Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1897-04-20


crush them. the first breach was made in
the apostolic circle. The Herod who killed
James and imprisoned Peter was
grandson of the Herod who slew
the infants at Bethlehem. and nephew
OF the Herod who beheaded the Zap
fist. Love OF popularity and self-seeking
were his ruling passions. Observing
that no divine power was put forth
either to protect James or avenge his
death. and finding that one murder had
won him favor with the Jewish people
no determined 10 perpetrate another
Hence Peters arrest. Herod's plan was
to crafty the people by q public tria!
and public execution of Christ's most dis
tinguished follower. To insure his sate
custody sixteen soldiers were appointed 10
keep watch and ward. But they were 100
Few to withstand the might of heaven
The night before the intended execution
he was chained to two soldiers. While
he calmly slept the church prayed for his
deliverance. Suddenly an angel touched
him, his chains fell off. he was conducted
past the sentries through the iron gate,
and left in the silent street. He soon
made his way to the house of Mary.
Marks mother, and after gaining adnis-
sion, told the story of his deliverance.
The text Of today's lesson follows;
). Peter therefore was kept in prison:
but prayer was made without ceasing OF
when Herod would have brought him
forth, the same night Peter was sleep
ing between two soldiers, bound with two
chains: and the keepers before the door
Kept the prison. Z. And. behold. the an
gel OF the Lord came upon him, and
light shined IN the prison; and he smote
Peter on the side. and raised him up. say
ing, Arise up quickly. And his chains
fell OF from his hands. 8. And the angel
said unto him. Grid thyself and bind on
thy sandals: and SO he did. And he saith
unto him, Cast thy garment about thee.
and follow me. .. 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
We're past the first and the second ward.
they came unto the iron gate that lead
eth 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.
II. And when Peter was come to himself.
he said, Now | know OF Il 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 peo-
pie Of the Jews. p And when he had
considered the thing. he came TO the
house of Mary. the mother of John whose
surname was Mark: where many were
gathered together praying. Is. And as
Peter knocked at the door of the gate. Il
damsel came TO hearken. named Rhoda.
IA. And when she knew Peters voice, she
opened not the gate for gladness. but ran
in, and told how Peter stood before the
gate. Is. And they said unto her. Thou
art mad. But she constantly affirmed
that 1t was even so. Then said they, Ii
is his angel. 16. But Peter continued
Knocking: and when they had opened the
door. and saw him. they were astonished.
II. But he, reckoning unto them with the
hup1 IN hold th,ip declared
them how the Lord had brought him out
of the prison. And ne said, Go show
these things unto James. and TO the breth-
rem. And he departed, and went into an
other place.
The various persons i'm this lesson may
be taken as centers for teaching, and
few words given to each.
I. The prosecuting king. Briefly name
all the Herods of the New Testament his
tory, and show their relationship. Not
withstandng this crime, the Herod here
named (Agrippa l, favorite of the emperor
Caius) was by far the best in the family.
He ruled well, and was religious, after
the Jewish manner. Note four hereditary
traits of these Herods: l, Hatred TO
human life; Willingness to shed blood. 5.
Willingness to win popularity by crime
4. Lack of moral principle. Both Saul and
Herod were prosecutors, but what "a gulf
was between them.
III. The martyred apostle. Recall the
ambitious desire of James to stand beside
the throne of Jesus in his Kingdom. Mark
10, 1910. His ambition was gratified, for
he was the first in the Soodly Fellowship
OF the apostles TO obtain his crown. Was
not his life truly successful?
III. The sleeping prisoner Draw a WORD
picture OF Peter asleep while waiting his
execution. His spirit showed: l. A
mind conscious OF righteousness .. An
absolute trust IN Christ. Compare Paul in
prison Phil. /. Il, l3; 4. IL: 2 Tim. T. SIS
Who would not rather be Paul than Nero.
Peter than Herod?
~. The ministering angel We know
little concerning angels; but in this event
may be read a commentary on Heb l. a.
God has many messengers and servants
for the protection of his people. Happy
Is he whom Gods invisible armies sur
round.
V. The Christian home. Notice whittier
Peter turned his steps when set free: the.
direction shows his afiinities and reveals
character. L. was toward u Christian
home. At it's head was a devoted woman.
her son was receiving training for mission
work and for writing the pictorial sec
ond gospel; her brother was the large
hearted, generous Barnabas; her visitors
were praying people. What blessing is
such a home as this. Every home may be
like IL, X the heads OF the house will seek
such likeness.