Here, within these ancient walls, lies the Apostle Peter’s Prison. The Apostle Peter’s Prison is more than just stone and history. It’s a testament to faith and divine intervention. Let’s delve into the story of Apostle Peter’s imprisonment and miraculous liberation.
King Herod arrested Peter. This was during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. Herod’s intention was clear. He wanted to persecute members of the early church. Peter was held in the prison. He was guarded by four squads of soldiers. Each squad had four soldiers. Herod planned a public trial after Passover.
But the church was praying. They earnestly prayed to God for Peter’s safety. The night before his trial, Peter slept between two soldiers. He was bound with two chains. Sentries guarded the entrance. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared. A light shone in the cell. The angel struck Peter on the side to wake him. The angel said “Quick, get up”. The chains fell off Peter’s wrists.
The angel instructed Peter to dress. He told him to put on his sandals and cloak. Peter followed the angel out of the prison. He thought it was a vision. They passed the first and second guards. They came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened by itself. They walked down a street. Then the angel left him.
Peter realized it wasn’t a dream. He knew the Lord had sent his angel. The Lord rescued him from Herod. He escaped what the Jewish people wanted to happen. Peter went to Mary’s house. Mary was the mother of John Mark. Many people had gathered there. They were praying. Rhoda, a servant girl, answered the door. She recognized Peter’s voice. Overjoyed, she ran to tell the others. She forgot to open the door.
Peter kept knocking. The people opened the door. They were astonished to see him. Peter gestured for them to be quiet. He described how the Lord freed him. He told them to tell James and the others. Then Peter left for another place.
The next morning, there was great confusion among the soldiers. Herod searched for Peter. When he couldn’t find him, he questioned the guards. He ordered their execution. This shows how seriously Herod took Peter’s escape.
Today, we stand at the Apostle Peter’s Prison. Remember Peter’s unwavering faith. Remember the power of prayer. Remember the miraculous intervention that secured his freedom. This place stands as a symbol. It symbolizes hope and the strength of belief. The chains may bind the body but cannot imprison the spirit. This story echoes through the ages from the Apostle Peter’s Prison.