Mexico Missouri message., 1916-04-27
LESSON FOR APRIL 30
PETER DELIVERED FROM PRISON.
LrssoN TEXr-Acts 12:1-l9.


petition. Pressed further as to their
particular request, they petitioned for
the seats OF authority on the right
ard left hand of Jesus in glory. In
reply Jesus said that such a petition
was not proper one nor Intelligent
ly asked, but according to their in
tropid assertions Of willingness they
should be baptized with his baptism
OF death MARK 10:35-45), and that
the greatest of his followers should
bo servant of all" Today's lesson is
a fulfllment Of that prophecy.
I. Potter In Prison, the Church Pray
ina Tvs. 1-6). Prosecutions had been
resumed (O:31) after e temporary lull.
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 to
pollute the feast of the Jewish Holy
week. Peters position was perilous.
Sixteen soldiers guarded him in Ro-
man dungeon. But his enemies had
left God out Of their calculations and
tho believers had linked themselves
through prayer with the source of all
power. Against such a force Hcrod's
cunning plan, whereby he might curry
favor with the Jews ". 81, is power
less. But 1t is now almost the hour
for Peters execution. Why the de-
lay? The greater to demonstrate
the power of God. Herod and the Jews
cared not for, nor recognized, Easter,
but God cared for his servant and hon.
ored the prayers of his saints. Peters
faith iii the plans and purposes OF
God is Indicated by his slumber and
the need of being fully awakened by
the angel. There are four things about
that vigil OF prayer ". 81 offered by
the church on Peters behalf, which
was so wondrously answered. 'Q It
was directed unto Coo Some pray
ers are offered to audiences or tho
ears OF man, but not such as ara an
swered. We have heard prayers, So
called, offered where the name OF
Jesus is never mentioned, and scarce
ly the name of God. Literally ". 81
this was "stretch-out-ed-ly" prayer,
circumvent this vile grandson of
Herod the Great, (2) 1t was made
without ceasing" C'earnestly' r. W.
There was q sincerity and an intensity
of desire on Peters behalf which Ian
guage can scarcely express (Sec also
Rom. $3.50. The same word is used
of our Lords prayer in the garden
when Ills sweat was as great drops
of blood falling down to the ground"
duke 22:44, Rom. 1870, Col 4:12,
13, X. W There is little such prayer
to be found, but once found it is an
swercd.
u. Prayer Answered, Peter at Liberty
Tvs. I'LL. The messenger of God
". y brought light, yet the servant
Of God l:ee5ed awakening, a sugges-
tion 10 apply to our modern church
life. yIis method of awaking Peter
Suggests that it often takes sharp
blows tn arouse US to our duties and
priTiicgeU. Tho sinner has to be
awakened before he can be delivered.
DelWeraucc is more needed than
sleep.
III. Joy and Amazement Tvs. 12-17).
Peter, finding himself untrammeled
and free upon tho streets of the city,
and no longer angel-accompanied, at
once repaired to his friends. Do we
seek the prayer meetings? 1t 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 lisa. 65:24), but such
a prompt and complete deliverance
was not expected, and 1t amazed and
bewildered them. Rhoda seemed to
be expecting Peter, for as soon as she
answered Peters rap at the door she
recognized his voice ". 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 a maid" and her mes
sage was but foolishness (Luke 2i:
IL, which her elders sought to ex-
plain, but poor Peter still outside,
continued knocking" which soon con-
vipcad those within, and upon open
ing thL door they saw him" and were
"astonished."
Calming their fears and admonish-
ing them to hold their peace ". I'D,
Peter turned their thoughts from him.
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
place."
Aerod when he sought to execute
Peter according to his plan Tvs. 8, -
was angered at the turn of events,
vented his wrath upon Peters guards
". 49,, and in seeming disgust and
dudgeon over the escape OF this great
leader. retired to his capital. Caesarea.