment and joy. Acts 12:16 recounts, "But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astounded."

Theological Significance:
The rescue of Peter serves as a powerful testament to the efficacy of prayer and the faithfulness of God. It illustrates that, despite human opposition and seemingly insurmountable circumstances, God's purposes cannot be thwarted. The event also emphasizes the role of angels as ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14).

Historical and Cultural Insights:
Herod Agrippa I was a ruler known for his political acumen and desire to maintain favor with the Jewish authorities. His actions against the early church were part of a broader attempt to consolidate power and appease influential Jewish leaders. The miraculous nature of Peter's escape would have served as a profound witness to both believers and skeptics of the divine power at work within the early Christian community.

Lessons for Believers:
The rescue of Peter encourages believers to remain steadfast in prayer, trusting in God's timing and methods. It reassures Christians that God is intimately involved in the lives of His people and that He can deliver them from even the most dire situations. This account also serves as a reminder of the importance of community and collective prayer in the life of the church.