Peter’s Miraculous Deliverance
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | June 22, 2025
Turn to Acts 12:1-11. Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also…Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him…And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands…Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod. Let’s pray: Father, thank You for this great host at Mission Baptist Church who love Jesus and worship here. Thank You for our choir, special songs, and this text. Help me relate its truths. Save the lost here and online. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
On June 22, 2025, Pastor Bill Rains continues his series on New Testament miracles, focusing on Peter’s deliverance from prison in Acts 12. During a time of famine and political hostility (41-46 AD), Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the Great, persecuted the church, executing James Zebedee and imprisoning Peter, intending to kill him after Passover. Guarded by 16 soldiers, Peter faced certain death, but the church prayed unceasingly. Hours before his execution, an angel freed him, chains fell, and gates opened miraculously. Pastor Rains shares three truths: the church faces persecution, prayer is powerful, and God’s presence brings deliverance, urging believers to trust and obey for miracles today.
Persecution of the Church
Herod’s hatred targeted the church, despite its good works (Acts 10:38, Jesus went about doing good). James was beheaded, and Peter was imprisoned, as Jewish leaders applauded (Acts 12:1-3). Pastor Rains struggles to understand why a loving God, His sacrificial Son, and His helpful people are hated, echoing Jesus’ words: If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you (John 15:20). Today, 52 countries ban the Bible, 92 restrict religion, and 14 are hostile to Christianity. In America, despite churches founding schools and hospitals, society despises “Bible-thumping preachers.” Yet, internal unconcern—dilapidated churches closed due to apathy—poses a greater threat. Pastor Rains warns Mission Baptist Church to guard against this spiritual disease.
Praying of the Church
The church prayed without ceasing for Peter (Acts 12:5), intensified by his imminent execution. Pastor Rains shares his personal struggle, praying daily for his son’s deliverance from affliction for over six years, feeling unanswered. Yet, he urges perseverance, citing the choir’s timely song. James 4:1-3 warns against praying amiss for selfish desires, and James 1:8 cautions against double-mindedness. Jesus taught to pray in His name for God’s glory (John 14:13) and according to His will (1 John 5:14, If we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us). In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done (Luke 22:42). Pastor Rains challenges believers to pray submissively, trusting God’s eternal perspective, even when answers seem delayed.
Presence of the Lord
Hours before Peter’s execution, the angel of the Lord came upon him (Acts 12:7-11). A light shone, chains fell, and gates opened miraculously, unnoticed by guards. Pastor Rains recounts J. Vernon McGee’s story of fearing a plane crash, only to hear the Holy Spirit assure him he’d live, illustrating God’s timely deliverance. Peter slept soundly, trusting God’s will, ready to hear, Well done, thou good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21). God performs what we cannot—freeing us from sin’s chains—but expects us to obey simple commands: Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals…follow me. Pastor Rains humorously recalls forgetting his belt at a preachers’ meeting, emphasizing that God does the miraculous, but we must act in faith. He calls for prayer and obedience to experience miracles today.
