Acts 12

Quick! Name three of Jesus' 12 disciples. Most of you probably said "Peter, James and John" (and a few of you just added 'in a sailboat'). What ever happened to that Inner Circle? We read in Acts 12 that James was killed by Herod; and after seeing a favorable reaction from the people, he went a step further and threw Peter into prison to be executed at a later date. But God was not finished with Peter, so He sent an angel to release Peter from prison under the noses of the very guards set to prevent his escape. Peter travels to the house of a believer, where many have gathered to pray for his release. Imagine the joy they share at being reunited! Imagine the embarassment of the guards, the fury of Herod. You don't have to imagine it; we are told Herod ordered the guards put to death for negligence. Very shortly, Herod himself fell victim to divine punishment; he died while the word of God continued to spread to many.