David Bahn – Reflections

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Acts 12:18-25

Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. ¹⁹ And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.

²⁰ Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food. ²¹ On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. ²² And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” ²³ Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.

²⁴ But the word of God increased and multiplied.

²⁵ And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.

One particular professor I had at the seminary was a very rigid and tough grader. You had to have the exact phrase and wording for his fill-in-the-blank tests. One word wrong: Whole question wrong. I was stymied. I remembered the concepts, but not always the exact words. (Not much has changed in that arena over the years!) At the same time, I was tagged as needing some help with some basic study skills, and a fourth-year seminarian was assigned to help me.

He was a tremendous help. He pointed out some things about my study and reading habits that I needed to overcome. And when I mentioned having issues with that particular professor’s tests, he helped me study, pointing out likely test questions and proper wording for the answers. (Just so you know, I truly did get the concepts and eventually even learned why the wording was actually important – not just an exercise in pickiness.) That classmate was an encourager and someone who helped me face some facts I needed to face.

I think that’s what accountability is all about. Helping people face facts they need to face – for their good and blessing. Add to that encouragement and you have the twin blessings of partnerships. Accountability and encouragement are the stuff of biblical partnership and faithful living. They are the grace and truth of relationships. They are the equivalent of the famous Stockdale Paradox dynamics of facing the brutal facts and holding on to hope.

Barnabas, Peter, and John Mark will engage each other in these dynamics in the years to come. They will set out for mission trips. There will come a time when Barnabas and Paul challenge each other about what it takes to be in mission. Barnabas will take John Mark and Paul will take Silas at that point. This iron-sharpening-iron moment will give way to the balm of brotherly love some time later. Truth and grace. Reality and hope. Accountability and encouragement. These twin blessings of true fellowship make us stronger and more effective in our lives and service in Christ’s kingdom.

Which do you need today? Is there someone to whom you can turn for just that gracious touch? Is there someone you know who needs that gracious touch?

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Acts 12:18-25

Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. ¹⁹ And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.

²⁰ Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food. ²¹ On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. ²² And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” ²³ Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.

²⁴ But the word of God increased and multiplied.

²⁵ And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.

I’m not sure exactly when or how it was that I came to realize it. Maybe it was when we were praying  for each other as we sat around the table at a staff meeting. Could have been when I met with a group of parents to revamp the confirmation program. Perhaps it was in the midst of a contentious elders meeting at a church I served previous to these other examples. But I believe wholeheartedly that we’re better together. I love it when people come together in unity of spirit and the bond of peace. It encourages my soul to see people united and aligned in pursuit of God’s mission.

In the midst of recounting the conflict, persecution, and even death surrounding the early church believers, Luke makes a remarkable observation and what seems almost an offhand comment. He writes, “the word of God increased and multiplied.” And he tells us that “Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.” 

These two comments are not obviously connected, but they are not unrelated. God’s word grows even in spite of persecution and resistance. Because of that persecution God’s people are made more aware of their need for each other. Persecution requires the balm of Christian consolation and conversation. Christian fellowship strengthens us to face all manner of challenges.

The work of God never rests on just one person. There are key people who advance the cause of Christ’s kingdom more obviously than the many. But for every key servant of God there is a cadre of many who support and encourage the main player. And in this case the most significant and futurely impactful such servant is listed second. Barnabas and Saul go get John Mark in preparation and anticipation of what will prove to be one of the most significant missionary movements of all.

Saul will take the name Paul as he begins work among the Greek speaking gentiles. But this great man of faith and mission will not go alone. Barnabas, Silas, Luke, John Mark will be his companions throughout his remarkable missionary career. Then will come Timothy, TItus, Onesimus, and a whole list of others (see Romans 16 for that list).

Elijah had Elisha. David had Jonathan. Jesus sent his disciples out two-by-two. Even Jesus himself had Peter, James, and John; John being especially close. Do you have a partner in mission? Is there someone who is allied with you in sharing the message of Jesus, living under Christ in his kingdom, loving God and neighbor to the fullest? You are blessed if you do. If you don’t you can make that a matter of your personal prayer, and make an intentional effort to find that person of peace; that partner in mission. How good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters dwell together in unity.

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Acts 12:18-25

Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. ¹⁹ And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.

