Acts 12:1-17 tells the story of Peter’s miraculous deliverance by God from his imprisonment by Herod. Herod’s intent was a public trial and, most likely, execution. Peter’s crime was that he was an outspoken follower of Jesus.
The night before his trial Peter was asleep between two guards with additional guards posted at the door. An angel woke Peter and led him beyond the guards to an iron gate that opened by itself. Peter thought it was a vision until he and the angel were a short distance beyond his place of confinement and the angel disappeared. Only then did Peter realize, “The Lord has sent His angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!”
Acts 12:6 says, “while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.” This is what the church is called to do when made aware of fellow Christians who are persecuted for the cause of Christ. In this edition of the newsletter you will read about leaders and disciples being equipped, Bibles being distributed, and brothers and sisters standing strong in the most difficult situations, all despite persecution. It is our great privilege to be a part of God’s strengthening the church through our prayers.
Hebrews 13:3 says, “remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” As we are aware of the needs of our brothers and sisters, may we pray ever more earnestly!
