Peter Sleeping - Acts 12:6

The physician Luke wrote how Peter, “was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him”, and in chapter twelve and verse six of the book of Acts Luke shared how “Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains” where we read:

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.

The verse begins, “And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains:” Luke began with the words, “and when Herod” which means “and at the time Herod whose name means heroic and was the name of a royal family that flourished among the Jews in the times of Christ and the Apostles” “would have brought him forth” or “desired to lead and bring forth Peter in front of the Jewish people”, “the same night” which means “the selfsame time when works ceases, and the weary and drunken give themselves to slumber” “Peter was sleeping between two soldiers” or “Jesus' disciple Peter whose name means a little rock or stone was still, calm, quiet and asleep next to or in the middle of two common champions in the Roman army”, “bound with two chains” which means “fastened and tied with two fetters, manacles or bonds”. Luke shared how “Herod” decided to make a display of “Peter” before the Jewish people, and “Peter” was “sleeping” between “two Roman soldiers” as he was bound by “two binding chains”.

The verse goes on to say, “and the keepers before the door kept the prison.” Luke continued with the words, “and the keepers before the door” which means “and the guards or watchmen in front of the vestibule, opening, entrance or passageway” “kept the prison” or “guarded and watched over the place where captives are watched”. Luke shared how there were “guards” who were responsible to watch over the entryway into the “prison” where “Peter” was being held.

When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Herod” intended to present “Peter” before the Jewish people in a manner similar to the way he did “James”, and during the time he was waiting, “Peter” was bound in “chains” and “sleeping” between “two soldiers” in the “prison”. It is interesting to note “Peter's” posture in what may have been the last night of his life. He was “sleeping” even while there were two guards beside him and more guards outside the entryway to the “prison” where he was being held. God loves people, and He knows how to care for them “eternally”. His desire is to have a loving, personal relationship with them through His Son Jesus, and when they submit to Him, He will forgive their sins and grant them everlasting life. “Peter” knew this, and whether he lived or died he would be with Jesus. Let all who read these words carefully examine “Peter's” situation, and learn to lean upon the Lord Jesus regardless of the circumstances they encounter. In other words, just “rest”.

Next time Luke shares how, “the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison”, 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".