²⁰ Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food. ²¹ On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. ²² And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” ²³ Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.

²⁴ But the word of God increased and multiplied.

²⁵ And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.

I really do know more than 12 people. But I like to say that I know only that many people. I’m talking sports figures, Hollywood actors, celebrities and politicians. I took the New York Times Faces of 2023 quiz and didn’t do so well. I recognized several faces but couldn’t remember Vivek Ramaswamy’s name although I recognized his face. And while I did remember the three-initial moniker SBF, I had to look it up to find it was Sam Bankman-Fried.

When it comes to Bible characters, I’m a bit better. I recall Mahershalalhashbaz and Shearjashub (two  sons of Isaiah whose names conveyed a prophetic meanings for Israel). I remember Euticus (the young man who fell out of a second-story window when Paul was preaching and went on all night). Malcus is the slave whose ear Peter cut off at Jesus’ arrest. But I couldn’t tell you who Blastus is until reading this text and focusing attention on it this week.

I do know of Herod. Josephus, the Jewish historian says that Herod’s robes were silver that sparkled with the sun. He was an impressive dude. And powerful. And ruthless. And dead. His name is recorded in Scripture, but without approbation. Not one to immulate. Or worship.

Notice the contrast between Herod and Peter. When Peter visits Cornelius’ house, he refuses to be worshiped. “Stand up; I too am a man,” he says (Acts 10:35-26). Peter’s example is worth following. Peter is worth remembering in a positive way. Herod is worth remembering as a bad example.

While I might know many more people than 12, the most important name to know is Jesus’ name. It’s vital, also, that he knows me. I never want to hear Jesus say, “I never knew you.” That is reserved for those who try to hide their true identity from him. It doesn’t really work, and it has horrific consequences.

Knowing Jesus and being known by him is by far the greatest knowledge to which one can aspire.

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Acts 12:18-25

Now when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. ¹⁹ And after Herod searched for him and did not find him, he examined the sentries and ordered that they should be put to death. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea and spent time there.

²⁰ Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food. ²¹ On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. ²² And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” ²³ Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.

²⁴ But the word of God increased and multiplied.

²⁵ And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their service, bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.

They say it’s good to be king. Kings get to make all the rules. Kings tell others what to do. Kings live in castles. Kings have servants. Kings sit on royal thrones. Kings rule. They have power, prerogative, and privilege.

The problem with kings is that they serve at the pleasure of God. They are not all powerful. But in so many ways, they are led to believe that they do have all power. Because they do have all those perks they can be seduced into believing that they answer to no one. And there are plenty of people who extoll the king, and praise him.

But the king does not have the last word. And we see that here. Luke tells us that the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last.

Maybe it’s not always good to be king. 

We don’t have a direct application to our lives today. But we are in danger of making ourselves little kings of our own petty realms. We control the thermostats. We change the channels. We order our food, prepared to our tastes. We have lots of control, and we’re being told again and again that we deserve the best cars, the finest clothes, the first choice, the respect of everyone. We can fall prey to believing our own PR.

Thankfully we’re not struck dead when we puff ourselves up with pride. But hopefully we will be brought down a notch or two when we venture too far into self-worship, self-righteousness, and self-aggrandizement. For “whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12)

I think of how this is played out so obviously in the Christmas event. The King of the Universe became a baby – humbling himself even to the point of death. Now he has the name that is above every name, and at the name of Jesus every knee will bow in heaven and on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. I can’t think of one time Jesus honored himself. Maybe that’s a good lesson for us.

A reader posted a comment recently. It was so well written and insightful, I thought I’d share it today as a special post. Thank you Dianne from Big Spring. You bless me and many others:

This issue [December 12] of Reflections reminds me of an encounter I am certain was with an angel, but I read your story and continued on reading email without comment. It is now 1:03 in the morning, my hands are arthritic and my 87 year old mind not at my best, but I think we should tell our stories for we can never know who might be in great need of hearing them. You may remember me from serving 12 years on the Texas District Board of Directors of CEF. What a blessing to be chosen to serve!

It was a big white pick-up truck with no markings nor a company logo. I would not have noticed it on any ordinary day, but this day, on a lonely day in the thickest dirt storm I have ever encountered and on an Interstate highway, I am certain this big white pick-up truck saved the lives of my 11 year old grand-daughter and myself.

