By: Kevin Townsend
In Acts 12:1-16 we find the account of Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the Great (King of Palestine A.D. 42 to 44) murdering James the brother of John (Acts 12:2) and intending to do the same to the Apostle Peter after the 8-day Passover feast was completed. Acts 12:5-6: “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, THE SAME NIGHT Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.” In less than 8 to 10 hours, both Peter and the brethren knew that Peter would be brought forth to his death. The church knew that God would have to answer their prayer within that short span of time, if He chose to save Peter. Keep in mind that Scripture does not record Peter praying for his own deliverance but rather Peter is asleep as if he does not have a worry in the world. Peter faces his supposed impending death with faith and a calm assurance that whatever happens it will work out well for him. His faith and trust in God is immense! Although these words were not penned yet, Peter understood the principle: Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” This knowledge is an important support to our faith.
When the “angel of the Lord” brings Peter out of the inner prison Scripture tells us that Peter “…considered the thing…” (Acts 12:12; συνιδων, to see together, to grasp as a whole). Peter concluded that his brethren would be praying for him, so he went to let them know that their prayers were answered. When Peter arrives at John Mark’s mother’s house, Rhoda, the maid, recognizes Peter’s voice. She informs the church praying within the home that Peter is at the door, in essence showing that their prayers were heard and answered by God. Scripture records for all time the shameful actions of the brethren gathered there: Acts 12:15-16 “And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, it is his angel. But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were ASTONISHED.” (ἐξίστημι to amaze, astonish, or astound) Keep in mind that they were praying for Peter to be bodily released from prison, not just for his spirit to be released. They were making excuses for how Peter’s body was still in jail while his spirit was at the door clearly showing that they had no faith that what they were praying for would happen.
Why were they “astonished” or even a better question is, “Should they have been astonished?” There is an old saying that fits well here: “If you’re going to pray for rain, bring your umbrella.” Faith and prayer are intertwined. Prayer without faith indicates a spiritual problem. When James speaks of the proper way to pray, he warned the brethren of his day as well as us today: James 1:6-8 “But let him ask in faith, NOTHING wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. A DOUBLE MINDED MAN IS UNSTABLE IN ALL HIS WAYS.” James further addresses this issue: James 4:8, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, YE DOUBLE MINDED.”
Some might ask, “How will I know if God will approve my request? There is always the possibility that He could say, ‘No.’” That all depends on HOW you pray. If you ask for a specific outcome a “No” is a possibility. Let me be clear; asking for a specific outcome in prayer is perfectly acceptable. Paul explicitly says he did this (2 Corinthians 12:8), so we know it is acceptable. But, as the saying goes, “acceptable” and “wise” live in two distant zip codes. We trust God for His promised salvation. We know that He is perfect and has the ability to see the future. We know He is all wise, choosing only the very best for us. Why ask for a specific outcome of our choosing, which could be detrimental to us, when we can allow an all-knowing, all-seeing, perfect, loving God to do what is best for us. I currently have two different types of cancer. I have not prayed to God to heal me, nor will I. I leave that to Him to decide what is best for me. There may be value in having cancer in a way that I cannot see or know. Because of my diseases, I meet people in hospitals that I otherwise would not meet. I can understand others in a similar situation in a way that others without the disease cannot. I am a servant of my Lord, cancer, or no cancer. Job, in the Spirit, speaks wisely: Job 14:14, “If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.” We sing, “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through…” but I wonder how much we believe that our real home is with our Lord and long for it with great expectation. Job was waiting for something better. So am I. I get impatient for that place, but I leave the timing to an all loving, all seeing God. Consider how the Apostle Paul finally came to a better understanding of how trials, difficulties, and even disease can be a benefit: 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for MY STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS. MOST GLADLY THEREFORE WILL I RATHER GLORY IN MY INFIRMITIES, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Paul was glad to bear infirmity if this helped his Christian faith and walk with God. I submit to you that we should be of like mind.
Brethren, if you want to increase your faith then put your trust in God when you pray. If you allow him to decide, you will always get a “Yes” answer from him for He will give you the “Yes” that is perfect for your circumstance. My experience is that praying in this way brings a much better outcome. God’s strength was made perfect in Paul’s weakness. I am convinced that this outcome was not for Paul only, but for you and me as well, that is, if we choose to take advantage of it.