Acts 12:7-10 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came on him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up… This incident may be used to illustrate certain important truths. I. THAT MATTER IS THE SERVANT OF SPIRIT. Matter is found in diverse forms. But we can only win the use by conquest. Take iron as a sample. It is stored up in the earth. Its discovery an era. From that moment man rose in power. What countless uses are now made of iron! And as with iron, so with other materials: everything has its use. There have been great discoveries in the past, there may be greater in the future. But mark our responsibilities. We are the heirs of all the ages. If "much given," "much required" (Luke 12:48). Such is the law; always, matter should be made subordinate to the good of man: the lower should serve the higher. II. THAT DIFFICULTIES GIVE WAY BEFORE MEN THAT ARE MOVING IN THE PATH OF DUTY. The ministry of angels still goes on. They are for us, and not against us; and often, in ways unknown to us, they may be employed for our good. Be this as it may, the release of Peter shows us how we too may obtain deliverance. First, we must put ourselves under the guidance of God, and at His call we must go forward bravely, without faltering (Psalm 37:5). Difficulties are a test. They show what spirit we are of. Difficulties are a challenge; they appeal to our manhood; courage mounteth with occasion. Difficulties are an education. It is not ease, but effort that makes men. "Our antagonist is our helper," said Burke. III. THAT, WALKING UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF GOD, OUR PATH SHALL EVER BE TOWARD WHAT IS HIGHER. Peter and the angel. So ever — Onward; from darkness to light; from restraint to liberty; from the presence of the evil to the companionship of the saints; from fear of death to glory, honour, and immortality in the city of God. How striking the contrast in the case of Herod! His pride had a terrible fall. An angel was sent to him; but in judgment. The oppressor is dealt with differently from the oppressed. Dr. Watts says: "Death to a good man is but the passing through a dark entry, out of one little room in his Father's house into another which is fair and large, lightsome and glorious, and divinely entertaining. Oh! may the rays and splendours of my heavenly apartment shoot far downward, and gild the dark entry with such a cheerful gloom as to banish any fear when I shall be called to pass through." (William Forsyth, A. M.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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