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King Herod Agrippa I began persecuting the church, killing James, the brother of John, and imprisoning Peter during the Feast of Unleavened Bread (vv. 1–5). While Peter was kept under heavy guard, the church prayed earnestly for him. The night before his trial, an angel of the Lord woke Peter, released his chains, and led him past guards and through the iron gate to freedom (vv. 6–11). He went to Mary’s house, where believers were praying. At first, they didn’t believe the servant girl Rhoda who announced Peter’s arrival, but when they saw him, they rejoiced (vv. 12–17). Peter told them how the Lord had rescued him and went to another place.
Herod later faced judgment. After accepting worship as a god from the people of Tyre and Sidon, an angel struck him down because he did not give glory to God, and he died (vv. 20–23). Yet the word of God continued to spread and multiply (v. 24). When Barnabas and Saul finished delivering famine relief to Jerusalem, they returned to Antioch with John Mark (v. 25).
🌀 Reflection:
God’s ways are higher than ours. James was executed, but Peter was delivered; both were within God’s sovereign plan. Sometimes He rescues, sometimes He refines—but always for His glory and our good (Isa. 55:8–9; Rom. 8:28). Prayer remains powerful even when our faith feels small. God answers in His timing and His way.
💬 Mission Challenge:
Pray for someone facing hardship this week. Then reach out—call, visit, or write—to remind them that God sees, cares, and can deliver. Let your prayer become action, as faith works through love (Gal. 5:6).
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Just Keith Harris 
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