Freedom: A Summary of Acts 12

Peter, the Rock, was busy about the Father’s business.  The church was being built just as Jesus said!  But that busyness brought Peter to an unwanted place. 

Chained.

Cold.

Frustrated.

Alone.

Wounded.

There he sat.  He was guarded by four squads of soldiers. A brood of 16 men, enough to guard one prisoner and cell door, and even take shifts through the night.  A soldier was chained on either side of him to keep watch of Peter to bar against any escape.  Have you ever felt sandwiched between your problems that you can’t get free? Herod planned to bring Peter before the people of the city after Passover.  But Herod was ignorant of the Lord’s power.

Nightfall approached and the chains were sorely uncomfortable as Peter tried to settle in for another night in prison.  Nestled between his best new pals, he is successful in falling asleep. Do you ever give up and try to sleep away pain, sin, or bondage? It seems easier to ignore reality, close your eyes, and dismiss your symptoms of despair.

But on the eve of Passover, an angel appeared to prepare an escape to freedom, just like it was made for the Israelites.  Acts 12 says a light shone into the cell as the angel appeared.  He stirred Peter to awaken him and instructed him to get his coat and shoes.  Not only was the cell door opened for Peter, but the iron gate to the prison opened on its own accord! There was an undeniable power upon this jailbreak that regards the words of Isaiah 45:2, “I will go before you and level the exalted places, I will break into pieces the doors (gates) of bronze and cut through the bars of iron.”  The pathway to freedom requires partnership with the Lord on our part.  We will be divinely led but the follow-up plan is in our hands.  What will we do with the freedom given to us?

Peter seriously thought he was dreaming and didn’t realize he was free until the angel disappeared! He found himself on one of the city roads and knew exactly where to go.  He proceeded to John Mark’s mother’s house.  She was a woman who had opened the doors of her home as what was a probable house church.  Assembled there, were believers who had been in prayer for Peter since his arrest.  Can you imagine their surprise when a knock at the door interrupts their intercession? When we have been freed, those around us who have prayed for us also receive the benefit of the freedom in our lives! 

From this powerful account in Acts 12, we can draw biblical truths to apply to our own spiritual freedom.

Don’t allow present circumstances to dictate your future.

The intensity of Peter’s situation could have caused him to just give up and lose hope.  A ratio of 16:1 wasn’t favorable on his part.  He certainly must have felt outnumbered, surrounded, and afraid of his eminent future.  I often wonder if Peter was confused or deflated as he was carrying out what Jesus instructed him to do, but it only resulted in trials and imprisonment.  Jesus did tell His disciples that they would have troubles, but to take heart (John 16:33).

Trust God’s plan and don’t sleep on the job!

While in chains, Peter chose to sleep.  In contrast, Paul and Silas’ praise opened their prison doors in Acts 16.  Not that Peter didn’t have faith, but he did have an audience that he could have preached the gospel to. I often wonder why Peter, the one who had many things to say and at the wrong time, didn’t have anything to say at this time!

Perhaps, on the other hand, he was contented enough in the Lord’s care to rest and see what came of the situation.  On either side of the coin, do not miss out on an opportunity to serve the Lord faithfully within undesirable circumstances. 

Remember that prayer changes things.

The intercession that was happening at John Mark’s mother’s home was instrumental in turning the tide of Peter’s fate.  I often wonder if Peter’s heart felt so full to know many were praying for his release. Are you bound in sin? Are you faced with a circumstance that is unrelenting? The prayers of others can bless and move the heart of God.  God hears your heart’s cry as well and desires to see you walk in freedom! Not only was Peter freed from prison, but he quickly got back to the Father’s business, even that very night!  Greater freedom stemmed from his situation as well because Herod was put to death!

Freedom isn't something you have to strive for. Jesus already paid for it!  It was God's will and purpose to free Peter so that ministry could continue, and more people could be saved! Your personal freedom is not just for you! Your testimony and story are to be used for His glory in order to bring others to Christ! Live free!