The Spectator., 1916-04-28
INTERNATIONAL, SUNlASQ1O0L
 LESSON CBy E. O. SELLERS, Acting Director oi Sunday School Course of the Moody Bible Institute, Chicago) Copyright. 1916. Western Newspaper unioh.)
LESSON FOR APRIL 30
PETER DELIVERED FROM PRISON
LESSON TEXT-Acts 12:1-1s.

LESSON TEXT-Acts 12:1-1s.
 GOLDEN TEXT-The angel of Jehovah encampeth round about them that fear him. and delivereth them.-Psalms 347
 One day the sons of Zebedee" de- sired Jesus to grant carte blanche petition. Pressed further as to their particular request, they petitioned for the seats of authority on the right and left hand of Jesus in glory. In reply Jesus said that such petition was not a proper one nor intelligent Iy asked, but according to their in. trepid assertions of willingness they should be baptized with his baptism of death (Mark 10:35-45), and that the greatest of his followers should be servant of all" Today's lesson is a fulfillment of that prophecy.
 |. Peter in Prison, the Church Pray Ina (vs. 1-6). Prosecutions had been resumed (9:3D after temporary Hull Some people serve Christ by living others by yielding up their lives for his sake James (not the one men toned in chapter 15) was slain and Peters death delayed in order not tc pollute the feast of the Jewish Holy week. Peters position was perilous Sixteen soldiers guarded him in Ro man dungeon. But his enemies hao left God out of their calculations ano the believers had linked themselves through prayer with the source Of al power. Against such a force Herod's cunning plan, whereby he might curry favor with the Jews (v. 3, is power less. But it is now almost the hou for Peters execution. Why the de lay? The greater to demonstrate the power of God. Herod and the Jew cared not for. nor recognized, Easter but God cared for his servant and hon ored the prayers of his saints. Peter'i faith in the plans and purposes O. God is indicated by his slunber and the need of being fully awakened by the angel. There arc four things about that vigil of prayer (v. 5 offered by the church on Peters behalf, whicf was so wondronsly answered. CD Il was directed unto God" Some pray CTS are offered to audiences or the ears of man, but not such as are an swered. We have heard prayers, so called. offered where the name O Jesus is never mentioned, and scarce ly the name of God. Literally (v. 5 this was "stretch-outed-ly" prayer and its earnestness was such as tt circumvent this vile grandson O. Herod the Great. CD It was made without ceasing" C"earnestly' R. Vo There was a sincerity and an intensity of desire on Peters behalf which Ian guage can scarcely express (See also Rom. S:26). The same word is usec of our Lords prayer in the garder when His sweat was as great drops of blood falling down to the ground (Luke 22:44. Rom. 15:30, Col. 4:12 13, k. VD There is little sl ch prayer to be found, but once found it is an swered.
 II. Prayer Answered, Peter at Iibert, (vs. 7-1D. The messenger of Goo (v. ? brought light, yet the servant of God needed awakening, a sugges tion to apply to our modern church life. His method of awaking Peter suggests that it often takes sharI blows to arouse us to our duties and privileges. The sinner has to be awakened before he can be delivered Deliverance is more needed thar sleep.
 III. Joy and Amusement tvs. 12-1O Peter, finding himself untrammeled and free upon the streets of the city and no longer angel-accompanied, al once repaired to his friends. Do we seek the prayer meetings? It was startling indeed for the subject of their prayers to knock at the door: perhaps he should have been more consider ate of their feelings. One, Rhoda, readily responded, and it was her per. sistent faith that finally overcame the lack of faith on the part of the others While they were yet speaking God had answered (lsa. 65:24, but such prompt and complete deliverance was not expected. and it amazed and bewildered them. Rhoda seemed to be expecting Peter, for as soon as she answered Peter's rap at the door she recognized hig voice (v. 14. and from sheer joy over the good news she was able to communicate it to those pray ing, but she neglected the important duty of opening the door for Peter She was only maid" and her mes sage was but foolishness (Luke "A: ID, which her elders sought to ex plain, but poor Peter still outside continued knocking" which soon con vinced those within. and upon open ing tn, door they saw him" and were "astonished."
 Calming their fears and admonish ing them to hold their peace (v. ID l Peter turned their thoughts from him l self to Jesus and commanded that James, the leader of the Jerusalem church, and the brethren,' be in formed of his deliverance.
 Meanwhile he went to another l Dlnce"