We had left Midland, Texas and on our way home to Big Spring when I glanced North because the wind had picked up and getting dirty. Dirt storms are not unusual in West Texas, but this one looked like a huge mountain range moving towards us and as I noticed cars and big 18 wheelers taking the upcoming exit to Stanton, Texas I decided it best that we should also and pulled into the near-by gas station, parking on the south side of the building, thinking it good protection from the wind and dirt.

It was a good protective place on the south side of the building to be able to see upward thru breaks in the cloud of dirt as the layers of dirt moved in different directions. It was a monster of a dirt storm and thinking to deflect fear for my grand-daughter we sat talking while the car rocked with the pounding wind.

After awhile, the wind and dirt began to subside and as other cars and trucks began getting back onto the highway, we did also. After a few miles I hadn’t noticed that the wind and dirt was nearly upon us again until I realized we were alone on the road when I became totally blinded, not being able to see even the surface of the road in the thick blowing dirt!

Thinking that I was still in the right hand, East going lane of the Highway, I was suddenly aware of a big white pick-up truck slowly pulling up on the right side of our car! I saw that I was totally disoriented!I Not at all in the right hand lane, but in the far left land!

I did not see any headlights from the up coming truck, but the surface of the highway was cleared as if on a bright sunny day and I saw that I was not only on the far left lane, but barely on the surface of the road, totally disoriented and pretty certain to have left the road and rolled over into the ravine if not for that very big white pick-up truck!

The big white truck pulled slowly ahead of us and as it did, I could easily see to pull over behind him. I didn’t see a driver, but I was not looking for one and focused on holding the car steady and closely behind him. As we went on a few more miles like this, the surface of the road remained clearly visible even though the only thing I could see in the blinding dirt, was the roadway surface and that big white truck. Praise God!

After I don’t know how long, the wind and dirt cleared and that big white truck moved over into the left lane of the highway, slowly crossing over and into the median decline from our East bound lane and West from whence he had come out of nowhere!

Praise God! He had surely sent His Holy Spirit to save grandmother and child on that stormy day! There have been other unusual situations that just must have been the work of the Holy Spirit and my prayer is always that He will give me the wisdom to do His Will when these things happen.

My granddaughter is now grown with a family of her own and teaching reading, writing and English as a second language. I have reminded her to never, ever forget that she is loved and valued by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and He will always have work for her to do. Praise God!

May God Always bring blessings of joy and goodness to you and Yours.

Dianne Moses

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Acts 12:11-17

Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.”

¹² When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. ¹³ Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer the door. ¹⁴ When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!”

¹⁵ “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.”

¹⁶ But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. ¹⁷ Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. “Tell James and the other brothers and sisters about this,” he said, and then he left for another place.

I pray a lot. I’m not bragging. It’s just what I do when I’m resting, reflecting on life, or thinking of others. Since retiring from full time ministry, it seems I have more margin for this. I use the Lord’s Prayer, the Kyrie (Lord, have mercy), the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God), and specific prayers from the heart for various people. This does not make me any sort of super Christian. I don’t gain extra grace or favor with God for doing this. It’s just what I do. And I don’t think I’m really all that good at it.

The amazing, remarkable, and noteworthy part of this all belongs to God. He is the One who listens when we pray. He is the One who promises to answer our prayers. He is the One who commands us to pray. He promises to listen and answer our prayers. Once in a while I see those answers. I’m guessing most times I wait for his answers.

I’m wondering if that’s how the people at Mary’s house felt as they were praying for Peter. He had been thrown into prison. Herod had unleashed a vicious attack on the disciples, killing James, the brother of John. Then he had set his sights on Peter. So the disciples set to praying. Earnestly. Luke tells us: “Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.” (Acts 12:5).

There are times for earnest prayer; focused, clear, specific, serious, committed, dedicated, and persistent prayer. This was one of those times. There will be others. And God will intervene directly. In response to their prayers Peter is released. It was so remarkable and such a direct answer, the disciples could hardly believe it.

Sometimes our prayers are answered in bold letters. It’s obvious and clear that God has acted. We hardly need faith to see it. But even then – when things line up with our requests – we can be tempted to see a matter of coincidence rather than a clear answer to prayer.

