Angels Bringing Deliverance

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) 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. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. 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. 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. (Acts 12:1-7)

At the beginning of Acts 12, we read that Herod, the king, had already executed James, the brother of John, and now had Peter in custody. The church didn’t respond by crying, wailing, and worrying. It responded by uniting in fervent prayer for Peter.

What was Peter doing in prison? He was sound asleep. He learned how to trust at this level from Jesus, who slept on the boat in a life-threatening storm. We should all learn to sleep in the storm because if the enemy can’t take our peace, then he can’t take our protection.

Peter was so soundly asleep that when God sent an angel, the angel had to poke Peter to get up. Then, the angel gave him practical steps. Put your clothes on, get up, let’s go.

Peter wasn’t sure if this was really happening to him or if it was a vision. Regardless, Peter followed the angel’s directions. Every door in the jail that was locked suddenly flew open as Peter approached it. When Peter knocked on the door of the house where the church was praying, they thought it was his angel. That tells us the early church must have had frequent angelic encounters, and that’s how it should be for all believers.

Practical Application

There is no earthly obstacle or problem that the angels God has assigned to your life cannot thwart. When the world comes against you, God still has a plan for you. He has assigned angels to offer protection, provision, and power to help you. Don’t give up, don’t speak against God’s Word, and voice your victory as you walk by faith.

Acts 5:19; 1 Kings 19:7