Philipians (4:6-7)” Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and
supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the
peace that passeth all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus.”
The early church was being persecuted by many rulers ,authorities and groups, one
of persecuter was Saul. Acts 12 records an interesting incident that happened with
Peter, the disciple of Jesus. About that time, Herod was the ruler King. He stretched
out his hand to persecute some from the church. Then he killed James the brother of
John with a sword. The scripture says, the Jews were pleased at this. Now, when
Herod saw that the Jews were pleased at this act, he snatched Peter and put him in
prison. This happened during the Days of Unleavened bread, and the Jews from all
over had gathered in Jerusalem to observe this feast. This, however, was going to be
a good show, put up by Herod with a sizeable number of audience around. The
Passover was just at hand, so Herod intended to bring Peter before the people after
the Passover Feast. Herod’s intention was to please the Jews , and attain their favour
and this could be even at the cost of Peter’s life. Peter and the Church were aware of
this.
Now Peter was delivered to four squad of soldiers to keep him. He was kept in tight
security. Peter was bound with two chains between two soldiers and the guards
before the door were keeping the prison. The night before Peter was to be brought
before the people, Peter was fast asleep. Nevertheless, the Church was praying for
him. The Church was awake praying and interceding for Peter and God was at work.
My emphasis is on Peter , Peter’s life was at stake, may be he was going to be killed
the following morning , but we see Peter sleeping. Peter was just a human like you
and me. Why was he not thinking about his family? He had no fear of death? Why
was he not mourning for his fellow friend and disciple James, who was killed? Why
was he not awake praying? Why was he not overthinking ? Didn’t he have a trail of
thoughts, about memories with Jesus, about their ministry, family ties, about the
new growing church? It seems no such thoughts troubled him , because we read that
Peter was fast asleep, insomuch that the angel struck him and raise him up . (Acts
12:7). Who can sleep so peacefully before a day of disaster?
I am sure it was the peace that Jesus had promised His Disciples in John14:27,” Peace
I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give you. Let not