Bible Reading: Acts 12: 6-7, 9, 10, 11, 16, 18, 19

On the very night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter, secured by double chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while outside the door guards kept watch on the prison.

Suddenly the angel of the Lord stood by him and a light shone in the cell. he tapped Peter on the side and awakened him, saying, "Get up quickly." The chains fell from his wrists.... so he followed him out...They emerged and made their way down an alley, and suddenly the angel left him....Peter.....said "Now I know for certain that [the] Lord sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people had been expecting"...

...But Peter continued to knock, and when they opened it, they saw him and were astounded... and [Peter] said, "Report this to James and the brothers." Then he left and went to another place. At daybreak there was no small commotion among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. Herod...ordered the guards tried and executed.

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I include this reading because I never tire of reading it or recalling it, just like it was yesterday, hmm?

In my house in Connecticut I had one of my favorite art works depicting the angel appearing to Peter to free him from prison. Raphael or Rembrandt?

Notice also that as Peter realizes that he's not dreaming and that the angel had actually freed him, he glorifies God not only on his behalf but for all the people. Peter fully realized that his escape is essential for not only himself but for the future of the entire Church. This is why he immediately glorified God not only for his escape but for God rescuing "from all that the Jewish people had been expecting." Again this is an example of the clarity with which Peter comprehended his unique role and significance in accordance with the instructions of Jesus.

Peter then goes to the house of one group of followers, where many are in prayer, and sends someone to report to "James and the brothers," while he goes to yet another place. Peter is the head of the Christians, of the Church, and is directing them accordingly. Further, think about what would have happened if Peter had been killed by Herod. Christianity may well have withered and perished. But we need not worry because God preserved Peter at all times until his martyrdom in old age, after the Church was well established. This is crucial to your understanding Peter and the Church, this escape from prison. It is God's continuing commitment per what Jesus told Peter that upon him the Church will be built. Thus the angel of the Lord brings Peter out of danger amongst the tightest of guarding (and the guards were totally baffled by his escape, and Herod took their lives in punishment). Peter was not just some Apostle running around; he was the focal point of the foundation of the continuing Church of Jesus Christ from the very beginning.