Page 59 - acts_study_book2

This extreme persecution arises as a result of the legalism in Jerusalem. James’ death could
have been prevented through the prayers of the saints. However, because of James’s death,
when Peter is thrown in prison, the church immediately begins to intercede for him.

PETER IS SEIZED

Act 12:3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also.
(Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

Peter is held in prison temporarily with the plan to later execute him only because the Jews had
a law that no one could be executed during a feast day.

Act 12:4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four
quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four

quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter (Passover) to bring him forth to the
people.

A “quaternion” is the smallest division in the Roman army consisting of four soldiers. There is
one quaternion for each watch of the day (six hours). Two soldiers are chained to Peter, one on
each arm. The other two soldiers watch the door. Herod’s intention is to leave Peter in prison
until the Passover week is completed and then to publicly execute him.

PETER MIRACULOUSLY FREED (5-17)

As the church in Antioch prays without ceasing for Peter, an angel appears and the chains that
bind Peter fall from his wrists. The angel instructs Peter to follow him, which he does. Peter
eventually finds himself in the street outside the gates of the prison. He immediately goes to
the house of Mary where the believers are praying.

CHURCH PRAYS WITHOUT CEASING

Act 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the
church unto God for him.

The prayer made “without ceasing” is intercessory prayer. This prayer could have lasted as long
as one week during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This verse also tells us the church is not a
building but a people. Buildings do not pray. People pray.

Act 12:6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping
between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.