Verses 1-4
-
Although Peter was freed from prison (in this chapter), James was not; he was martyred.
-
Sometimes believers are freed and sometimes they are not. No matter what happens, remember that God is in control of your life and your death (James 4:5).
-
If you are persecuted and your life is endangered, do what you can to escape, but if you cannot, trust God's will (Matthew 10:23).
-
-
Verses 5-19
-
Verse 5. Prayer is powerful! God used the prayers of these believers and sent an angel to free Peter from prison.
-
When you are concerned for a fellow believer, pray for them!
-
See prayer as a tool of God's power to accomplish things you never could in your own power.
-
-
-
Verses 7-10. Remember that angels can accomplish physical works, but make them invisible or undetectable to anyone.
-
Verse 12. It is good for believers to gather for prayer. When you are gathered with believers, take time to pray together.
-
Verse 15-16. It's interesting that the believers were surprised and didn't believe it when their prayer to see Peter freed from prison was actually answered!
-
This proves that sometimes prayers are answered even when we do not have great faith. This is God's grace at work.
-
So even if your faith isn't great when you're praying, remember that prayer is still useful.
-
-
Verses 20-25
-
God can choose to personally end someone's life, and He does so in rare cases.
-
In this case, Herod showed great pride, and he accepted worship that should have been for God.
-
Practically, do not receive praise from people that should be directed to God.
-
-
-
Verse 25. It is good to have goals in life. Strive to accomplish your goals, like Paul and Barnabas accomplished theirs!