The physician Luke 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 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”, and in chapter twelve and verse ten of the book of Acts Luke shared, “when they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leads unto the city” where we read:
When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leads unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.
The verse begins, “When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leads unto the city;” Luke began with the words, “when they were past the first” which means “at the time and moment Peter and the angel had traveled and passed through the principal and chief”, “and second ward” or “and the second guard, watch or sentinel”, “they came unto the iron gate” which means “Peter and the angel arose, appeared and came forth to the leaf or wing of a folding entrance made of iron” “that leads unto the city” or “that drives and carries toward the habitation, abode and dwelling place of Jerusalem”. Luke shared how “Peter” and the “angel” departed from the “prison” and passed by the “first and second” set of guards who were watching the outer part until they reached the “entry gate made of iron” that went into the city.
The verse goes on to say, “which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street;” Luke continued with the words, “which opened to them” which means “that opened up to Peter and the angel” “of his own accord” or “on it's own impulse and without instigation or intervention”: “and they went out” which means “and Peter and the angel left and departed”, “and passed on through one street” or “and proceeded and advanced farther passing by one particular traveled road or passageway in the city”. Luke shared when “Peter and the angel” approached the “iron gate” to the city, it opened and they traveled on a particular passageway in the city.
Finally the verse says, “and forthwith the angel departed from him.” Luke ended this verse by writing, “and forthwith the angel departed” or “and straightaway and immediately the messenger or envoy from God left and went forth” “from him” which means “apart from Peter”. Luke shared how the “angel” left “Peter” as soon as he and “Peter” were on the passageway in the city.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn more about the “Divine escape” of “Peter” from the prison. He and the angel passed by two sets of guards, went to the “iron gate” that lead to the city, and when it opened on it's own accord, they passed through and made it to a passageway in the city. At that time, the “angel” left “Peter”, and he was on his own again. What a marvelous miracle! God saved and delivered “Peter”, and His desire is to “save” every person from the “prison” of sin that holds them captive. When a person puts their faith and trust in God's Son Jesus, He will free them from the bondage of sin, grant them everlasting life and put them on a path of a personal relationship with Him. Those who carefully study this story of “Peter and the angel” will discover God's willingness to fulfill His plan of “salvation”, and those who are wise will surrender their lives to Him.
Next time Luke shares, “when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord has sent his angel”, 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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