That may be that such immediate, direct, and obvious answers to prayer are rare. How many times have we prayed for a loved one, over a period of months before seeing God’s answer? Mature Christians have learned how true are the words of C.S. Lewis: “I pray because I can’t help myself. I pray because I’m helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn’t change God. It changes me.”

But sometimes – not often but sometimes – our prayers do change things and God acts in a manner he otherwise would not have, had we not prayed. This seems to have been one of those occasions. We cannot get into the mind of God to discern how his omniscience impacts his answers to our prayers. But we can pray urgently, fervently, persistently, faithfully, and humbly. And while never telling God what to do, we can rejoice when our will aligns with his will for our good and blessing. And when we see that happening we can praise God for his grace, goodness, faithfulness, and love.

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Acts 12:11-17

Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.”

¹² When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. ¹³ Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer the door. ¹⁴ When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!”

¹⁵ “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.”

¹⁶ But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. ¹⁷ Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. “Tell James and the other brothers and sisters about this,” he said, and then he left for another place.

Peter isn’t the only one needing to be awakened (see yesterday’s post). He was in a stupor, dazed, and confused about what had been happening to him. But you’ve gotta love Rhoda. She’s scattered and ditzy with joy. So much so she leaves Peter at the door when he shows up, having been released from prison. But she’s at least aware that Peter was at the door. She left him there, but she knew it was him.

You can’t say as much for the rest of the disciples on this occasion. Let’s imagine the conversation.

Peter’s at the door!
No way. It can’t be him. He’s in prison.
Yes, way. He’s at the door. I heard his voice. It’s him.
You’re crazy. It must be his angel.
Knock, knock!
Who’s there?
Peter. P.E.T.E.R. Let me in.
Then they let him in.

This is a humorous passage of Scripture.

Peter left outside having been released from prison, now vulnerable to being recognized and dragged back.
Rhoda ditzy with joy running back to tell the others, leaving him there.
The brothers and sisters at Mary’s house praying for Peter, and dismissing God’s answer to their prayers.
Peter finally getting everyone to realize it’s him, and telling them of his miraculous escape.
Then he leaves.
There and gone.

The humor is two-fold. Rhoda’s ditziness for starters. But she’s only the warm up act. The real comedy (dark comedy, sadly) is the disbelief of those who had been praying for Peter. He’s there. They’ve been praying for him and his release. And they don’t see it. Sadly funny.

He who sits in the heaven laughs (Psalm 2:4). It’s not a compliment. I usually use that verse when I play golf. God is watching, and he’s surely laughing at my poor game. But if God is laughing now, it is a sad laugh. Not derision, but sadness that we expect too little from God. C.S. Lewis comes to mind:

“It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” – C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory, and Other Addresses

Whether it’s too little faith, too small expectations, or too many distractions, we all need to awaken to God’s goodness, power, and faithfulness, and see how he answers our prayers in ways we would never see if we’re not looking.

All this (Peter’s miraculous escape, et. al.)  is happening so that more people will hear the message of Jesus and receive the gift of eternal salvation. Peter will go on to other places, telling other people, and seeing other miracles – all in the mission of God. Centered in Jesus. Anchored in hope. Empowered by the Holy Spirit. Promised by God. Let’s stay awake and see what God is doing.

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Acts 12:1-11

About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. ² He killed James the brother of John with the sword, ³ and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. ⁴ And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. ⁵ So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

⁶ 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. ⁷ And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. ⁸ And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” ⁹ And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. ¹⁰ When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him. ¹¹ When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”

The movie Awakenings tells the story of neurologist Dr. Malcolm Sayer (Robin Williams), based on Sacks, who discovers the beneficial effects of the drug L-DOPA in 1969. He administers it to catatonic patients who survived the 1917–1928 epidemic of encephalitis lethargica. Leonard Lowe (Robert de Niro) and the rest of the patients are awakened after decades and have to deal with a new life in a new time. (Thanks to Wikipedia for that summary.) The positive effects of the drug do not last, however, and the patients return to their catatonic state.

