THEMES FROM THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS AND THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLE (a) Narrate Peter's miraculous escape from prison. (b) State three factors that motivate people...

Answer Details

(a) Peter's miraculous escape from prison (Acts 12:1-19)

King Herod (Agrippa) laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword, and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. It was during the days of Unleavened Bread. He put Peter in prison and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

On the very night before Herod was to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the door. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. The angel struck Peter on the side, woke him and said, "Get up quickly." The chains fell off his hands. The angel told him to dress, put on his sandals and cloak, and follow. Peter did so, but thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guard and came to the iron gate leading into the city, which opened to them of its own accord. They went out and along one street, and then the angel left him.

When Peter came to himself, he said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod." He went to the house of Mary the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered praying. A servant girl named Rhoda recognised Peter's voice and, in her joy, ran in without opening the gate, announcing that Peter stood outside. They did not believe her at first, saying it was his angel, but Peter kept knocking, and when they opened they were amazed. He described how the Lord had brought him out and told them to report it to James and the brothers, then departed to another place. In the morning there was no small stir among the soldiers over what had become of Peter, and Herod, after searching for him, ordered the sentries put to death.

(b) Three factors that motivate people to pray

• Trouble, danger or need. People pray when facing difficulties, threats or dangers, seeking God's help and deliverance, as the church prayed for Peter.
• The desire for fellowship with God. Believers pray out of love and devotion, to worship, give thanks and commune with God.
• Faith and the assurance of answered prayer. The belief that God hears and answers prayer, together with past experiences of His faithfulness, encourages people to keep praying.