Peter: Perseverance and Peace

It is estimated that the book of Acts covers the first thirty years of the Church’s history. During these thirty years, we focus on several lives and ministries. In Acts 1-5, the emphasis is on the duo of Peter and John. In Acts 6-9, the attention shifts to the evangelists Stephen, Philip, and Ananias. In Acts 10-12, the focus is on Peter and the Gentiles. In Acts 13-28, the spotlight is on Paul and his various companions. From start to finish, it tells the story of the Church’s perseverance through persecution. One of the major figures in the book is Peter. Peter boldly preached and withstood persecution. What I wish to emphasize is that Peter faced the penalty of death.

Previously, in Peter's life, he swore to the Lord that he would be willing to go to prison or die for Him (Luke 22:33). His boldness can be appreciated, despite the fact that he would deny the Lord three times. Fast forward to Acts 12. Herod Agrippa I is king, and as king, he has violently laid hands on those belonging to the Church (Acts 12:1). Herod was even responsible for the martyrdom of the first apostle, James (Acts 12:2). On Herod’s chopping block was Peter, who had been arrested and was set to be killed by the sword (Acts 12:4, 6). Now, a powerful lesson could be drawn from verse five and the power of prayer, but that is not the verse I wish to focus on.

Our focus is on verse six, “Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison.” Jesus had forewarned Peter of his death in John 21:18. This is important because it is not a far cry from Peter’s present circumstance, and yet Peter is sleeping. Why? Was this the same immaturity that led to the apostles sleeping while Jesus prayed in the garden? No.

Peter slept because he trusted the Lord. Not that he believed he would be delivered from prison, but he was content to receive the penalty of death. He was willing to die for his Lord, who died for him. Peter was at peace; why? Because Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33), because Jesus is, alone, Savior (Acts 4:12), and because Peter followed Him (Acts 5:29). The first two reasons are true because of Christ; do we share in the third with Peter? Are we at peace and confident because of our obedience?