Peter Freed from Prison by an Angel

Illustration of Peter Freed from Prison by an Angel
Chained between soldiers and awaiting execution, Peter was woken by an angel - his chains fell, the iron gate opened by itself, and he walked free.

Imprisoned by Herod and bound with chains between two soldiers, awaiting execution, Peter was sleeping when an angel of the Lord appeared, his chains fell off, and he was led past the guards and through the iron gate that opened of its own accord. Peter thought he was seeing a vision until he found himself alone on the street, then went to the house where believers were praying for him - and Rhoda was so overjoyed she left him knocking at the gate. The deliverance was a direct answer to the church's earnest prayer and a dramatic demonstration of God's power over earthly authorities.

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Details

Category
Deliverance
Testament
New Testament
Performed by
Angel of the Lord

Key Chapters

Acts 12 Peter's Miraculous Escape 4 min read

Key Passages

Peter's Chains Fall Off

Acts 12:5-11

P5eter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

6 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. 7 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. 8 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. 9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. 10 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. 11 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.

Explore Related

Characters

Peter Peter, originally a fisherman named Simon, was called by Jesus along the Sea of Galilee to become one ofโ€ฆ The Angel of the Lord The Angel of the Lord appears repeatedly in the Old Testament as a divine messenger who speaks and actsโ€ฆ Rhoda In the household of Mary the mother of John whose surname was Mark, Rhoda the servant girl attended to theโ€ฆ

Places

Jerusalem Jerusalem stands as the ancient capital of Israel and holds profound religious importance as a holy cityโ€ฆ

Themes

Redemption To redeem means to buy back. From Boaz purchasing Ruth's inheritance to Christ purchasing his people withโ€ฆ Faith Without faith it is impossible to please God. From Abraham leaving everything for an unknown land to aโ€ฆ Sovereignty of God The Lord reigns. From Joseph's slavery to Daniel's lions' den, Scripture reveals a God who works all thingsโ€ฆ

Did You Know?

1

Peter was chained between two soldiers and guarded by four squads.

2

An angel woke him, his chains fell off, and the iron gate opened by itself.

3

The praying church could not believe it when he knocked at the door.

4

Rhoda was so overjoyed she left him standing outside the gate.