Peter is not a victim of encephalitis lethargia, however. He is in a near catatonic state because he could not process what was happening to him in real time. He had been in jail. Chained between two watchmen. Guarded by four squads of soldiers. Sentries at the gate. Now he’s walking out of the jail. Gates are opening automatically before him. He’s no longer in jail. He’s on the street.

How does one process this? He had to come to himself. Awaken from his stupor. Become aware of the reality he had just experienced. I would have to do the same thing. I can’t really imagine having such an unusual experience. I would have to come to my senses too.

We’ve been talking a bit more recently about mindfulness. It’s not that I’m not mindful, it’s just that I may occasionally neglect to think about what I’m doing. Oh, I guess that is a lack of mindfulness. But silliness aside, being present and aware of what is going on around you is both a growing challenge and an urgent need. We’re bombarded hourly by invitations to get away. Dream of a vacation. Play this video game. Use these VR headsets or AI glasses. Get away into your own world. Become the master of your universe.

Maybe you’ve seen the silly things people do while wearing these devices. Maybe you’ve done some of them yourself. That points out the need to anchor yourself in the here and now. Rather than escaping through a real or imagined vacation, we need to be where we are…with purpose. Rather than snoozing through the blessings of God, unaware of his daily provision, his providential guidance, and even his angelic ministrations, we need to wake up to what God is doing.

Wake, Awake! For Night is Flying! This is the call of God for his people. Isaiah has it this way: Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1) And that’s just one example. There are many others. God would have us fully awake and aware of his work in our world and our lives. His angels are watching over us. His servants are providing for our needs. His people are singing his praises. His messengers are calling us to repent and believe. 

It may be easier to live in a dream world. But it’s not healthy. Nor is it productive. Better to listen to his messengers, see his provision, rejoice in his blessings, and take note of his presence every day.

Click here for an audio version of this blog post.

Acts 12:1-11

About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. ² He killed James the brother of John with the sword, ³ and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. ⁴ And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. ⁵ So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

⁶ 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. ⁷ And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. ⁸ And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” ⁹ And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. ¹⁰ When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him. ¹¹ When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”

I believe I had a genuine encounter with a genuine angel. It was a Sunday morning, shortly before worship was to start at Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Vernal, Utah. A young man had visited, signed in for communion and taken a seat in the pew waiting for worship to begin. The encounter was polite and brief. I left him and turned to other people. Less than 5 minutes later he was gone. Without a trace. No one saw him leave. He didn’t speak with anyone.

Why do I believe he was an angel? It’s primarily because the occasion of the encounter I drew deeply-felt life-long conclusions about how I would handle ministry situations. I was too brief with the young man. I may have offended him. He may have been OK, but I fear that he likely misunderstood our conversation.

Angels are messengers from God. They are mighty in power and many in number. They worship God together with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven. They serve him perfectly, protecting God’s chosen ones, and obeying God’s every command. The good angels that is. (There are evil angels as well).

It was a good angel who broke into(!) the cell where Peter was being held. And he took charge in every possible way. He stood next to Peter in the cell, appearing with light shining there. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” When the chains fell off Peter’s hands, the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” Then he told Peter, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” They passed the first and the second guard, came to the iron gate leading into the city, and it opened for them of its own accord. One street later the angel left him. Just like that. 

There was a fairly obvious reason the angel was dispatched to release Peter from prison. Herod’s fierce persecution of the Christians meant that Peter was in grave danger. And Peter would be needed for the successful growth of the nascent church. Peter would ultimately not be spared a cruel death according to Church tradition. But for now he would be saved. There was work to be done. God sent an angel to help him along in that task.

Not every appearance of angels are that strategic. But many are. I’m thinking of the angel showing up after Daniel began praying (Daniel 10). Or the angels at the tomb telling the women that Jesus was alive. Angels were dispatched to tell Zechariah that he and Elizabeth were to have a child. The angel Gabriel told Mary she would conceive in her womb and bear Jesus, the Son of God. Angels will be dispatched on the Great Last Day to gather God’s people from the north, south, east, and west into his eternal kingdom.

Once in a while angels are sent to protect God’s people. Some we may not even recognize. We may have entertained many angels and have been completely unaware of it (cf. Hebrews 13:1-2). They are ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:13-14). That’s you and me. Thank God for his holy angels – recognized or not!