Biblical Account:
Peter's miraculous escape from prison is a significant event recorded in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 12:1-19. This event highlights the power of divine intervention and the fervent prayers of the early Christian community.

Context:
The escape occurs during a period of intense persecution of the early Church. King Herod Agrippa I, seeking to gain favor with the Jewish populace, had begun to harass members of the Church. He had already executed James, the brother of John, and seeing that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter as well (Acts 12:1-3).

Imprisonment:
Peter was placed under heavy guard, with four squads of four soldiers each assigned to him, ensuring that he was securely imprisoned. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover (Acts 12:4). The Church, however, was earnestly praying to God for Peter's release (Acts 12:5).

The Miracle:
On the night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, while sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. The angel struck Peter on the side to wake him and said, "Get up quickly!" The chains fell off Peter's wrists (Acts 12:6-7).

The angel instructed Peter to dress himself and follow him. Peter, still in a daze, followed the angel, thinking he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city, which opened for them by itself. They went out and walked the length of one street, and suddenly the angel left him (Acts 12:8-10).

Peter's Realization and Response:
Once the angel departed, Peter came to himself and realized that the Lord had sent His angel to rescue him from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating (Acts 12:11). Recognizing the miraculous nature of his escape, Peter went to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered in prayer (Acts 12:12).

The Reaction of the Believers:
When Peter knocked at the outer gate, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. Upon recognizing Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed that she ran back without opening the gate and exclaimed that Peter was standing outside. The believers initially doubted her, suggesting it might be his angel, but Peter continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were astonished (Acts 12:13-16).

Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. He instructed them to tell James and the other brothers about his escape, and then he left for another place (Acts 12:17).

Aftermath:
The next morning, there was no small commotion among the soldiers regarding what had become of Peter. Herod, after a thorough search and failing to find him, cross-examined the guards and ordered their execution (Acts 12:18-19).

Theological Significance:
Peter's miraculous escape underscores the sovereignty of God over human affairs and the power of prayer. It serves as a testament to God's ability to deliver His people from seemingly impossible situations. The event also highlights the early Church's reliance on prayer and the communal faith that characterized the believers during times of persecution.