Acts 12:12-19 - Prayer Answers

When Peter finally came to himself fully from his puzzling rescue, he made his way to the house of Mary, John Mark's mother. There, many believers were gathered to pray for Peter.

Luke told the story with a touch of irony. Here they were feverishly praying for Peter, while he was there standing outside and knocking at the door of the gate, seeking to be let into the house.

When the servant girl, Rhoda, finally heard the knock of Peter and came to answer it, she recognized the familiar voice of Peter and was overjoyed. But instead of opening the door to let him in, she came hurriedly to the others who were praying, leaving Peter still standing outside.  

Deep in prayer, they probably did not expect Peter to be released so soon. But he was. Rhoda was indeed right and Peter was outside the door and  knocking and seeking to come in. In response they told her she must be out of her mind.

Rhoda must have insisted till they finally told her that what she heard must be Peter's angel. What they meant was the guardian angel of Peter. There was a common belief that believers have guardian angels that could assume the form of a person to look after that person.

Finally a member of the praying band came to open the door, they were amazed to see Peter. They were amazed that their prayer was answered so swiftly for they did not expect God to answer them so soon. Isn't this common  among believers today too?

When Peter entered the house, he had difficulty quieting them to narrate to them the wonderful thing the Lord had done for him. Finally he told them to let James (probably referring to the brother of the Lord Jesus who was presiding the Jerusalem council) and the brethren know. Then Peter departed for another place.

On  the morning there was a great commotion at the prison among the guards. They were shocked and could not answer how Peter could escape such a closely guarded situation. Agrippa  sent out a search party to look  for Peter who was at large.

When  Agrippa  could not find Peter he had the guards and sentries executed before he departed for Caesarea. This  could probably due to embarrassment.

God still answers prayers. James tells us that if we do not experience answers to prayer, it could well be that we are either not praying or not praying right. This account tells us that God can do anything He wants, but He often do it in answer to our prayers. Nothing is impossible with God. Let's pray trustingly. For without faith it is impossible to please God!