Page 60 - acts_study_book2

Peter has been in jail for many days and was sleeping the night before his execution. This is the
gift of faith in operation (1 Corinthians 12:9). The same gift was in operation when Daniel was
in the lions den and when Paul was on board a ship destined to be shipwrecked (Acts 27).

The gift of faith can operate in one of two ways. A person can become bold under this gift as
Samson did or as David did before Goliath. Other times, this gift causes a person to become

peaceful during a time of tribulation, like Jesus sleeping through the storm.

AN ANGEL APPEARS

Act 12:7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison:
and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell
off from his hands.

The angel of the Lord described in this verse is not a visitation from the angel of the Lord (Jesus)
in the Old Testament. This particular angel comes to rescue Peter. The light that shines in the

prison is the glory surrounding the angel. Peter is consistent. He slept while Jesus prayed in
Gethsemane (Matthew 26: 39-41), and now he is sleeping while the church is praying for him.

Peter has improved the cause for his sleep. Unlike the time in the garden of Gethsemane when
he was supposed to be watching and praying for Jesus, he now is sleeping because he has God’s
peace and the gift of faith operates in his life. In fact, Peter is in such a deep sleep, the angel
has to hit him on the side to wake him up.

Act 12:8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And
he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

What Peter could do, the angel commands him to do. But what Peter could not do, the angel
does for him. The angel does not dress Peter or put his shoes on him. The angel did not carry
Peter out of the prison. Peter could do that himself. However, Peter could not free himself.
The chains fell off his wrists by supernatural power.

PETER FOLLOWS THE ANGEL

Act 12:9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by
the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

Peter is still not quite awake and thinks he is having another housetop vision.

Act 12:10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate
that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and
passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.