St. PETER'S PRISON STORY

St. Peter behind the bars story  

The Passage: Acts 12:1-23

Structure:

a. 12:1-2, Death of Jacob, brother of John, by an order of Herod (by sword)

  b. 12:3-5, group of soldiers

    c. 12:6-10, Lord’s angel

      d. 12:11, Peter is released   

    c’. 12:12-17, His angel

  b’. 12:18-19, group of soldiers

a’. 12:20-23, Death of Herod (by worms)

Historical and geographical context:

St. Peter is guarded by 4 squads of soldiers. Now a squad is four soldiers – “for each of the four night watches” [GEL, Bauers, p. 813] (6-9 pm, 9-midnight, 12-3am, 3-6am). At any given time, there should be 4 guys awake to keep an eye on the apostle. Also, Herod ordered him to be chained to two soldiers and place two other one by the door to his cell. Does it sound like an overreaction to you? Note Peter’s conduct – first paragraph in “theology”.

Mark is identified by the church fathers as the author of the Second Gospel, interpreter of Peter in Rome, and the founder of the church in Alexandria (Bruce, Acts, p. 251, n.11 & 12).  

Gathering at the Feast of Unleavened Bread was a part of the celebration of Passover (v. 4). Therefore, neither a big gathering for a prayer (v. 12) nor a deliverance by an angel (vv. 7-11) should not be a surprise to a reader.   

Rhoda means “Rose”, which places her in a line of many other women with notable names. Dorcas – gazelle, Euodia – sweet aroma, Syntyche – good fortune [Lenski, Acts, p. 478].   

Usage of scapegoat behavioral patterns. Herod uses the sentries as a scape goat for stress relieve. Comparing Gen. 4 and Acts 12 we can see a pattern when a person dissatisfied with the surrounding circumstances kills the participant but not the cause. Killing can be done literally or overwise. Term scapegoat comes from Lev. 16.  

Herod, apparently, could not maintain a good relationship with the neighbors. Tyre and Sidon had to negotiate for a food supply. This is by itself is a historical twist – Hiram of Tyre used to supply Israel (under David and Solomon) with cedar trees – to build the palace for the king and the palace for the LORD. Grain was given in exchange. Now, when the king distance himself from the true faith and religion, he acts cruel to the neighboring countries who depend on his provision.      

Theology:

Persecution of the church. First, it is getting “boring” for Peter, he simply sleeps between two soldiers. Second, the picture of Peter between two soldiers resembles a picture of Jesus between two thieves during crucifixion or a body of Jesus in the tomb guarded by the soldiers (Lk. 23:32-33; Mt. 27:62-66).     

Angelic appearances – Peter thought he had a vision. This would not be the first time – remember chapter 10, his vision prior his mission to Cornelius. Angels are capable of assuming a human form and perform a limited number of “human actions” (cp. Gen 18-19 – angels talking, eating, and defending Lot). There is more on the guardian angels – Gen 48:16; Dan. 3:28; 6:22; Matt. 18:10; Heb. 1:4).     

Other themes:

The incident with Rhoda raises an important question – the Church should learn to trust the little voices. It does not mean that young and unexperienced believers should be in charge – it would be unscriptural (1 Tim. 3:6) and unwise. At the same time, to hear an opinion which can be heard, and – if found helpful – being  improved upon can be set into a practice or policy is a valuable skill that ancient Church could and our modern church can develop.