“Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.” (Acts 12:5).

    The scriptural text above was the response of the first century church to Herod’s calculated attempt to destroy her leadership (kindly read Acts 12:1-17 for a wider scriptural context). James was his first target, and when he saw that it pleased the Jews that James had been  executed, he proceeded to have Peter arrested. He intended to bring him to public trial after the Passover. However, Peter had a visitation from heaven, on the night before the appointed day of his trial, which foiled Herod’s plans. The expression “Peter was therefore kept in prison” requires some elaboration, to provide a better understanding of his hopeless situation by human standards. The Bible says, “Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover.” (Acts 12:4 NLT). Sixteen soldiers guarded Peter, not withstanding the fact that he was in chains, and that the gate of the prison (which was locked, securely) was made of iron. To worsen the situation, the Jews were pleased with Herod’s persecution of the church. Hence, public opinion favoured his actions against the the Church. By all human standards, Peter’s fate had been sealed. The contemporary church still faces similar threats to her existence.
    In spite of the foregoing, the Bible tells us that, “… constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.” (Acts 12:5). The NIV renders it thus, “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.” (Acts 12:5). Though Peter’s situation appeared irredeemable, the church turned to God, in prayer. The church prayed to God with an increasing intensity of passion, as the expressions “constant prayer” and “earnestly praying” in both scriptural translations above indicate. Prayer was their only recourse. Oh, how we need constant and earnest praying today!
    God’s response to the prayer of the Church for Peter is amazing. Firstly, an angel of God visited the prison, in spite of the tight security in place. No human or demonic security installation is impenetrable enough to resist heaven’s invasion, at the invitation of the Church through prayer. No corner of the earth is off-limits to the heavenly hosts when the Church prays. Satan knows this and, therefore, works round the clock to denigrate prayer. The divine promise, however, remains, “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2Ch 7:14). Only divine visitation can heal our land in the true sense of the word.
    Secondly, a light shone in the darkness of the prison cell. Light is symbolic of God’s glory and kingdom, while darkness symbolizes Satan’s oppressive kingdom. “And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it].” (Jn 1:5 AMP). Light will remain superior to darkness and always subdue it. When the Church prays, as in this case, the kingdom of light chases out the kingdom of darkness. God’s rule displaces Satan’s rule. Remember, darkness represents fear, lack of direction and confusion. But light represents peace, clarity, courage and strength. The world is waiting for the Church to arise in prayer and shine with the glory of God towards hurting and disillusioned humanity, and to bring hope, direction and leadership.
       Thirdly, Peters chains fell off his hands, at the touch of the heavenly visitor. There is no depth of bondage from which God cannot deliver, when the Church prays. As God’s power broke the hold of iron fetters on Peter’s hands, so has God designed that those who come within the forcefield of the Church at prayer, will be set free from Satan’s grip. Like Peter in chains, many people are living in limiting and strangulating circumstances, from which God wants them to be delivered. However, the key to their freedom has been given to the Church (Matt 16:19). Therefore, the action or inaction of the Church will determine whether  such people will be free or not.
    Fourthly, all sixteen soldiers who were guarding Peter were in such a state of divinely induced stupor, that not even one of them noticed Peter’s exit from the prison. In spite of their sworn determination to keep Peter in prison, those well-trained soldiers were helpless in the face of heaven’s invasion, as the Church prayed. In addition, the formidable iron gate that led to the city opened on its own to let Peter out. Hallelujah! No wonder the Bible says, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord.” (Isa 54:17).
    In conclusion, Herod, the mastermind of James’s death and of Peter’s imprisonment, died a horrible death at the hands of an angel of God. The Church, at earnest and constant prayer, is an invincible force for the demolition of Satan’s kingdom on earth as well as the advancement of the rule of God on earth. Therefore, LET THE CHURCH ARISE AND PRAY. Shalom.