YOUTH STS LESSON 203 PETER DELIVERED FROM PRISON
YOUTH STS LESSON 203 PETER DELIVERED FROM PRISON
TEXT: Acts 12:1–25
MEMORY VERSE:
“And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews” (Acts 12:11).
The Acts of the Apostles contain several challenges faced by the disciples. The believers at that time faced serious persecutions. Some were beaten, imprisoned and killed. In spite of the onslaught of the devil against the church, the disciples remained undaunted and resolute in their decisions not only to follow the Lord but to also bear reproach for His name. Today’s lesson is a continuation of one of such wicked move against the church and the ministers of God by godless personalities. We are going to look into the martyrdom of James, Peter’s arrest, imprisonment and deliverance and the death of Herod.
THE MARTYRDOM OF JAMES: THE LORD’S DISCIPLE
Bible References: Acts 12:1,3; Matthew 20:20–23; Isaiah 53:7–10; Romans 8:35,39
“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” (Acts 12:1,2).
James the son of Zebedee, one of the Apostles of Christ was killed by Herod. The situation surrounding his arrest was not given but his death was recorded. His death was a fulfilment of prophecy which came directly from Christ (Matthew 20:20–23).
Question 1:What was the reaction of the early church to the maltreatment and martyrdom of some of the members?
“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matthew 5:11,12).
Peter was arrested, imprisoned and beaten. Many faced diverse persecutions like Stephen who was slain. The apostles and other members of the church found it joyful to suffer for Christ and they bore all for God (Acts 5:41). They knew it was also the path to a rewardable and glorious end. Notwithstanding, the disciples did not relent in preaching and confessing Jesus for which cause they had suffered many things. Their love for their Master Jesus did not diminish as they refused to allow anything to separate them from the love of God in Christ Jesus. They knew it to be a joyful thing to be reckoned with Christ in His death. Not everybody can drink and be baptized with the baptism that Christ was baptized with. The best way for a preacher of the gospel to die is to die serving God.
THE MIRACLE OF PETER’S DELIVERANCE
Bible References: Acts 12:3–19; Luke 11:48–51; Matthew 16:18; 16:18; Psalm 91:11; 2 Timothy 4:18
“And because he (Herod) saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also” (Acts 12:3).
Herod had just killed James the brother of John and when he saw that no one reacted, he proceeded to lay his hands on Peter. Apostle Peter was arrested and imprisoned, with Herod planning to kill him also. He secured the prison “and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people” (Acts 12:4).
Though men may have their evil plans against a child of God, but “the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations…” (2 Peter 2:9). In this case, the church prayed “without ceasing” (Acts 12:5) to God for Peter and the Lord delivered him.
Question 2:
What can the youths learn from the manner with which the church prayed for Peter’s release?
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).
It is good we search the Scriptures to know what has been ordained of God so that we will not take certain occurences in our life as God’s will, lest Satan take undue advantage over us.
Question 3:
What is the result of the prayer of the church on behalf of Peter?
“Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him” (Acts 12:5).
Christian youths have lessons to learn from this. When we encounter a problem, God’s expectation is that we pray. We should pray in faith without doubting. We are not supposed to complain or compromise. We should go to God who will make all things to work together for good to them that love Him. Youths should also be willing to attend vigil whenever they are organised in the districts.
In addition, church realised that Peter’s case was a life-threatening one and needed urgent attention. They resolved to pray ceaselessly till they receive answer to prayer. God waited till the last night when Peter would have been killed the next day. When we pray, it may seem we are being denied. However, God is never late. He acts just in time. If you are going through a challenge presently and have prayed, wait for God’s intervention.
Question 4: How did Peter’s release happen?
Peter’s release was a supernatural act of God. He sent down His angel, to release Peter from prison in the midst of four quaternions of soldiers. A quaternion is a group of four soldiers.
“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” (Acts 12:7,8).
What a supernatural power! The power that woke Peter up and prepared him for an escape at the same time smote the guards with deep slumber! The same power is available for all Christian youths today.
“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways” (Psalm 91:11).
When God wants to act, no man, authority or power can stop Him from executing His divine counsels. The chains fell and the gates opened of their own accord, as the power of God overwhelmed the fortified security.
As these were happening, it seemed as a dream to Peter. Of course, the Bible says:
“When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream” (Psalm 126:1).
After Peter passed through the second gate and the angel departed, he came to himself. Immediately, he decided to go back to the church which was a divine directive. The church had been praying for him and the time for the testimony to their prayer had come. Peter relayed what happened and the church was glad (Acts 12:17).
It is always good to be wise. Peter, knowing that it was not God’s will for him to die at that time, had to escape into another place. Our Lord Jesus Christ did the same thing after John the Baptist was beheaded; He went into the desert.
“And when Herod had beheaded John…” (Matthew 14:10–13).
He did so because He knew that His time to die for the sin of the world was not yet. For some of the brethren facing life-threatening persecution, anytime God makes a way of escape, they should not fail to use it.
“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16).
THE MANIFESTATION OF PRIDE AND HEROD’S DEATH
Bible References: Acts 12:18–25; James 4:6,10; Daniel 4:37; Proverbs 3:34; 1 Peter 5:5,6
“Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judea to Caesarea, and there abode” (Acts 12:18,19).
God does not only know how to turn the counsels of the wicked to naught but knows how to confound and confuse them. The soldiers were amazed with what had happened. With their experience and vigilance, with the chain and the two gates, they could not tell what happened to Peter.
Herod examined the keepers who did not have enough evidence to prove their innocence on what had happened. He, therefore, commanded they should be put to death. It is dangerous to agree with the wicked to fight against God, His ministers and faithful children.
“And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks” (Acts 9:4,5).
The Bible says:
“Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered” (Proverbs 11:21).
To partake in other men’s sin attracts the judgment of God. When God wants to execute His fierce anger against sin, He judges all the people involved in furtherance of the evil.
The day came when Herod, who had been displeased with the people of Tyre and Sidon who were in his jurisdiction,
“came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country” (Acts 12:20).
On this occasion, proud Herod came to address the people and spoke distinctly. Those in attendance were pleased with his oratory.
“And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man” (Acts 12:22).
He was ascribed the honour due to God by the people and did not reject it.
“And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost” (Acts 12:23).
Question 7: What did the judgment on Herod reveal about God’s nature?
Youths should ensure to ascribe glory to God for their achievements and successes. Humility is a virtue to be embraced by all Christian youths. God is a jealous God who will not share His glory with anyone. He is a God of judgment who will always visit the iniquity on the disobedient. He hates pride and will always abase the proud in heart.
Sinning youths should hasten to repent and turn from their sins. God’s judgment will soon be revealed.
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).
Tomorrow might be too late. Herod did not know that he had just few minutes to live. People hardly ever know when death will come knocking. Jesus is coming soon, so repent and remain rapturable for the coming of Christ.
