In times of crisis, people often search for answers in many places. The early church, however, knew exactly where to turn—they turned to prayer. Acts 12 provides a compelling account of how fervent prayer can lead to Divine intervention, demonstrating that God still works miracles when His people seek Him earnestly.
The passage begins with King Herod’s aggressive persecution of the church. James, the brother of John, had already been executed, and Peter was next in line. Peter was heavily guarded in prison, surrounded by soldiers and bound in chains. His situation seemed hopeless.
Yet, in the face of this impending tragedy, the church did not lose heart. They gathered together and prayed fervently for his deliverance, refusing to accept defeat.
Acts 12:5 tells us, “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” This was no casual prayer—it was a persistent, united cry to God for help. The believers did not waver in their faith; they prayed with expectation, demonstrating their trust in the Lord’s power to intervene.
As the church prayed, God moved. That very night, while Peter slept in his cell, an angel of the Lord appeared. The prison was filled with light, and the chains miraculously fell from Peter’s hands. The angel instructed him to rise, put on his garments and follow. They passed by the first and second guards, and when they reached the iron gate leading into the city, it opened on its own. Peter was free.
At first, Peter thought he was dreaming. But when he found himself in the street alone, he realized that God had truly delivered him. In Acts 12:11, he declared, “Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod.” God had answered the prayers of the church in a way they never could have imagined.
Peter immediately went to the house where believers were gathered in prayer. When he knocked on the door, a servant girl named Rhoda answered. Recognizing Peter’s voice, she was so taken back that she ran back inside without even opening the door! The believers, despite having prayed earnestly for Peter’s release, found it hard to believe that their prayers had been answered so quickly. They even dismissed Rhoda’s claims, suggesting she must have seen Peter’s angel.
This part of the account challenges us to examine our own faith. How often do we pray but struggle to believe that God will actually answer? Jesus instructed in Mark 11:24, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”
Prayer is not just about asking; it’s about believing.
Once Peter was finally let inside, he recounted the miraculous events and gave all glory to God.
He did not boast about his own cleverness or courage— he knew that his deliverance was solely the work of the Lord. Psalm 115:1 echoes this truth: “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory.” When God answers our prayers, we must be quick to give Him the praise He deserves.
This story from Acts 12 serves as a powerful reminder of what happens when God’s people commit to prayer. The church did not rely on human strategies or political influence— they relied on the power of God. Their prayers were fervent, their faith unwavering, and the result was undeniable: Peter was set free.
The challenge for us today is clear. Are we willing to pray with the same fervency and faith?
James 5:16 reminds us, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” God still hears the prayers of His people, and He still works miracles. The early church’s example should inspire us to return to fervent, faith-filled prayer, trusting that when we call upon the Lord, He will answer. Just as He delivered Peter, He is still able to move in our lives today.
