THE ANSWERED PRAYER

Peter at once made his way to the house where the believers were praying. Peter found them in earnest prayer for him. "Peter knocked at the outside door, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer it. She recognized Peter's voice and was so happy that she ran back in without opening the door and announced that Peter was standing outside. 'You are crazy!' they told her. But she insisted that it was true. So they answered, 'It is his angel.'SRme 1.1358

"Meanwhile Peter kept on knocking. At last they opened the door, and when they saw him, they were amazed. He motioned with his hand for them to be quiet, and he explained to them how the Lord had brought him out of prison. 'Tell this to James and the rest of the believers,' he said; then he left and went somewhere else" (Acts 12:13-17, TEV).SRme 1.1359

God had heard and answered the prayers of the believers. God had delivered Peter. Joy and praise filled the hearts of the fasting, praying believers.SRme 1.1360

In the morning a large crowd of people gathered hoping to watch Peter be killed. Herod sent soldiers to the prison for Peter. The king planned for Peter to be brought with a great showing of swords, spears, and soldiers. Herod wanted to be sure that Peter did not escape. Herod also wanted to show his own great power. Herod wanted to frighten anyone who sympathized with Peter.SRme 1.1361

The soldiers went to the prison to get Peter. The guards were still at the door of the prison. The bolts and bars of the door were still strongly locked. Inside the cell the chains were still on the wrists of the two guards. But the prisoner was gone.SRme 1.1362