Topical Bible: Prisoners: Peter

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The Apostle Peter, originally named Simon, was one of Jesus Christ's closest disciples and a prominent leader in the early Christian church. His experiences as a prisoner are significant in the New Testament narrative, illustrating both the challenges faced by early Christians and the miraculous interventions of God.

Imprisonment by Herod Agrippa I

One of the most notable accounts of Peter's imprisonment is found in the Book of Acts. Herod Agrippa I, seeking to persecute the church and gain favor with the Jewish populace, arrested Peter during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Acts 12:4 states, "After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out to the people after the Passover."

Peter was kept under heavy guard, yet the church earnestly prayed for his release. In a miraculous event, an angel of the Lord appeared in the prison cell. Acts 12:7 describes the scene: "Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. 'Quick, get up!' he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists." The angel led Peter out of the prison, past the guards, and through the iron gate, which opened by itself. This divine intervention underscores the power of prayer and God's sovereignty over human affairs.

Peter and the Sanhedrin

Earlier in his ministry, Peter faced imprisonment alongside John after healing a lame man at the temple gate called Beautiful. This act of healing, performed in the name of Jesus, led to their arrest by the temple authorities. Acts 4:3 records, "They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in custody until the next day."

The following day, Peter boldly testified before the Sanhedrin, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus Christ and asserting that salvation is found in no one else (Acts 4:10-12). Despite threats from the religious leaders, Peter and John were released, as the authorities could not deny the miraculous healing witnessed by many.

Peter's Perseverance and Faith

Peter's experiences as a prisoner highlight his unwavering faith and commitment to the gospel. His boldness in the face of persecution and his miraculous deliverance serve as a testament to the power of God working through His servants. Peter's imprisonments did not deter him from his mission; rather, they strengthened his resolve to spread the message of Christ.

Throughout these trials, Peter exemplified the qualities of a faithful servant, trusting in God's provision and protection. His life and ministry continue to inspire believers to stand firm in their faith, regardless of the circumstances they may face.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 12:3-19
And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Peter and John Examined by the Council.
... to bring out the truth, no attempt to palliate it, although Peter knew that ... The order
of things is reversed, The prisoners at the bar are the accusers; and the ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture v peter and john.htm

Herod and Peter.
... Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, which were fastened
to ... of the soldiers, according to the manner in which prisoners were secured ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xiv herod and peter.htm

Before the Sanhedrin
... "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus," Peter declared, "whom ye ... further trial,
or without authority from the Roman officers, to put the prisoners to death. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 8 before the sanhedrin.htm

Acts V
... the law, honored by all the people, arose and commanded to put the apostles out
for a little while." This removal of the prisoners, like that of Peter and John ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts v.htm

At the Temple Gate
... While Peter and John were prisoners, the other disciples, knowing the malignity
of the Jews, had prayed unceasingly for their brethren, fearing that the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 6 at the temple.htm

Death of the Great Athanasius; the Elevation of Lucius, who was ...
... Some of the prisoners were afterwards dragged from the dungeons to be torn with ... Peter,
the bishop, made his escape from prison; and embarking on board a ship ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xix death of the great.htm

Whom to Obey, --Annas or Angel?
... Herod went the natural way to work, when he had Peter's guards examined ... or perhaps
feared that inquiry might reveal sympathisers with the prisoners among their ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/whom to obeyannas or angel.htm

Epistle i. --To Domitius and Didymus.
... have got a full report of our fortunes; how when we"that is to say, Gains, and myself,
and Faustus, and Peter, and Paul"were led off as prisoners by the ...
/.../dionysius/the works of dionysius/epistle i to domitius and didymus.htm

On his Birthday, iii: Delivered on the Anniversary of his ...
... For throughout the Church Peter daily says, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the
living ... This Faith conquers the devil, and breaks the bonds of his prisoners. ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon iii on his birthday.htm

The First Wall.
... Peter says: "Ye are a royal priesthood, a holy nation" (1 Peter 2:9 ... more plainly;
If a little company of pious Christian laymen were taken prisoners and carried ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/the first wall.htm