Luke the physician wrote how Peter, “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. And the angel said unto him, Gird yourself, and bind on your sandals. And so he did. And he said unto him, Cast your garment about you, and follow me”, and in chapter twelve and verse nine of the book of Acts Luke shared how Peter, “went out, and followed him” where we read:
And he went out, and followed him;
and he did not know that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
The verse begins, “And he went out, and followed him;” Luke began with the words, “and he went out” which means “and “Peter” left and departed the prison”, “and followed him” or “and joined, sided with and accompanied the angel”. Luke shared how “Peter” accompanied the “angel” and left the prison.
The verse continues, “and he did not know that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.” Luke added the words, “and he did not know” which means “and Peter was unaware and without knowledge” “that it was true” or “that the escape from the prison was valid and truthful” “which was done by the angel” which means “that was performed, made ready and produced by the messenger or envoy from God”; “but thought he saw a vision” or “however, nevertheless, notwithstanding and moreover supposed, judged and determined that he, Peter, observed, noticed and beheld a divinely sighted ecstasy or spectacle”. Luke shared how “Peter” didn't know if what he was experiencing was performed by the “angel” or if he was just having a “divine spectacle” or ecstasy.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Peter” left the “prison” following the “angel”, but he was unaware of whether this was a true event or just a “vision”. We can imagine the wonder of “Peter” because this was an abnormal event, and he knew he was “bound” and under guard. God is able to perform the “supernatural” in natural circumstances, and whenever a person relates to Him through His Son Jesus, He becomes their “Father God” who watches over and keeps them according to His Divine and eternal plan. Those who are wise will carefully study this story of “Peter” and yield themselves to God's Son Jesus who is able to perform miracles in the midst of the deepest concerns and troubles.
Next time Luke shares, “when they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leads unto the city”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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